Tag: Mississippi River

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Mississippi River Named ‘Most Endangered’ in the Country

Photo: Emily Finch on Unsplash

The Mississippi River is the most endangered river in the country, according to a new report from American Rivers, a national conservation organization. 

The biggest threats to the river are the Trump administration’s promises to severely cut or abolish the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Flood Insurance Program. American Rivers said these threats “[risk] river health and human safety along the entirety of its 2,320-mile stretch and could compound long-standing threats to the river.”

“The Mississippi River is vital to our nation’s health, wealth, and security. We drink from it, we grow our food with it, we travel on it, we live alongside it, and simply, we admire its beauty,” said Mike Sertle, central region director for American Rivers. “We cannot turn our back on Mississippi River communities or the health of the river millions depend on at this critical time when they need unified direction instead of uncertainty at the national level.”

In March, President Donald Trump issued an executive order that would push much of what FEMA does to states. 

“Federal policy must rightly recognize that preparedness is most effectively owned and managed at the state, local, and even individual levels, supported by a competent, accessible, and efficient federal government,” reads the order. “When states are empowered to make smart infrastructure choices, taxpayers benefit.”

The order also called for the federal government to “streamline its preparedness operations.” This led to hundreds of layoffs at FEMA with many more promised, leaving states worried about the future. 

FEMA’s mission goes beyond emergency response and rebuilding after disaster, according to American Rivers. It develops minimum standards for construction in floodplains, provides flood insurance to homeowners, and mitigates future risks. FEMA also helps in relocating flood-prone homes to higher ground. 

“Without strong federal leadership in flood risk management, communities along the Mississippi River — and across the country — will face even greater threats from worsening floods,” said Chad Berginnis, executive director of the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM). “At the same time, we recognize that states and local governments must take on a greater role in managing flood risks. Strengthening their capacity — whether through incentives or penalties — will lead to better outcomes.

“But no amount of state or local action can replace the need for coordinated federal support, especially when major disasters strike. Now is the time to reinforce our national commitment to flood risk reduction, not walk away from it.”

The Mississippi River spans 10 states and 123 counties from the headwaters in Minnesota to its mouth in Louisiana. The river carries more water than any other of the nation’s rivers and is the primary source of drinking water for more than 50 municipalities. The river is also a source for manufacturing, tourism, agriculture, navigation, and energy. 

The river and its 30-million-acre floodplain also provide vital habitat for more than 870 species of fish and wildlife, including dozens of rare, threatened, and endangered species. 

Long-standing threats to the river include chemical runoff that has led to regular toxic algae outbreaks in significant stretches of the river as well as hypoxic dead zones, sea level rise that is accelerating wetland loss and saltwater intrusion, exacerbating droughts, and infrastructure like levees and navigation structures that negatively impact the natural flow of the river.

The Mississippi River City and Towns Initiative, a group of mayors from up and down the river, said it does not believe the river has earned the designation of the most endangered waterway. Instead, the group said it believes “there is always a need to protect our nation’s and the world’s most important waterway.”

“A total elimination of the agency would cripple the nation’s emergency response and risk management apparatus,” said Belinda Constant, mayor of Gretna, Louisiana. “Additionally, disaster response along the Mississippi River is inherently a multi-state question and thus, FEMA needs to continue to play a vital role in coordinating the efforts of many states to systemically mitigate risks, recover, and restore infrastructure.”

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Proposed Legislation Aims to Protect Mississippi River Fisheries

Jaqueline Davis fishes in the Wolf River Harbor underneath the A.W. Willis Bridge July 7, 2022. Davis has been coming to this spot for over a decade. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)

A new congressional bill aims to improve fisheries and environmental quality in the Mississippi River basin with a federally funded commission.

“This is a bill that’s way past its due,” said U.S. Rep. Troy Carter Sr. (D-Louisiana) ​who is co-sponsoring the Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission Act of 2025 with U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell (R-Mississippi). It was introduced Feb. 24 in the House Committee on Natural Resources. 

