Which State Does The Mississippi River End?
Have you ever wondered which state the Mississippi River ends in? The Mississippi River is the second-longest river in the United States and runs from Minnesota to Louisiana. Its length is nearly 2,520 miles. Its waters join the Gulf of Mexico and has been historically used as a source of transportation and recreation.
The Mississippi River begins at Lake Itasca in Clearwater County, Minnesota. The total drainage area is 218,000 square miles and it flows through ten U.S. states before eventually ending in Louisiana. It splits into two distinct halves- the Upper and Lower Mississippi. These halves are separated by the confluence of the Missouri River at the southernmost tip of Illinois.
It’s no surprise that the mighty Mississippi ends its path in the southernmost state of Louisiana. The river empties into the Gulf of Mexico, about 45 miles southeast of New Orleans. The complete length is 1,144 miles in this state, combined with 318 miles of shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico. Each year, Louisiana sees more than one million visitors flocking to its state parks and other public areas to witness the river’s grand finale.
The Mississippi Delta, the area in Louisiana at the mouth of the river, is a vital area for agriculture, commerce, and transportation. It has been referred to as the “Birthplace of American Music” because of its rich cultural heritage, including gospel, folk, jazz, and the blues.
The finish line of the Mississippi River is a watershed moment of note, and many people choose to commemorate it in different ways. Kayakers, paddlers, and other boaters often take on the challenge of following the Mississippi’s course from its source to its mouth. Hikers and bikers follow the river’s trails. Other more unique ways to mark the grand finale of the river are to take a boat tour, or to simply observe and appreciate the stunning views from afar.
The Consequences of Pollution
While the Mississippi River is widely renowned for being a source of beauty and tranquility, there have been numerous cases of human-made pollution causing devastating effects. Industrial and agricultural activities, improper waste disposal, and human-made land disturbances have all contributed to the river becoming polluted.
The presence of pollutants in the Mississippi creates a dangerous environment for aquatic wildlife. Fertilizers, pesticides, and other unregulated chemicals used in agriculture runoff and seep into the river. This causes algae blooms and hypoxic water, which can kill off a large portion of the fish species that depend on the Mississippi’s health.
The damage caused by pollution is not only physical. It impairs the aesthetic value of the river and affects how communities see and use it. In communities throughout Louisiana, the Mississippi River is a source of pride and a huge draw for tourists. Pollution threatens to wreck that industry, as well as fishing and recreational activities.
The health of the Mississippi River is connected to the health of the Louisiana Delta, so the effects of the pollution are immediate and long-lasting. The future of the Delta is inextricably linked to the preservation of the Mississippi, and that’s why it’s so important for us to take steps to reduce the amount of pollution in this river.
Restoration and Preservation Efforts
In recent years, there has been a push to restore and preserve the health of the Mississippi River. Neglected wetlands and marsh areas have been rehabilitated and given back to the river. Several state and federal agencies are working together to ensure that these restoration efforts are successful, and that the river remains healthy for generations to come.
The Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority (CPRA) is leading the way in preservation and restoration efforts. Its goal is to preserve and protect the majesty of the Mississippi River and its waterways, as well as the Louisiana Delta. As part of this effort, the CPRA has introduced new policies on water quality standards and the use of best management practices to prevent additional pollution from entering the river.
The Mississippi River and the Delta have long been reliable sources of food, recreation and commerce for the people of Louisiana. As the river’s health continues to decline, organizations and individuals are working to ensure that the Mississippi River is thriving and able to meet the needs of the people of Louisiana for many years to come.
Conservation Schools
The Mississippi River is important not only to people and wildlife, but to the entire environment. In response, numerous conservation schools have been set up to help teach the public about the value of preserving and restoring the Mississippi and its Delta. These organizations provide educational programs, outreach activities, and research grants to help people understand the river’s importance and to learn about ways to help keep it healthy.
The Mississippi Conservation School is a prime example of a successful watershed restoration and education program. This school offers public classes, hands on activities, and provides information about watershed protection, wildlife conservation, and environmental stewardship. It also focuses on conserving wetlands, improving water quality, and increasing people’s understanding of the benefits of clean water.
The Mississippi River Institute is another program focussing on conservation and education. It has a specific focus on watershed creation and restoration, as well as outreach activities that aim to increase people’s knowledge of the history and importance of the Mississippi River and its Delta. It also provides resources to organizations, government agencies, and individuals who are looking to improve water quality and protect the river’s wildlife.
Benefits of Legal Protection
The Mississippi River has an immense impact on both the environment and the people living in the region. Protecting the river from pollution and human interference is essential for ensuring its health and increasing public awareness of its significance. That’s why the U.S. Congress has designated it as a national wild and scenic river. This conservation measure helps protect rivers from encroachment, making sure that it remains healthy and preserves its natural beauty.
These legal protections have been beneficial in preserving the health of the river and its ecosystem. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is charged with monitoring the river and ensuring that its watershed is managed in a way that meets the needs of the people and the environment. The Corps has also established programs to reduce the amount of pollutants entering the Mississippi.
In addition to federal protection, many states have adopted their own laws and regulations to protect their portions of the Mississippi River. These laws can be used to guide and shape the river’s future, as well as provide citizens with a better understanding of how to maintain its health.
Impact of Decentralized Solutions
Decentralized solutions to preserve the Mississippi River have also been implemented in recent years. These provide communities with the autonomy to create their own solutions for managing water resources and restoring their local environments. Decentralized solutions can offer communities more control over the use of their resources and can also provide more direct benefits to the people living there. Plus, this approach reduces the stress on larger government agencies and allows for more targeted solutions.
For example, the Delta Conservation Partnership is a decentralized approach to stewardship of the Mississippi River. This collaborative program works to empower local organizations, stakeholders, and communities to protect and restore their local environments. The Partnership organizes workshops, trainings, and discussions to educate people on sustainable practices and how to restore and protect their environment.
The Nature Conservancy has also launched an initiative that works with farmers to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff. This effort helps reduce the amount of pollutants entering the river, and also encourages farmers to find methods of increasing profitability while still protecting the environment.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is one of the most important rivers in the United States, and it’s essential that we protect this valuable resource. The end of the river in Louisiana is an important part of its journey, and it’s full of recreational and economic opportunities. To preserve this river for future generations, we must take steps to reduce pollution and protect its environment. Through legal protection, decentralized solutions, and restoration and preservation efforts, we can ensure the Mississippi remains healthy for years to come.
