• Introduction to the Basin
• Navigating the Web Site
• Getting Involved
• Fun Facts

Introduction to the Basin

The Mississippi River or "Father of Waters"

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 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, EPA style series, 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.

Navigating the Web Site

This web site provides information about the Mississippi River Basin which will help further the understanding of the science behind the river's complex ecosystem and encourage the protection and restoration of its vast resources for future generations to enjoy. Here you'll find information on:

• Environmental Challenges (e.g. Gulf Hypoxia) affecting the subbasins that make up the Mississippi River Basin and the Gulf of Mexico
• The six major subbasins:
  • Missouri
  • Upper Mississippi
  • Ohio
  • Tennessee
  • Arkansas-Red-White
  • Lower Mississippi
• The Gulf of Mexico

What's New provides the most recent information available on basin activities and lists events by date.

The various web sites and pages referenced on this site are compiled by topic heading on the links page. This comprehensive listing should make it easier for users to quickly connect to other relevant sites.

We encourage use of the comments form to provide feedback and suggestions for improving this site.

Many diverse organizations within the basin are working together to improve the quality of the resources related to the Mississippi River and its major tributariesfrom stream restoration to community-based watershed management plans to public outreach and education. If you would like to get involved in local watershed protection efforts in your area, search EPA's Adopt-A-Watershed web site for groups near you.

Fun Facts Length of the Mississippi River: 3,705 kilometers (2,302 miles) Area of Basin: 3.2 million square kilometers (1.2 million square miles). 41% of the conterminous United States 1/8 of North America Population along the Mississippi Corridor: 12 million people live in the 125 counties and parishes that border the Mississippi River. Amount of water discharged to the Gulf: 612,000 cubic feet per second Provides habitat for 241 fish species 37 mussel species 45 amphibians 50 mammals 40% of the nation's migratory birds