The goal is to fund grants for habitat restoration, fisheries research and the mitigation of invasive species. 

It aims to support the growth of the fishing industry throughout the basin, as well as reinforce partnerships between local, state and federal agencies involved in the management of the river and its tributaries. The commission would be federally funded, and draw down on federal dollars to support restoration projects and fisheries management. 

Eroding marshes along the Mississippi River in southern Louisiana provide crucial habitat for fish, seen June, 2024. Credit: Tegan Wendland/Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk, Aerial support provided by SouthWings.
Eroding marshes along the Mississippi River in southern Louisiana provide crucial habitat for fish, seen June, 2024.
Credit: Tegan Wendland/Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk, Aerial support provided by SouthWings.

“The Mississippi, a mighty, mighty estuary, is not only a major tool for moving commerce back and forth, but it’s also a place where people make a living, fishing on the river,” Carter said. “This bill endeavors to make sure that we are protecting that asset.”

While commercial fishing has declined in recent decades, and updated research is necessary to establish the exact value of recreational, commercial and subsistence fishing in the Mississippi River, one study valued it as a billion dollar industry. 

The river has long faced challenges, such as industrial and agricultural pollution, habitat destruction and prolific spread of invasive species. Part of the difficulty in addressing these problems comes from the sheer size of the basin, with its geography covering over a third of the continental United States. 

Floodplain forests like these, along the Mississippi River outside Lansing, Iowa, on Aug. 1, 2024, provide crucial habitat and flood protection. 
Credit: Tegan Wendland / Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk

“For decades, states have struggled to find dedicated resources to adequately manage large river species that cross many state, federal, and tribal jurisdictions,” Ben Batten, deputy director of Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and chair of the Mississippi Interstate Cooperative Resource Association, said in a press release. 

Large river species, such as invasive carp, are a problem the new commission would address, building on the work of the interstate cooperative, a multistate, multi-agency organization formed in 1991 that has focused on reducing invasives. The four varieties of carp originating from Asia – silver carp, black carp, grass carp and bighead carp – have spread at alarming rates and harm existing fisheries. 

Communication amongst the numerous jurisdictions in the basin —  states, cities, towns and tribal entities — can be difficult. Collaborative groups encourage more cohesive policy between basin states, such as the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative and the Upper Mississippi River Basin Association, and there have been efforts to pass a river compact. 

The United States and Canada share a partnership through the Great Lakes Fishery Commission. The Mississippi River Basin Fishery Commission would be part of the Department of the Interior, and include other agencies, like the U.S. Geological Survey, Fish and Wildlife Service and Army Corps of Engineers. 

Due in large part to a lack of standardized testing, and often limited resources, health experts and government agencies often offer conflicting advice as to whether fish from the Mississippi River are safe to eat. Fish advisories warning against consumption of fish in one area may not exist in neighboring states, varying from one side of the river to the other. 

The bill authors request $1 million to launch the commission in 2026, then $30 million each year for the following three years

While many fish the Mississippi River for sport rather than to eat, some rely on the river as a source of food. 

Weeds grow in an area that is making it difficult (or impossible) for boats to get through in Bay City, Wis., on Monday, July 18, 2022. Frank and Cathy Dosdall have lived in Bay City their whole lives and have watched their harbor go from a vibrant waterfront to a place where no one can swim, play or fish. They’re really excited about this Army Corps dredging project in hopes that it can bring the Bay City beach back to what it used to be. ] Elizabeth Flores • liz.flores@startribune.com ORG XMIT: MIN2207191222160020

General health advice for eating fish caught from the Mississippi does exist, such as throwing back the biggest and fattiest fish, washing them before fileting, and broiling or grilling the catch to avoid certain pollutants. 

Halle Parker contributed to this story. This story is a product of the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk, an independent reporting network based at the University of Missouri in partnership with Report for America, with major funding from the Walton Family Foundation.

