Lower Mississippi River Conservation Blueprint
Audubon's vision for healthy, resilient communities and birds
Audubon is launching a new initiative in the Lower Mississippi River region, identifying nearly 50 million acres across multiple states as the most important places for birds and people.
The Big River
As the fourth-largest river system in the world and a major North American flyway, the Mississippi River serves as a hemispheric superhighway for migrating birds, and for shipping and commerce.
The river contributes $400 billion to the U.S. economy each year and provides a home for over 12 million people within the basin.
Even Bigger Challenges
Over 350 species of birds use parts or all of the Mississippi River basin during the course of their annual life cycle, 20% of which are listed as continental or regional birds of conservation concern.
In the last century, the Lower Mississippi River valley has lost over 80% of its forested wetlands. Without these critical habitats to absorb more frequent and intense flooding driven by climate change, our communities and economy are increasingly at risk.
By 2030, river flood risk across the entire Mississippi Basin is expected to threaten $4.2 billion in GDP annually.
These threats disproportionately affect low-income communities, communities of color, and Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities.
As climate threats grow and human development continues to expand in urban and suburban areas throughout the watershed, we must reconnect the landscape and improve management on protected lands to protect both birds and people.
Audubon’s Vision
We envision a healthy and connected network of habitats throughout the lower Mississippi River region that support sustainable bird populations and strengthen the resilience of human communities against both human-made and natural threats.
Audubon created this conservation blueprint to focus on the Lower Mississippi River region, from the confluence of the Missouri River at St. Louis to the Gulf of Mexico and the related watersheds.
Audubon has a powerful network in this region, with 71,252 members and 30 chapters. For almost a century, Audubon has been active in the Lower Mississippi River region as a conservation advocate and landowner.
Interactive Map
To identify the most important areas for birds and people, Audubon created an interactive map of the habitats that 16 priority birds need with data on projected climate impacts, the locations of socially vulnerable communities, and valuable areas for carbon sequestration.
Audubon has prioritized nearly 40% of the region, from wetlands to pine woods and prairies, in need of futureproofing—areas to restore, maintain, or adapt to accommodate for climate change and other stressors.
Working with Nature
Audubon’s conservation strategy focuses on advancing nature-based solutions and partnering with communities to identify ways to enhance resilience to these climate threats and other stressors.
Strategically protecting and restoring certain habitats now will make the region more resilient and will support birds as climate change shifts their suitable range and habitats.
Audubon is building on decades of work throughout the region, from the on-the-ground science and conservation at our centers and sanctuaries, to our advocacy efforts at the state and national level on key issues like clean energy, water management, and coastal restoration.
Now with a regional lens, we are scaling up our commitment to the Lower Mississippi River to produce lasting results for birds and communities across this important part of the ecosystem.
Download the Blueprint
Audubon's full Lower Mississippi River Conservation Blueprint is available below.
