Mississippi River - WDNR

As the mighty Mississippi River winds its way along 230 miles of the western border of Wisconsin, it passes through the heart of majestic bluff country. Towering bluffs overlook the river's many side channels, marshes, wooded islands and bottomland forests, which provide a home for a wide variety of fish and wildlife.

Discover Wisconsin's West Coast! The upper Mississippi River is treasured for its seemingly endless recreation opportunities and yet it also serves as a major commercial shipping corridor.

This complex and busy river faces many competing demands for its resources in addition to threats from habitat loss, sedimentation, and invasive exotic species. The challenge is how to satisfy people's needs without destroying the abundant natural resources that make the Mississippi River so attractive.

On these web pages you can:

• Find more information about the Mississippi River including fast facts about the natural resources and the Upper Mississippi River Navigation System with navigation pools, locks and dams, and rich history.
• Learn how the WI DNR - Mississippi River Team works with partners to manage, monitor and protect the the natural resources of the Mississippi River including water quality, fisheries, wildlife, freshwater mussels, forestry, and endangered resources.
• Investigate threats to the river including invasive exotic species, habitat loss, sedimentation and water quality issues.
• Find out what is being done to restore Mississippi River fish and wildlfe habitat.
• Explore endless possibilities for recreation when you visit the Mississippi River or explore opportunities to fish, or hunt on the Mississippi River.
• Find Mississippi River monitoring results for water quality, fisheries, and aquatic plants, on the Wisconsin DNR Mississippi River Monitoring Station web site [exit DNR] developed in cooperation with the USGS Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center. This field station is located in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

Mississippi River Team Organization and Contact Information

WI DNR Mississippi River Team and Contacts

Mississippi Photos

Thumbnails link to larger images.