Location
The Mississippi River starts in northern Minnesota and flows through the states of Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, and Arkansas before entering the Gulf of Mexico. The main source of the river is Lake Itasca, located in northern Minnesota, and is also the start of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area, a 72-mile (116 km) long protected area managed by the National Park Service. The river winds its way southward, through woodlands and grasslands, flowing through ten states and draining 32 states and two Canadian provinces.
Length and Basin
The Mississippi River is the fourth longest river system in the world, at about 2,320 miles (3,720 km). Its basin, however, is the largest in the United States and covers more than 1.2 million square miles (3.2 million km2). This includes all of the land drained by the Mississippi and its tributaries, stretching from the Appalachian Mountains in the east to the Rocky Mountains in the west. The Mississippi and its tributaries provide navigable water routes to 31 U.S. states and two Canadian provinces.
Tributaries of the Mississippi
The Mississippi is fed by at least two hundred tributaries, including the Missouri, the Ohio and Arkansas Rivers. Other major tributaries include the St. Croix, the Illinois, the Minnesota, the Red, the Kansas and the Yellowstone Rivers. Although the Missouri is the longer and the widest of the Mississippi’s tributaries, it is the Ohio River that provides the most water volume to the Mississippi system. The Ohio River is a major source of sediment for the Mississippi, carrying about one-third of the total sediment load at the river’s mouth.
Economic Impact
The Mississippi River is a major source of drinking water, irrigation and transportation in the United States. About 31 million people live in the Mississippi River watershed, and over 200 commercial barges travel the river each day. The river provides ecological services including nutrients for aquatic wildlife, food for wildlife, and water for drinking and recreation. The Mississippi is also an important transportation corridor, with six major ports located along its banks and 24 lock and dams. The river also serves as a critical bridge connecting rural communities and urban centers.
Environmental Impact
The Mississippi River has been adversely affected by human activities and land use change, leading to a decline in water quality and loss of aquatic biodiversity. Factors such as agricultural runoff, urbanization and climate change have resulted in increased sediment and nutrient pollution, altered aquatic habitats and degraded water quality. A number of programs and initiatives have been undertaken to protect the river and its resources, including the Mississippi River Basin Alliance and the Mississippi River Network.
Protection of the Mississippi River
The US government has taken a number of steps to preserve and protect the important ecosystem of the Mississippi River. The Clean Water Act, the National Pollution Discharge Elimination System, and several other conservation initiatives have been implemented to reduce water pollution. In addition, the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Geological Survey, Mississippi River Commission and other federal, state and local agencies have undertaken numerous projects to improve water quality, restore aquatic habitats and protect the river from overuse and degradation.
Effects of Climate Change
The impacts of climate change have become increasingly evident in the Mississippi River Basin, with considerable changes to streamflow, vegetation, water temperature and runoff. The warming temperatures have increased the amount of evaporation from the river and its tributaries, leading to lower water levels, greater water stress and greater risk of flooding and drought. Coastal wetlands, floodplains and other areas are threatened. In addition, many species of fish and birds are threatened by climate change.
Economic Opportunities
The Mississippi River provides a number of economic opportunities as well. The river is home to one of the world’s busiest shipping channels and a vital source of hydroelectric power. The river also provides recreational opportunities, such as fishing, boating, rafting and bird watching. The cultural and historical heritage of the Mississippi River has fueled tourism, which is an important industry in the Mississippi River Basin.
Conservation Efforts
Many organizations are dedicated to preserving and protecting the Mississippi River. The Mississippi River Basin Alliance works to protect and restore the Mississippi River and its tributaries through education, conservation, and restoration projects. The organization is committed to improving water quality, protecting the Basin’s natural ecosystems, and promoting healthy, vibrant communities. The National Park Service’s Mississippi River and Recreation Area protects and preserves 72 miles of the river. In addition, numerous local and state agencies, tribes and non-profit organizations are pursuing efforts to protect, restore and manage the Mississippi River Basin.
