Survey results specifics

Original 26 statements for significance survey

"What is significant about the Mississippi River?"

The Mississippi is a world-class resource by virtue of the size of its watershed, historical significance, folk lore and world-wide recognition.
River users and visitors come from around the world to experience the Mississippi.
The river corridor is part of a much larger, globally important watershed that is the third largest in the world.

The opportunity to experience quiet and peaceful surroundings exists on the river.
Stretches of the river are high in scenic quality, which can be attributed to:
1. River bluffs and high banks
2. Undeveloped shorelines
3. Streams and creeks running into the river
4. Natural vegetation along the banks such as prairie remnants, wildflowers, large trees
5. Rural character and appearance
6. Relatively few houses visible
Changes in the river from wide to narrow; from still waters to rushing rapids; from high to low river flows; from rural to urban land use; from open farmland to forested, make the river corridor unique and interesting.
The islands are unique features of the river (e.g., Beaver Islands) and greatly add to the aesthetic and scenic quality of the river in a positive way.

The river is clean, the water quality is good; the river is relatively unpolluted.

The river corridor is very important for wildlife habitat and allows for wildlife movement.
Wildlife observation and the ability to see a variety of wildlife is a significant part of the river corridor experience.
Observing bald eagles in the river corridor is a very important part of the river wildlife observation experience.
The river corridor is an important flyway for migrating waterfowl, such as ducks, geese and migratory song-birds as well as allowing for the movement of other animals such as deer, turkey, fox, etc.
The NSP power plant at Monticello cooling water discharge provides open water in the winter months allowing waterfowl such as eagles, ducks and geese to remain in the area throughout the winter.

Some of the best fishing opportunities in the region exists on the river.
The river habitat for smallmouth bass is one of the best in the U.S., providing for a very healthy smallmouth bass population and great opportunities for fishing success.
There are a great variety of fish in the river which enhances the river fishing experience.

Canoeing, kayaking and the use of small motorboats are very important boating activities on the river.
The river is accessible through a variety of means such as boat launches, trails and roads.
The total number of watercraft on the river at any one time is minimal and large power boats are not used.
Opportunities for peaceful, quiet and relaxing boating, canoeing, kayaking or tubing experiences are a unique aspect of the river.

Unique and scenic settings for parks, trails and public open spaces exist in the river corridor; the river enhances the recreational experiences available.

The river corridor has had a significant impact on the culture and history of the region; many cultural and historic sites exist.

Homesites, which can be and are developed in a variety of settings from urban to rural, are unique and valuable due to the river corridor landscape.
Relatively few bridges and other river crossings exist in the river corridor which helps maintain a natural river character.
People caring for their homes and property are an important part of the river corridor landscape.
Large tracts of land in public and private corporate ownership that remain undeveloped are positive additions to maintaining a natural river character.