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Another Drought Causes Transportation Headaches on the Mississippi River

Boats docked at the Riverside Park Marina south of Downtown Memphis are getting cut off from the Mississippi River Nov. 2, 2022. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)

For the third year in a row, extreme drought conditions in the Midwest are drawing down water levels on the Mississippi River, raising prices for companies that transport goods downstream and forcing governments and business owners to seek alternative solutions.

Extreme swings between drought and flooding have become more frequent in the region, scientists say, as climate change alters the planet’s weather patterns and inches the average global temperature continually upwards.

“Without question, it’s discouraging that we’re in year three of this. Because that is quite unique to have multiple years in a row of this,” said Mike Steenhoek, executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, a trade organization representing Midwest soy growers. “We’re obviously trending in the wrong direction.”

Since 2022, much of the Midwest has experienced some level of drought, with the driest conditions concentrated in Iowa, Missouri, Nebraska and Kansas. Record rainfall in June and during part of July temporarily broke that dry spell, forecasters say, only for drought conditions to reemerge in recent weeks along the Ohio River basin, which typically supplies more water to the Mississippi than any other major tributary.

Dee Wisecarver, a commercial fisherman from Hamburg, Arkansas, looks out onto the mud-covered Panther Forest boat ramp in August of 2024. (Lucas Dufalla/Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)

Water levels have been dropping in the lower Mississippi since mid-July, federal data show, reaching nearly seven feet below the historic average in Memphis on September 13. In October 2023, water levels reached a record-low -11 feet in Memphis. Remnants of Hurricane Francine, which made landfall in Louisiana Wednesday night as a Category 2 storm, “will provide only temporary relief,” the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said in a news release Wednesday.

“Rainfall over the Ohio Valley is also not looking to be widespread and heavy enough to generate lasting effects and anticipate that much of the rainfall will soak into the ground with little runoff,” the agency said in the release.

Those conditions have raised prices for companies transporting fuel and grain down the Mississippi in recent weeks, as load restrictions force barge operators to limit their hauls, which squeezes their profit margin. Barge rates from St. Louis reached $24.62 a ton in late August and $27.49 per ton by the following week, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Historically low water levels of the Mississippi River have caused massive barge backups on Thursday, October 27, 2022 in Merman-Shelby Forest State Park. . (Mark Weber/The Daily Memphian)

Steenhoek said barge prices during the first week of September were 8 percent higher than the same week last year and 57 percent higher than the three-year average. “It does change that supply-demand relationship,” he said, “because now all of a sudden you’re having to transport a given amount of freight with less capacity.”

A river in flux

Aaron Wilson, Ohio’s state climatologist and a professor at Ohio State University, said the whiplash between this summer’s record wet months and September’s drought conditions appears to fit what could be an emerging climate trend observed by researchers.

The Midwest region has generally gotten wetter over the decades. The Fifth National Climate Assessment, released last year, reported that annual precipitation increased by 5 to 15 percent across much of the Midwest in the 30-year period leading up to 2021, compared to the average between 1901 and 1960.

But evidence also suggests the Midwest is experiencing more frequent swings between extreme wet and extreme dry seasons, with climate models predicting that the trend will persist into the future, said Wilson, who was the lead author of the assessment’s Midwest chapter.

“This was front and center for us,” he said. “One of the main things that we talked about were these rapid oscillations … between wet to dry and dry to wet extremes.”

Research also suggests that seasonal precipitation is trending in opposite directions, and will continue to do so in the coming decades, Wilson added. “And so what you get is too much water in the winter and spring and not enough during the growing season,” he said, referring to summer months.

If that evidence holds true, it could have notable impacts on U.S. food exports moving forward.

Future impacts on shipping 

Transporting goods, including corn, soy, and fuel, on the Mississippi is more efficient pound for pound than ground transportation, business groups say, and gives the U.S. an edge in a competitive global market. According to the Waterways Council, a trade association for businesses that use the Mississippi River, a standard 15-barge load is equivalent to 1,050 semi trucks or 216 train cars — meaning domestic farmers and other producers can save significant time and money moving their goods by boat.

