The Mississippi River is one of the world’s greatest natural landmarks, and it starts in Lake Itasca, Minnesota and flows southward through the heart of the United States to the Gulf of Mexico. Measuring approximately 2,348 miles long, the Mississippi River has a major impact on the environment, economy, and culture of both the American Midwest and the American South. Whenever the conversation turns to big rivers, the Mississippi stands alone, and it is vital to understand exactly where the Mississippi River ends.
As it turns out, the answer to the question of which state does the Mississippi River end in is Louisiana. The final leg of the river – roughly 180 miles long – stretches from Delta, Arkansas south and west to the city of New Orleans at the Mississippi River Delta. This is the same delta that serves as the outlet for the Mississippi’s many tributaries, including the Missouri River Bayou, the St. Francis River, and the Yazoo River. The delta was formed over thousands of years of sediment accumulation, and the beaches and mudflats along the shoreline provide an invaluable habitat for migratory birds.
Experts have determined that the Mississippi River watershed drains an area of approximately 1.2 million square miles, encompassing 31 states and two Canadian provinces. This makes it the fourth largest watershed in the world, but despite its massive scale and the many considerations for its protection, conservancy efforts have largely been hampered by cultural and political forces.
Delta farmers have long practiced a version of agriculture that depends upon yearly flooding of their fields, a practice which runs counter to modern water resource conservation. At the same time, levees have been built in other areas of the river, constricting flow and preventing sedimentation, which has caused a decrease in the total sediment volume going downstream. All of this means that the Mississippi River is facing complex challenges, with urgent consequences.
Fortunately, concerted efforts at the federal, state, and local levels have begun to bear fruit, especially in recent years. The Governor of Arkansas has formed the Arkansas Watershed Stewardship Program, which focuses on protecting and restoring wetlands and other water resources within the region. The US Army Corps of Engineers has also begun carrying out significant water resource conservation projects in the lower Mississippi River watershed, and groups like the non-profit Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana are being more active than ever in promoting sustainable environmental practices.
Without a doubt, the Mississippi River is an important ecological and cultural landmark, and it is essential to preserve it for future generations. Its final destination at the Mississippi Delta represents the end of an iconic journey, and understanding its impact and challenges helps us appreciate its importance to the nation as a whole.
Migration of the Mississippi River
Though the course of the Mississippi River has remained largely the same over time, experts have observed significant changes in its location and associated sediment deposits. In the late 19th century, scientists and geologists noticed that the river channel was slowly moving eastward at a rate of about 0.5 miles per year. This migration was eventually traced to a change in the water pressure gradients along the western shores of Lake Pontchartrain, and it has resulted in the river shifting away from its historic channel and the introduction of several new channels.
In addition, there has also been a noticeable decrease in the total sediment volume entering the delta since the 1970s, with data suggesting that the average sediment load has been reduced by as much as 50%. This is largely due to development along the river, which has included the construction of levees and other water control measures that inhibit natural flooding. As a result, delta shorelines and marshes are being eroded more quickly than they can be replenished.
The corps of engineers’ ongoing management of the Mississippi River has included frequent dredging and other interventions, and this has been somewhat successful in staving off further erosion, but it has been unable to completely abate the effects of river migration, sea level rise, and other changes to the delta.
Though the Mississippi River’s migration has had a major impact on the delta’s ecosystem, experts are hopeful that advances in prediction technology can help to improve our understanding of the river’s behavior and make better informed decisions about water resource management in the future.
Mississippi River’s Effect on Fisheries
The Mississippi River is home to a wide variety of fish species, and these play an important role in the health of the river’s ecosystem. The most prevalent species is the Mississippi River shiner, a minnow-like fish that is commonly used as a baitfish and is also popular among sport fisherman. Other common species include largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye, and bluegill.
In addition to recreational fishing, the stark economic importance of the Mississippi’s fisheries cannot be understated. Coastal fisheries in Louisiana alone generate revenues of nearly $600 million annually, and the commercial and recreational value of the river’s many fish species can be seen in the large number of fishing guides and businesses that operate within its watershed.
Though all of the effects of river migration on the Mississippi’s fisheries are still not fully understood, experts have noted an increase in the size of some species and a corresponding decrease in the diversity of species within the river. The reduction in sediment load has likely contributed to these changes, as well as to a decrease in the number of spawning and nursery habitats for some species.
The fisheries of the Mississippi River are an integral part of the region’s economy and culture, and understanding the changes in the river is essential to protecting and restoring this ecological treasure. With continued management and scientific research, the fishing industry of the Mississippi can remain a vibrant part of the region.
Mississippi River’s Role in Local Tourism
The Mississippi River is a key part of the area’s economy and is also a popular draw for tourists. From Memphis to New Orleans, the river has been an important source of revenue for countless businesses, especially during the spring and summer months when the weather warms up and the water levels reach an ideal level for water sports.
River towns are dotted along the Mississippi’s course, from Wisconsin in the north all the way down to the Delta. These towns offer visitors the opportunity to experience a wide diversity of cultures, rich in history and heritage, as well as access to other leisure activities like golf, camping, and sailing. Boating and fishing are also popular among tourists, and the various marinas, resorts, and cabins along the river bank provide convenient access to these activities.
Tourism not only boosts local economies but also helps to create a shared sense of regional identity. Tourists often take home increased awareness of the unique cultural heritage that exists along the Mississippi River, as well as a greater appreciation for the importance of conservation and ecological preservation.
Protecting and maintaining this important waterway is a major undertaking, and the concerted efforts of stakeholders at all levels of government are needed to ensure that the Mississippi River continues to be a source of economic growth and pride for years to come.
Mississippi River’s Impact on Flooding
Flooding caused by the Mississippi River can have devastating consequences. Every year, the river’s lower reaches in Louisiana and Mississippi swell up with melting snow and heavy rains, threatening homes and businesses along its banks. This is especially true near New Orleans, where a combination of sea-level rise and heavy storms can make flooding much more severe.
Though the US Army Corps of Engineers has engaged in extensive flood control efforts over the years, the threat of seasonal floods continues to be a reality for many residents of the delta. Levees, dams, and other water control measures are constantly being updated to protect lowland communities and farmland, especially in areas where the human footprint is relatively large.
Nevertheless, efforts to reduce flood risks cannot be the only solution, and communities along the Mississippi must also prioritize greener forms of development that promote ecological sustainability. This can involve the use of natural drainage systems, green infrastructure, and other methods of stormwater management that help to minimize the damage caused by flooding and to restore vital ecosystems such as wetlands.
By moving towards greener forms of tourism and development, communities in the Mississippi River delta and elsewhere can ensure that their future is a safe and prosperous one.
Mississippi River’s Role in Transportation
The Mississippi River has long been an important waterway for transportation, providing a direct connection between the Upper Midwest and the Gulf states. Many of the largest cities in the region, such as Chicago, St. Paul, Memphis, and New Orleans, were founded and grew in part because of the river’s accessibility, and today it remains a vital source of commerce.
The river is heavily trafficked by barges, which are used to transport goods, materials, and energy throughout the country. Freight companies also rely on the river, taking advantage of its large tributaries to access remote areas that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to reach. The river’s navigable depth and its low cost of transportation are important factors in its continued usage.
At the same time, the river’s size and importance make it vulnerable to the many threats posed by climate change. In addition to flooding, changes in weather patterns and water temperatures can cause significant disruption to the river’s ecology, which could have major implications for transportation and other businesses up and down the river.
By understanding the responses of the infrastructure and people who rely on the Mississippi River, we can help to maintain its vitality and ensure that it remains a valuable economic resource for many years to come.
