Overview of Aquatic Vegetation Community Types of the Mississippi River
Aquatic vegetation provides numerous ecosystem services, including food for wildlife, water clarification, fisheries habitat, and natural beauty. This project evaluated the vegetation community types in the Mississippi River. By comparing vegetation abundance data to environmental factors, scientists were able to predict the type of vegetation that might be expected in segments of the river system. These predictions will benefit restoration efforts in stretches of river where those vegetation types are scarce.
Monitoring of plants and other ecological variables on the Mississippi River has been conducted for over 25 years. There are 5 main community types: American Lotus dominant, submersed (underwater) plants, diverse plots, Arrowhead dominance, and Water Celery dominant.
This study provides information for managers to make river management decisions. For example, the Diverse plant community is generally found in locations with excellent water quality because the plants are sensitive to pollutants; therefore, managing for a diverse community would require a focus on improving water quality. Two plant community types, Diverse plots and Water Celery dominant, are important on the Upper Mississippi River because diverse communities support healthy ecosystems, and because water celery is a key food source for ducks such as Canvasbacks. This project is ongoing in collaboration with the Minnesota and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Aquatic vegetation provides numerous ecosystem services, including food for wildlife, water clarification, fisheries habitat, and natural beauty. This project evaluated the vegetation community types in the Mississippi River. By comparing vegetation abundance data to environmental factors, scientists were able to predict the type of vegetation that might be expected in segments of the river system. These predictions will benefit restoration efforts in stretches of river where those vegetation types are scarce.
Monitoring of plants and other ecological variables on the Mississippi River has been conducted for over 25 years. There are 5 main community types: American Lotus dominant, submersed (underwater) plants, diverse plots, Arrowhead dominance, and Water Celery dominant.
This study provides information for managers to make river management decisions. For example, the Diverse plant community is generally found in locations with excellent water quality because the plants are sensitive to pollutants; therefore, managing for a diverse community would require a focus on improving water quality. Two plant community types, Diverse plots and Water Celery dominant, are important on the Upper Mississippi River because diverse communities support healthy ecosystems, and because water celery is a key food source for ducks such as Canvasbacks. This project is ongoing in collaboration with the Minnesota and Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.