The majority of U.S. agricultural exports rely on the Mississippi to reach the international market, as farmers move their crops to export hubs on the Gulf Coast, said Debra Calhoun, senior vice president of the Waterways Council.

“More than 65 percent of our national agriculture products that are bound for export are moving on this inland waterway system,” she said. “So this system is critical to farmers of any size farm.”

The ramifications could be especially harmful to the soy industry, Steenhoek said, since about half of the soy grown in the U.S. is exported. By the last week of August, grain exports transported by barge fell 17 percent compared to the week before, according to a Thursday report released by the USDA.

Steenhoek said the increased costs to U.S. growers hurt their ability to compete globally. Any price increase to domestic grain could encourage international clients to instead buy from rival countries like Brazil or Argentina, he said.

While it’s typical for water levels on the Mississippi to drop during the fall months, Steenhoek said, the recent years of drought have been a real wakeup call for farmers to diversify their supply chains. Soy growers, he said, have since set up new supply chain agreements with rail lines and have even invested in new export terminals in Washington state and on the coast of Lake Michigan in Milwaukee.

Luckily, Calhoun said, disruptions to river transportation this year haven’t been nearly as bad as they were last year, when the Mississippi’s water levels reached record lows. Several barges were grounded last year and in 2022, she said, referring to when boats get stuck on the riverbed or in areas where sediment has built up. That hasn’t occurred so far this year. 

Dee Wisecarver, a commercial fisherman from Hamburg, Arkansas, walks up the dry, mud-covered Panther Forest boat ramp in August of 2024. The ramp allows boaters to enter the Mississippi River through an old channel. (Lucas Dufalla/Arkansas Democrat-Gazette)

She chalks that up to proactive efforts this year by companies and federal agencies, like the Army Corps of Engineers, to mitigate transportation disruptions. 

George Stringham, chief of public affairs for the Corps’ St. Louis District, said they started dredging the river a few weeks earlier this year. “We started early to get ahead of things, in anticipation, after having two straight years of low water conditions,” said Stringham. Dredging involves moving sediment on the riverbed from areas where it can cause problems to boats to areas where it won’t. 

Wilson, Ohio’s climatologist, said he has seen stronger cooperation among stakeholders in tackling this issue. “It’s a mix of climate scientists, social scientists and planners and emergency preparedness folks that are really coordinating this effort,” he said.

The result, Calhoun said, is that their coalition of groups have been able to handle the disruptions relatively well this year, which leaves her feeling cautiously optimistic. “It’s really hard, you know, to track this and try to figure out is it just normal? Is it getting much worse? Are we going to have to make significant changes, and if so, what would they be? But we’re not there yet,” she said.

This story is a product of the Mississippi River Basin Ag & Water Desk, an independent reporting network based at the University of Missouri in partnership with Report for America, with major funding from the Walton Family Foundation.

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Opinion The Last Word

A Cleaner, Greener Future

Janet Boscarino (Photo: Clean Memphis)

Every year, as much as 23 million tons of plastic are leaked into our oceans, rivers, and seas worldwide. Taking proactive steps to reduce plastic pollution has never been more critical. The pervasive presence of plastic waste poses severe risks to our ecosystems, health, and future generations, but by making conscious efforts to minimize plastic use, communities like Memphis can experience a variety of benefits and foster a cleaner, greener future.

1. Protects our waterways

Plastic pollution has a devastating impact on our waterways, but individual actions to reduce plastic use can significantly benefit our local rivers and streams. In Memphis, the mighty Mississippi River is a lifeline, providing essential resources as well as local recreational opportunities. Its local watersheds also have a part to play. The Loosahatchie River, Wolf River, and Nonconnah Creek in Memphis all feed into the Mississippi River Watershed, the fourth largest in the world. The Mississippi River eventually drains into the Gulf of Mexico, leading to the North Atlantic Ocean. Unfortunately, plastic waste often finds its way into these waterways, contributing to pollution that extends far beyond our city’s borders.

