The Mississippi River Watershed
The Mississippi River Watershed is one of the largest drainage areas in North America, covering over 41% of the entire United States and some of its border areas. Spanning over 31 states, the watershed moves nearly 220,000 cubic of freshwater each day into the Gulf of Mexico. The watershed is majorly bounded by the Appalachian and Rocky Mountains, which divide into the Arctic and Canadian Rivers on its north and the Mississippi on its south.
These two divides form the passageways for the river, which stretches over 3,000 miles and contains tributaries, lakes, backwaters, small rivers and even swamps as it meanders through its course. This intricate river system brings together large and small communities and provides major navigation passages.
The Mississippi’s border divides are significant to North America because these two boundaries help control the movement of the water. For example, the Appalachian Mountains divide the Mississippi’s westward flow branch, allowing water to reach the Gulf across all the 31 states. On the other hand, the Rocky Mountains form the divide for the Mississippi’s east and northeast branches.
The two divides also act as shields for the river against extreme weather conditions. The Rocky Mountains on the north protect from cold, harsh temperatures, while the Appalachian Mountains on the south help to reduce the degree of summer heat. This helps maintain the temperature within the waters’ natural range, which is essential for wildlife and fish.
Speaking of wildlife, the Mississippi River Watershed is home to a wide variety of birds and other aquatic species. Thanks to its unusual climate, certain plants and animals have adapted to the waters and have been preserved for thousands of years. Also, the organism-rich waters of the river are a principal breeding ground for aquatic species.
Human and natural conservation activities are constantly being taken up to protect the Mississippi from pollution and water overuse. The state governments have refrained from modifications that could impact the natural functioning of the river. This has helped maintain the ecosystem balance and improve water quality.
Social Impact of the Mississippi River Watershed
The Mississippi River Watershed has had many beneficial recreational and economic implications for its communities and the nation as a whole. During the 19th century, fishing, hunting, and trapping generated vast amounts of wealth in the watershed. Also, the booming timber trade transformed the Mississippi River’s banks, creating new industries and jobs. Today, the river watershed is the economic backbone of thousands of people living in the region.
Communities living around the Mississippi also depend on tourism, and the beautiful flora and fauna of the watershed attract hundreds of thousands of nature-lovers each year. Some states organize fishing tournaments which draw many visitors as well. The presence of the US National Parks Service, who conduct camping and other activities in the tropical areas, also make the Mississippi an attractive option for American and foreign visitors.
The Mississippi River Watershed is one of the most important tributaries for trade and transportation in the US. The Mississippi River has been home to commercial ships for centuries. Navigation projects have been underway to upgrade ports and transport ships as technology continues to make shipping quicker and safer.
The Mississippi River also supports millions of tourists, boaters, swimmers, hikers, hunters, and anglers each year. In addition, many industries rely on the Mississippi’s advantage of having a divided system of rivers and tributaries. This gives the region a great advantage in transportation, fisheries, agriculture, oil and gas, hydropower, and other industries.
Environmental Impact of the Mississippi River Watershed
The Mississippi River Watershed is also home to a number of environmental issues. The two divides can act as a buffer for the water, but extreme weather conditions outside its boundaries can still have an impact on the river and its tributaries. This can risk damaging the delicate balance of the ecosystem.
In addition, overfishing, oil and gas extraction, mining, pesticides, and other pollutants have all contributed to water quality deterioration. Also, the flow of water can be adversely affected by upstream land development in major catchment areas, thus leading to a decrease in anadromous fish species. In some cases, dams have also been built to either decrease or increase the flow of water.
Global climate change is another major threat to the Mississippi River Watershed. Rising temperatures and increased precipitation can potentially cause increased flooding and landslips in some parts of the region. Furthermore, the melting of snow and ice due to global warming can affect the Mississippi’s water levels and the long-term sustainability of aquatic species.
In recent years, the EPA and other organizations have taken steps to reduce air and water pollution, and to protect the delta region and its wildlife. These large-scale changes have helped improve the ecosystem’s health and can promote a more sustainable future for the watershed.
