BIRDS: 2 species are regionally extinct
FISH: 5 species are endangered
MAMMALS: 3 species are endangered
REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS: 45 reptile species are endangered
BIVALVES: 297 freshwater mussel species are threatened with extinction
The territory of the Hudson River watershed falls within the ancestral homelands of the Anishinabewaki, Ho-Chunk, Kaskaskia, Kiikaapoi, Mdewakanton, Myaamia, O-ga-xpa Ma-zhoⁿ, Očhéthi Šakówiŋ, Osage, Peoria, Sauk and Meskwaki, and Wahpekute peoples.
Territorial recognition: https://native-land.ca/
Most Pressing Issues
703 Dams Along the River
channeling, damming, and levee systems have killed the river’s natural flow.
Pollution
2/3 of all pesticides & herbicides used in U.S. agriculture, are applied in the Mississippi River basin, causing algae blooms and the Gulf of Mexico’s “deadzone”.
Losing Silt
Without natural flooding the river is losing it’s silt, overall reduction has been more than 60% & the mouth of the Mississippi in Louisiana is disappearing.
Habitat Loss
Major losses due to agriculture & development.
Water Flow
After dams were constructed, the velocity & flow regime of the river changed. In 1878 flows were much higher in the spring & lower in winter before the dams.
How You Can Help
Mississippi River Collaborative
The Mississippi River Collaborative works cooperatively within the basin by focusing on state & regional water pollution issues & increasing the capacity of local groups.
Learn More about Mississippi River Collaborative
Restore the Mississippi River Delta
"Restore the Mississippi River Delta’s staff scientists provide the technical expertise and analysis upon which all our campaign efforts and policies are based. We provide technical guidance and partner with the state of Louisiana and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on proposed projects, plans and restoration priorities. We provide decision makers with information on the evolving threats to the delta and feasibility of solutions. We conduct original research, synthesize existing research to provide critical analyses and help guide the academic scientific community to research questions that have an applied purpose in restoration decisions."
Learn More about Restore the Mississippi River Delta
Friends of the Mississippi River
Friends of the Mississippi River engages citizens to protect, restore and enhance the Mississippi River and its watershed in the Twin Cities region.
Learn More about Friends of the Mississippi River
Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy works to address some of the river’s most critical threats including habitat loss and incompatible land use.
Learn More about Nature Conservancy