When residents choose to reduce their plastic consumption — opting for reusable water bottles, bags, and containers — they contribute to a healthier city. These seemingly small actions prevent debris from accumulating locally, reducing the risk of harm to aquatic life and preserving the natural beauty of our environment. Clean rivers and streams support diverse wildlife and provide cleaner water for human use, creating a ripple effect that extends to the broader ecosystem and contributes to cleaner oceans globally.

2. Reduces health hazards

The benefits of reducing plastic pollution are not limited to environmental preservation; they also have direct, tangible impacts on public health. Plastics, especially when improperly disposed of, can release harmful chemicals into the air and water. These can contribute to respiratory issues, contaminate drinking water, and pose additional health risks. In Memphis, decreasing plastic pollution can lead to cleaner air and safer drinking water, reducing the incidence of health issues associated with this practice.

3. Advances our economy

Embracing sustainable practices can have significant economic benefits for Memphis. A cleaner environment can attract tourism and enhance the city’s reputation as a desirable destination for visitors. Visitors are drawn to cities with pristine natural attractions, spotless streets, and a commitment to environmental sustainability, leading to increased tourism revenue and economic growth.

Moreover, investing in waste management infrastructure and sustainable technologies creates job opportunities and stimulates municipal development. By transitioning to more sustainable waste management practices, such as recycling and composting, we can create eco-friendly jobs in industries like waste collection, recycling processing, and renewable energy production. These jobs not only provide employment opportunities but also contribute to the growth of Memphis, positioning us as a leader in environmental innovation and sustainability.

4. Strengthens community relationships

Reducing plastic pollution can also strengthen community relationships by fostering collaboration and collective action. Organized clean-up efforts and sustainability initiatives provide opportunities for residents to come together, bond over a shared commitment to environmental stewardship, and make a tangible difference in their neighborhoods.

In Memphis, grassroots organizations, neighborhood associations, and local businesses frequently organize cleanup events, park beautification projects, and sustainability workshops. These initiatives not only improve the physical environment but also cultivate a sense of pride and ownership among residents. By working to address these challenges, communities build stronger social connections, trust, and resilience — laying the foundation for a more vibrant and inclusive city.

As individuals, businesses, and policymakers, we must recognize the interconnectedness of environmental, social, and economic well-being and take concerted action to create a cleaner, greener future for our city. By working together and prioritizing sustainability, we can build a more resilient, prosperous, and inclusive Memphis for generations to come. Let us seize this opportunity to make a positive impact and pave the way for a brighter tomorrow. 

Janet Boscarino founded Clean Memphis in 2008, driven by her passion for creating a cleaner and greener environment.

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At Large Opinion

Haunted by Waters

A view of the Mississippi from Loosahatchie Bar in October 2022 (Photo: Bruce VanWyngarden)

“The Mississippi River will always have its own way; no engineering skill can persuade it to do otherwise; it has always torn down the petty basketwork of the engineers and poured its giant floods withersoever it chose, and it will continue to do this.” — Mark Twain

The Mississippi River has long defined the city of Memphis, literally marking its border on the west, and shaping its commerce and its soul throughout its history. But for a city framed by one of the world’s largest rivers, Memphis is woefully underserved when it comes to vehicular bridges.

We have two: The Memphis and Arkansas Bridge, which is traversed by I-55 and perennially under repair. It was constructed in 1949 and is locally known as the “old bridge.” And then there is the Hernando DeSoto Bridge (aka the “new bridge”; aka the “M bridge”), which opened in 1973 and carries vehicular traffic for I-40. It was closed for months a couple years back because of a large crack that developed in one of its I-beams.

The Memphis and Arkansas Bridge is not built to withstand earthquakes, and I wouldn’t put house money on the “new bridge” surviving one either. If we’re being candid, Memphis is one earthquake away from being without a Mississippi River crossing, which would absolutely decimate the city’s economy by diverting 100,000 vehicles a day to other bridges north or south of here. For comparison’s sake, the city of St. Louis, also on the Mississippi River, has 11 bridges.

