The Mississippi River is often known as America’s second longest river, stretching roughly 2,320 miles from its source in the Lake Itasca in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. It has been an essential part of the American identity for centuries, providing transportation, sustenance, spiritual and social significance, and even electricity to thousands of communities along its banks at different stages of its long and incredible history.
The Mississippi River is often regarded as one of the most remarkable features of the Midwest, with its huge basin spanning over 14 states and two Canadian provinces. It is the primary source of drinking water to some cities, the majority of them located in the river’s drainage basin. A large part of the Mississippi River’s watershed covers 31 percent of the United States population and 41 percent of the area of the continental United States.
Interesting enough, the Mississippi River is also one of the most important and vast rivers on the planet; it is nearly half a mile deep and up to three miles wide in some spots. The river has a wide variety of fish species and other aquatic life, contributing to the much-loved local recreational activities like fishing, boating and swimming. It is a source of immense pride to all Americans.
So, where does the Mississippi River start? The Mississippi River starts in Lake Itasca, a small lake located in the northwest corner of Minnesota. The lake is about 47 square miles and surrounded by trees, prairies and rolling hills. Its depth varies with the seasons, but it is only approximately ten or fifteen feet at its deepest. Its waters start to flow as soon as they enter the adjacent Mississippi River, demonstrating the small but incredibly important role the lake plays in the river’s long and impressive journey.
The source of the river, as it is sometimes referred to, is aptly named. Itasca is derived from ‘true head’ and is meant to connote its profound importance as the main origin of the Mississippi River. The urban legend that the source of the river is a hole in the ground can be attributed to the fact that it is relatively small compared to how the river appears once it gains momentum and stretches out.
Lake Itasca marks the beginning of the Mississippi River, but it is just the start of the epic 1,000-mile long journey the river takes to enter the Gulf of Mexico. Despite the beauty and educational and recreational opportunities it provides, the Mississippi River is not without its challenges. As with all rivers, the Mississippi River faces potential challenges resulting from increased need and competition for its water, water pollution, and ways to control and respond to the effects of sudden and anticipated floods.
River Ownership
One of the primary challenges for the Mississippi River is the question of ownership. Who owns the river and who controls it? The answers to these questions are complex, as the ownership of the Mississippi River is composed of a patchwork of national, state, tribal, and private entities. There is no single owner or jurisdiction that holds ownership of the entire river, as it crosses multiple state borders and assertive communities along its path.
The physical realm of the river is also under various jurisdictions. On the federal level, the US Army Corps of Engineers controls most of the region around the Mississippi River, while states like Minnesota and Louisiana hold ownership and power over their respective sections. The private owners of land in the basin also play an important role in shaping how the river is used and how it impacts their respective communities.
There is also a social component to the question of ownership of the Mississippi River, as local communities remain heavily attached to the river. As the waterway is an integral part of the social fabric of the many towns and cities it passes through, they remain keenly invested in its future and fight persistently to maintain control over its potential development, conservations and its ultimate wellbeing.
River Pollution
Given its length and the sheer number of communities located on its banks, there have been a growing number of concerns about the pollution of the Mississippi River. Pollution has intensified recently due to the significant agricultural activity in the watershed, as well as to the dumping of wastewater and industrial waste into the river. The quality of the water has gone down considerably, raising questions about the eventual health of both the river and its communities.
One of the main contributors to the pollution of the Mississippi River is agricultural activities such as fertilizer and pesticides runoff. Agricultural runoff is composed of pollutants that can be toxic to both humans and the environment, including nitrogen and phosphorus, which can be detrimental to human health. The presence of these pollutants can cause large algae blooms that lead to oxygen depletion and fish kills, as well as the contamination of drinking water.
Industrial wastewater and other pollutants coming from cities and towns located along the river also impact the health of the Mississippi. The wastewater contains chemicals, nutrients, and other substances that can be toxic when ingested or inhaled. Industrial wastewater is also often highly acidic, potentially affecting the creatures living in the river and reducing its overall health.
River Management
Given the complexity of ownership, the concern about pollution and the demand for its resources, there is an evergrowing need for effective river management for the Mississippi River. River management, when done properly and through proper consensus, will ensure that competing groups can effectively manage the resources, ensure their conservation and preservation, and put in place effective plans to address pollution and sudden floods.
For instance, the US Army Corps of Engineers have a major role in the management of the Mississippi River. The Corps is responsible for monitoring and responding to potential threats such as floods, navigability, and the maintenance of the levees, bayous, and other structures located on the river. They also regulate the amount of water released to reduce potential flooding and improve navigation on the river.
Apart from the federal government, states and cities along the Mississippi River are also actively engaged in river management. The capital city of Baton Rouge in Louisiana, for example, has focused on addressing pollution and managing water quality. Local authorities have also established programs focusing on the conservation of the river and its resources, such as the Mississippi River Network, which focuses on engaging citizens and businesses in communities located along the river in conservation initiatives.
Environmental Stewardship
Environmental stewardship is also becoming an increasingly important issue related to the Mississippi River. Given its immense importance to the local environment and economy, local, state and federal entities increasingly need to collaborate to identify potential threats to the river and reduce them. This includes promoting sustainable land use and development practices, controlling water pollution, and addressing runoff from agricultural activities.
Organizations like the Mississippi River Network aim to empower local communities to become agents of change by engaging them in science-based advocacy and campaigns for protecting the river. Through this type of stewardship, more and more citizens are becoming aware and actively participating in conservation initiatives and environmental awareness campaigns.
Educational programs targeting school-aged children are also increasing, as young participants are being introduced to the natural resources the river provides. Through interactive and engaging activities, the kids can learn to appreciate and respect the river, recognize their responsibility as stewards, and understand their individual and collective roles in caring for the river and their environment.
Economic Impact
The Mississippi River is also a major contributor to the regional economy. It provides millions of jobs and livelihoods, as well as trade and transportation benefits to many states and cities along its banks. It is a major source of revenue for river cities such as Baton Rouge, which has become a major hub for the oil and gas industry.
The Mississippi River is also an important source of electricity. It is estimated that the region around the river generates up to 15 percent of the total hydroelectric power produced in the United States, making it a major source of clean energy for many states in the Midwest.
Finally, it is also an important source of recreation and tourism. Areas around the river, such as the scenic Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, attract millions of visitors every year. People come for camping, horseback riding, fishing, kayaking, and many other recreational activities, providing a much-needed shot in the arm for the local economies.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is one of the most significant natural resources in America, providing recreational, economic and spiritual benefits to millions of people. It is a source of culture and identity to many locals, and its importance in the development of the U.S. cannot be overstated. And it all begins with a tiny lake in the northwest corner of Minnesota – Lake Itasca.
