Worsening floods are leading to extensive tree loss and habitat changes along the upper Mississippi River.
Richard Mertens reports for Yale E360.
In short:
- Intensified flooding along the upper Mississippi is killing off significant numbers of floodplain forests, including various species such as silver maple and elm.
- The Army Corps of Engineers is working on a restoration project to combat tree loss and invasive species, aiming to enhance biodiversity and habitat for wildlife.
- While certain bird species benefit from the changes, overall forest health is declining, affecting ecological diversity and regional water management.
Key quote:
“The magnitude of this is kind of mind-blowing. You just don’t see hundreds of acres of dead trees.”
— Andy Meier, forester, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Why this matters:
The loss of floodplain forests due to climate-induced flooding is alarming because these ecosystems play a crucial role in biodiversity, flood mitigation, and climate regulation.
Be sure to read: Severe flooding increasingly cutting people off from health care.