But Memphis got some good news last week. It was overshadowed by another minor news event involving a presidential candidate’s ear, but, hey, we’re getting a new bridge! A $393.7 million federal grant for a replacement span over the big river was announced for the states of Tennessee and Arkansas. The new “new bridge” will replace the old “old bridge,” and will be designed to meet current seismic standards.

The news was greeted with great rejoicing by GOP Governor Bill Lee: “This unprecedented investment in Memphis marks the single-largest transportation investment in Tennessee state history and will be transformative for our infrastructure.” It goes without saying that almost all Republicans, including Tennessee’s congressional delegation, voted against the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which is funding the construction. Memphis Congressman Steve Cohen was the only Tennessee representative to vote for the act. It will take a few years for Memphis’ newest bridge to be completed, but at least we’re making progress.

Our river was in the news for other reasons last week, as well. Mississippi River cruises, long a financial boon for Memphis and other river cities, have taken a major hit due to drastic river-flow fluctuations caused by climate change. Flooding and drought have led to the cancellation of millions of dollars worth of cruises, according to a New York Times article:

“While operators are building new ships, and towns and cities are investing in infrastructure to welcome boat traffic, cruises on the Mississippi face mounting challenges from an increasing number of droughts and floods. … Memphis made its $40 million Beale Street Landing the centerpiece of a larger redevelopment of parks and trails snaking along six miles of Mississippi shoreline. Last year, more than half of the 128 scheduled cruise ship landings there were canceled, mostly because of low water levels that made it impossible for the boats to reach the dock.”

Forest and wetland destruction, new dams, and dredging have exacerbated the Mississippi’s natural flow fluctuations. And climate change has caused even more dramatic shifts in water levels. It was only two Octobers ago that you could basically walk across the Mississippi at Memphis. River traffic was down to one lane, with barges stacked up single file for miles and miles, awaiting their turn. And it was only last month that the Mississippi River at St. Paul had the eighth-highest crest ever recorded.

No one knows what the future holds, a situation for which the novelist Norman Maclean had wise words: “Eventually, all things merge into one, and a river runs through it. The river was cut by the world’s great flood and runs over rocks from the basement of time. On some of those rocks are timeless raindrops. Under the rocks are the words, and some of the words are theirs. I am haunted by waters.” 

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Flood Waters, Beryl Elevate Mississippi River Levels

Levee Trail by the Mississippi River (Credit: Big River Park).

A glug of flood water was predicted to elevate Mississippi River levels here over the next two or three days, though officials said that some of the excess water was good news for the region. 

Last week, mayors with the Mississippi River Towns and Cities Initiative (MRCTI) explained how seasonal flooding and rains from Hurricane Beryl affected their areas. La Crosse, Wisconsin, for example “pushed right up to major flooding” before waters receded. However, Hastings, Minnesota saw the river crest at more than 19 feet at the beginning of the month, only about five feet below the city’s record, according to the Hastings Journal. But it wasn’t all bad news.

“In some ways, the rain, the precipitation, is welcome,” said La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds. “We just pulled out of a 60-month drought that cost our nation $26 billion. And for the first time since 2022, there is no drought along the Mississippi River corridor.

“June brought record heat and well-below-normal precipitation. July reversed that trend and gave us a recharge and then some. The third thing is this new water has — in some ways — secured our Louisiana cities from additional saltwater intrusion for at least several months.”

Grafton, Illinois, Mayor Michael Morrow. Credit: MRCTI

Grafton, Illinois, Mayor Michael Morrow appeared live at the MRCTI news conference last week with the Mississippi River behind him, encroaching on a city street. At 23.5 feet, the flood level was below the record 31 feet set in 1931, he said. So, “Grafton is open,” Morrow said.

