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The North American Indians that once populated the banks of the Mississippi River called it "Messipi" ("Big River"), and it was also known as the "Mee-zee-see-bee" ("Father of Waters"). It is hard to imagine that the mighty Mississippi, the river that inspired Mark Twain's marvelous stories of steamboats and adventure, originates as a tiny outlet stream from Lake Itasca in northern Minnesota. This tiny stream goes on to become one of the world's greatest river systems, draining all or parts of 31 states and 2,350 square miles (6,086 sq. km) before it finally reaches the Gulf of Mexico. Few rivers have played such an integral role in shaping our nation's historical, cultural, and economic heritage.
Years of human alterations and uses have, however, taken their toll. The locks and dams that allowed our early agrarian and industrial society to thrive and prosper have also altered the river from its original meandering state, affecting fish and wildlife habitat and contributing to costly flooding. The separation of the river from its original floodplain and the loss of millions of acres of wetlands, many drained for agricultural purposes, have further hindered the river's ability to absorb and protect against the torrents of spring floodwaters. Although billions have been spent to tame the river and reduce flood damages, recent floods have cost taxpayers billions and resulted in significant loss of life. Nutrients discharged from the river system into the Gulf of Mexico have contributed to a "dead zone."
Nevertheless, the river today is as popular as ever with recreationists, and it still supports an amazing diversity of aquatic life. More than 400 species of wildlife call the Mississippi their home, including some of the most ancient lineages of fish. Forty percent of North America's duck, goose, swan, and wading bird populations rely on the river as a migration corridor.
Balancing the demands of navigation, agriculture, recreation, industry, and wildlife is not easy. However, a number of collaborative partnerships are fostering a better understanding of this dynamic ecosystem, and coordinated actions are under way to address some of its most pressing challenges.
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