Overview of Mississippi River States
The Mississippi River is the fourth-longest river in the world and the second-longest in the United States. It runs through ten US states and two provinces in Canada before reaching the Gulf of Mexico. It is important to the economy, culture and ecology of many of the states it runs through. In this article, we will explore which states border the Mississippi River, their importance to the river and the US, and their contributions to the river’s environment.
Missouri
The state of Missouri is bordered by the Mississippi River to the east. The river acts as a border between Missouri and Illinois and runs for some 830 miles within the state. It is an important source of drinking water for Missouri’s two largest cities, St. Louis and Kansas City. It is also a main source of irrigation and commercial fishing. Missouri is one of the most important agricultural states in the Midwest, and the Mississippi River helps support its many crops, such as corn and soybeans.
A large number of dams, locks, and levees are located within the state near the Mississippi. This infrastructure works to keep the river flowing and stop the river from flooding. It also helps maintain a healthy environment for all of the wildlife in the river and nearby areas. The Missouri Department of Conservation is responsible for managing and protecting the resources, plants, and animals found in the Mississippi River.
Tennessee
The state of Tennessee is bordered by the Mississippi River to the west. As with Missouri, the river serves as a major source of drinking water and fishing. The Mississippi also helps support the transportation and trade of goods and minerals, providing many economic benefits to the state.
In addition to these economic benefits, the Mississippi also provides numerous ecological benefits for Tennessee. It supports the migratory populations of many species of birds and fish, and provides habitat for a variety of wildlife. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency focuses on protecting and managing the many species living within the the Mississippi River.
Arkansas
The state of Arkansas borders the Mississippi River to the east and south. The Mississippi runs through the state for some 530 miles and provides a variety of economic and ecological benefits. Nearly half of Arkansas’s wetlands, which are vital to the state’s biodiversity, are found along the Mississippi. The river is also a major source of drinking water for the state and a major recreational spot for tourists and locals alike.
The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission helps manage and protect the many species of wildlife living in the river, such as turtles, amphibians, and fish. In addition, the commission works to regulate fishing and hunting activities in the Mississippi, to ensure the survival of many species of fish and game.
Illinois
The state of Illinois borders the Mississippi to the west and is home to a 215-mile stretch of the river. This stretch of the Mississippi River is bordered by 11 locks and dams, which help keep the river safe and navigable. The locks and dams also help to prevent flooding and erosion.
The Illinois Department of Natural Resources works to protect and manage the land, plants, and wildlife found along the Mississippi. It also helps to regulate hunting and fishing activities within the river, to protect species like bass and walleye. In addition, the department works to promote public recreation in the area, such as boating or swimming.
Kentucky
The state of Kentucky is bordered by the Mississippi river to the west. The river runs for some 425 miles within the state and is home to a variety of wildlife species, including many endangered species. The state relies heavily on the river for drinking water and it is a major source of irrigation for the state’s agricultural sector.
The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources works to protect and manage the river’s resources. It regulates hunting and fishing activities to protect species, such as bass and catfish. In addition, the department works to promote public recreational activities, such as canoeing or kayaking.
Minnesota
The state of Minnesota borders the Mississippi River to the east. The river runs for about 950 miles within the state and is one of Minnesota’s most important sources of drinking water. It is also a major source of irrigation and commercial fishing. In addition, the river provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species, such as wolves, beavers, and otters.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources works to manage and protect the land, plants, and wildlife found in the Mississippi. It also helps to regulate recreational activities within the river, to protect species and preserve its natural beauty. The department also works to promote public recreation on the river, such as boating or fishing.
Wisconsin
The state of Wisconsin is bordered by the Mississippi River to the west. The river runs for some 250 miles within the state, providing many ecological and economic benefits. It is a major source of irrigation and provides habitat for a variety of wildlife species, such as bald eagles, herons, and beavers. The river is also a major source of commercial fishing and recreation, such as boating and swimming.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources is responsible for protecting and managing the resources, plants, and animals found in the Mississippi. It helps regulate fishing and hunting activities and works to promote public recreation in the area, such as boating or fishing.
Iowa
The state of Iowa is bordered by the Mississippi River to the east. The river runs for some 340 miles within the state, providing a variety of benefits to Iowa’s citizens and environment. It is an important source of drinking water for the state and is a major source of irrigation and commercial fishing. In addition, the river provides habitat for species like bald eagles, herons, and beavers.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources works to protect and manage the resources and wildlife found in the Mississippi. It also helps to regulate fishing and hunting activities, to ensure the survival of species like catfish and walleye. In addition, the department helps to promote public recreation in the river, such as swimming, boating, and fishing.
Mississippi
The state of Mississippi borders the Mississippi River to the south. The river runs for some 700 miles within the state, making it one of the longest stretches of the river in the US. It is an important source of drinking water and provides many economic benefits, such as transportation and trade of goods and minerals throughout the state. It is also a major source of irrigation and commercial fishing.
The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources works to protect and manage the resources, plants, and animals found in the Mississippi. This includes regulating fishing and hunting activities in the river, to protect species like catfish and bass. In addition, the department works to promote education about, and recreation on, the river, such as fishing, swimming, and boating.
Which States Touch the Mississippi River?
The Mississippi River is the fourth-longest river in the world and the second-longest in the United States. It runs through ten US states and two provinces in Canada before reaching the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River runs through Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Mississippi. These states all benefit from the river in different ways, from the economic and recreational activities to the ecological benefits it provides. Each of these states also has governmental organizations dedicated to protecting the river and its resources.
Environmental Impact of Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is an incredibly important river in the United States. It provides both economic and ecological benefits to the states it runs through and has been a major resource for centuries. Despite these benefits, the river has been polluted by industrial and agricultural runoff, affecting the quality of the water and the wildlife that rely on it. In order to protect the river and its resources, each state needs to do its part by regulating activities and promoting conservation.
The Environmental Protection Agency works to protect and manage the water quality of rivers throughout the US, including the Mississippi. The agency monitors the river for pollutants, works to enforce laws that protect the water and its wildlife, and works to educate the public about conserving the river and its resources. In addition, each state works to promote conservation and protection of their portion of the Mississippi.
Human Impact on Mississippi River
Humans have been living along the Mississippi River for thousands of years. The river has provided an invaluable source of food, water, and transportation to many of the states it passes through. Over the years, however, the development of cities and towns has led to pollution, runoff, and dams, all of which can have negative impacts on the river and its wildlife. In order to protect the river and its resources, human activity needs to be regulated and monitored.
The US Army Corps of Engineers works to protect and manage the land, water, and wildlife along the river. The Corps works to maintain navigation in the river, protect habitats, and control flooding and erosion. The Corps also works to promote recreation and industry throughout the river. In addition, the states that border the Mississippi all have organizations dedicated to protecting and promoting the river and its resources.
Preservation and Restoration of Mississippi River
The Mississippi River is one of the most important rivers in the United States and it is essential that it is protected and preserved. In order to do this, each state needs to do its part in regulating activities and promoting conservation. The Environmental Protection Agency and the US Army Corps of Engineers both work to protect and manage the river, but the states also have their own agencies and organizations which work to promote conservation and protect the river’s resources.
In addition, organizations like the Historic Mississippi River Trail, the Mississippi Valley Conservancy, and the National Park Service work to restore and preserve the river’s natural beauty and promote public recreational activities. These organizations are dedicated to protecting and restoring the river so that future generations can continue to benefit from its many resources.