“We like to say that because we don’t have levees, we are right on the river,” Morrow said. “Our tourists, they can some and put their toes in the river. We just had a group of people getting out of a car over here a minute ago. … The little kids came up and touched the river, and off they went.” 

 The coming high water expected for Memphis began as a wet pattern over Minnesota and Wisconsin in April and May, according to Anna Wolverton, a National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist who also works for the Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi Valley Division. In June, an “extreme rainfall event” poured over southern Minnesota and South Dakota, she said, and “that’s what officially kicked this flood wave off and it’s still traveling down the Big River and that was three to four weeks ago now.”

As the mayors spoke during a press event, Thursday, the crest was moving though southern Iowa and into central Illinois and northern Missouri. The “really elongated crest“ lasted a few days at each river gauge, Wolverton said.

Predicted Mississippi River levels. Credit: National Weather Service
Credit: National Weather Service

River levels at Memphis began to rise early this month, according to NWS data. On June 6th, the observed river stage was at nine feet. It continued to rise, reaching 16 feet on Thursday. Data from the United States Geological Survey’s (USGS) WaterWatch app said the river stage was at nearly 17 feet (well below the flood stage of 34 feet). The river is expected to crest at 18 feet Tuesday before falling again.

The Mississippi was 10.75 feet below normal in October 2022. (Photo: Bruce VanWyngarden)

Anyone who remembers the bone-dry moonscapes of October 2022’s record-low river levels might wonder what else we can expect this year.  Wolverton said it was nearly impossible to predict. But water levels had already begun to fall in early June last year, putting the river at least one month ahead of 2023. 

“I expect at least another month or so before we’re talking about low water again,” Wolverton said. 

“I expect at least another month or so before we’re talking about low water again.

Anna Wolverton, a National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist who also works for the Army Corps of Engineers Mississippi Valley Division

But record-warm sea surface temperatures throughout The Atlantic Basin could draw more tropical storms. Federal agencies have already predicted a higher-than-normal hurricane season. Those could bring even more water to the Mississippi River.  

So far, the Mississippi River system is prepared for excess water, according to Carl Winters, the USGS National Flood Coordinator. He said two big contributors for Mississippi River flows are waters from the Missouri River and the Ohio River. 

While flows on the Missouri River are elevated (at about 90th percentile for historic flows), they are receding. However, flows from the Ohio are low, at about the 30th percentile for known flows. The flow for the Mississippi at Memphis was at 80 percent and rising last week, Winters said. 

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Memphis Flyway To Open on the Riverfront In 2026

Photo Credit: Memphis River Parks Partnerships

A new attraction that will offer unprecedented views of the Mississippi River broke ground at the southern end of Tom Lee Park Thursday morning.

Memphis River Parks Partnership (MRPP) announced that The Memphis Flyway will open in 2026, and will be the only “ free and ADA-accessible observation deck on the Mississippi River.” The organization expects more than 1 million visitors per year.

“The Memphis Flyway will become the premier place to experience the Mississippi River along the Great River Road, which follows the Mississippi River from its source in Minnesota to its delta at the Gulf of Mexico,” MRPP said in a statement.

The Flyway was designed by Studio Gang and SCAPE, who also oversaw the renovation of Tom Lee Park. According to MRPP, the project is a ground-supported canopy boardwalk supported by three steel mast column bundles.

Credit: Memphis Riverfront Parks Parntership
Credit: Memphis riverfront Parks Parntership

“It extends along the southeast-northwest direction for a total length of approximately 218 feet,” MRPP said. “ The Memphis Flyway presents a slightly curving main span 105 feet long followed by an overlook span.”

While The Flyway presents a way to preserve history and attract tourists, it will also practice conservation.

“The Memphis Flyway will conserve the unspoiled habitat below the structure for a wide variety of species, including the at-risk Monarch butterfly and offer visitors a view of the more than 100 species of birds that fly past the Memphis riverfront each year,” the organization said.

This project is being funded by the Tennessee Heritage Conservation Trust Fund, the U.S. Economic Development Administration, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and an anonymous donor.