Preparedness for Natural Disasters
The Mississippi River Watershed is vulnerable to extreme weather conditions in some parts of the region where the divides are used as a natural barrier. Hurricanes can impact the eastern side of the river, for example, and winter storms can cause flooding on the western side. In addition, areas of the delta are at risk of landslides due to the soil becoming more porous.
This risk of natural disasters is why it is important for stakeholders to have key provisions in place. The long-term goal should be to reduce the impacts of these disasters, and the best way to do that is to have a comprehensive recovery plan and to be prepared. This means educating people about the risks and preparing them for the possibility of dangerous weather events. There should also be plans in place to relocate people and pets, as well as provisions for food and water.
The Mississippi River’s watershed is extremely important to the economy and environment of the region. Thanks to the two divides, the river is protected from the extreme weather conditions that would otherwise occur. It also serves as a major aquatic corridor for a range of industries and is home to hundreds of aquatic species and plants. Lastly, it provides a much-needed recreational and economic hub for the communities that live close by.
Legal Protection of the Mississippi River Watershed
Given the rich biodiversity of the Mississippi River Watershed, various legal provisions have been introduced to protect it. The Clean Water Act of 1972 was a major milestone in protecting the environment and has been largely responsible for improving the water quality of rivers and streams in the Mississippi River system.
The Endangered Species Act of 1973 also provides protection for wildlife and wildlife-related activities, including fishing and hunting. The act helps conserve endangered species such as the Gulf Sturgeon and the Loggerhead Sea Turtle. In some cases, the federal government has allotted specific areas of the Mississippi River for restoration and protection efforts.
The Clean Water Rule of 2015 and the section 404 of the Clean Water Act of 1972 are two recent laws aimed at protecting the Mississippi from further disruption and degradation. These laws help clarify the definition of what constitutes “waters of the United States” as well as providing guidelines on how states should handle water pollution.
In addition, the state governments of the watershed have put into place several regulations to protect the river and its tributaries. These include the Stream Buffer Rule and the Sediment Pollution Control and Prevention Act, both of which help to control impacts of human activities on the Mississippi.
Alternative Resources to Protect the Mississippi River Watershed
Aside from the legal framework and regulations, there are also several other alternative resources available for the protection of the Mississippi River Watershed. These include scientific research, awareness campaigns, raising funds for habitat restoration, and incentivizing organizations and communities to become more sustainable.
These initiatives are based on longstanding commitments from researchers, local organizations, and states to support the restoration and conservation of the Mississippi. Today, there are a variety of environmental groups dedicated to researching and protecting the watershed from degradation.
Another important factor is the use of renewable energy sources, as this is one of the most viable ways to protect the Mississippi River Watershed in the long run. Solar, wind, and hydro power are all being used to reduce the emissions caused by other energy sources.
Finally, the Mississippi River Basin Partnership (MRBP) is another important resource that puts in place collaborative actions to protect the wetlands and other areas of the watershed. This organization brings together leading agencies and organizations to ensure the Mississippi River Watershed stays safe and healthy.
Conservation Activities for the Mississippi River Watershed
There are numerous conservation activities that can be undertaken to protect the Mississippi River Watershed. People can aid in the conservation of the river by participating in volunteer activities, becoming educated about the importance of the river’s ecology, and supporting measures to reduce its impact on water quality.
In addition, there are lots of ways to spread awareness about the Mississippi River Watershed. This could include spreading the word through local media, writing letters to decision-makers, and hosting public events. Organizations dedicated to the watershed have also used social media to spread the message and to engage with the general public.
Public engagement is also becoming more important in protecting the Mississippi River Watershed. Local stakeholders and citizens are being encouraged to get involved in conservation efforts, such as helping to reduce pollution, restoring wetlands, and protecting water sources.
The Mississippi River Watershed is an important part of the North American ecological system and efforts to protect it are being taken on both a local and national scale. With the two divides providing a natural barrier, the watershed is protected from extreme weather conditions and forms the passageway for hundreds of aquatic species. Future generations can benefit from the preservation of the river and its bountiful resources.
