Mississippi WatershedThe Mississippi Valley Watershed contains some valuable agricultural lands, extensive wetlands and forest as well as marginal farm land on thin soil over bedrock. While farms as natural areas can be important for wildlife habitat, they are absolutely vital for healthy watersheds. Vegetative cover improves water quality and farms also play an important role in the water cycle by helping maintain adequate water quantity in our groundwater. Threats to farms from urban sprawl (being paved over) and other pressures represent a threat to the health of the watershed.

Equally important is protection of water quality from farm run-off.

Adapted from MVC: Mississippi River Water Management Plan Final Report