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I-55 Bridge to Close for Two Weeks on Sunday

Photo by Joshua J. Cotten on Unsplash

The I-55 Bridge across the Mississippi River will close for two weeks or more starting Sunday. 

The Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) said during that time contract crews “will hydro-demolition the bridge deck and provide a new polymer concrete overlay.” The overlay has strict temperature restrictions. So, all work is weather-dependent. 

The closure is the first of two allowed in the bridge contract. 

Here are details for local travelers: 

• Sunday, June 9, 8:00 pm through Sunday, June 23, 8:00 pm

• I-55 southbound will be closed at Bridgeport Road in Arkansas

• I-55 northbound will be closed at South Parkway. 

• Local traffic will be allowed to continue to the McLemore exit

• I-55 southbound ramp will be closed

• Crump Boulevard westbound will be closed

• A detour will be posted

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American Queen Voyages To Close Citing Post-Pandemic Financial Problems

Photo Credit: American Queen Voyages via Facebook

American Queen Voyages (AQV) announced the closure of the company, citing the inability to return to pre-COVID operations as the cause of significant monetary problems.

“Despite our best efforts, demand for overnight cruises has not recovered following the pandemic, and AQV has become financially unsustainable,” AQV said in a statement.

AQV’s seven-ship fleet set sail in 2011. According to Cruise Industry News, the American Queen, the first boat the company obtained, was considered to be the largest river steamboat ever built, with a capacity of 436 guests. This boat was primarily used for cruising along the Mississippi River.

“We are deeply proud of our crew and the outstanding travel experiences and service we have provided to our guests,” the company said in a statement. As we reflect on the journey we have shared over the years, we are filled with gratitude for the privilege of serving our guests, partners, and agents and for being part of our incredible local communities.”

The Mayors of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI) issued a statement following the announcement noting the significant economic opportunity on the Mississippi River “generating over $37.4 billion in annual revenue supporting over 517,000 jobs.”

The river cruise industry along the Mississippi has dominated the market share of the U.S. river cruising economy. According to Grand View Research, the river cruising industry is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 20.8 percent from 2023 to 2030,” MRCTI said.

While AQV said demand for overnight cruises has not recovered since the pandemic, MRCTI cites AAA travel data saying domestic river cruise bookings for 2022 surpassed pre-pandemic levels by 25 percent.

“We see an overall river cruising industry with significant opportunities and growth potential into the rest of this decade and beyond,” MRCTI said. “In some of our cities, the burgeoning river cruise industry and all the third-party services it supports can account for over 40 percent of that city’s economy and we only see demand increasing.”

MRCTI anticipates a number of cruise companies to take advantage of AQV’s closing, however they added “acquisition of assets and reorganization remain as possibilities.”

As a result of the closure, all cruises have been canceled, and customers may apply for a refund through their website.

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State Removes Some Mississippi River Fish from “Do Not Consume” List

Photo by Emily Finch on Unsplash

Some carp caught in the Mississippi River are back on the menu. 

Last week, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) lifted a “do not consume” advisory for silver carp and big head carp caught in the river. However, the advisory remains in effect for all other fish species in the river near Memphis. 

The move was based on fish tissue samples collected last year and from historical data collected from 2005. The data show the carp are below Tennessee’s trigger point for all contaminants of concern. 

 “We provide these advisories so the community can make informed decisions about whether or not to consume fish where water contact hazards exist,” said TDEC Deputy Commissioner Greg Young. “Data studied from the collection in the Mississippi River have allowed TDEC to lift the previous advisory on the two species, and we are pleased to make this change. But we reiterate that the status for all other species has not changed.”

The blanket “do not consume” advisory was issued for all fish in the river in Shelby County in 1982 due to elevated levels of chlordane. The list was expanded in 1993 to include PCBs, endrin, dieldrin, and dioxin. Fish tested for these included sturgeon, buffalo common carp, catfish, carpsucker, sauger, bass, and crappie.