Upper Mississippi River Basin

The rivers of the Upper Mississippi River basin extend from wooded forests and end downstream in heavily agriculture lands. The northernmost river is the Chippewa River, where forests are abundant in the upper reaches, then continues down to the Driftless Area, an area that glaciers never touched. The Root River lies entirely within the Driftless Area and is known for recreational opportunities (e.g., fishing, camping). The Wapsipinicon River is surrounded by agriculture, but continuous riparian forests are enjoyed along the river. The Des Moines-Skunk rivers have both been subjected to bank stabilization, impoundment, and agricultural runoff. The Rock River basin is recognized as a river with great diversity and supports kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and fishing. The Sangamon River flows through the agricultural region of central Illinois, with agricultural development creating a heavy toll. Over half of the Meramec River basin is forests, and springs are common. Canoeing, boating, fishing, and swimming are popular activities. The Kaskaskia River begins as a ditch in agricultural lands. Long tracts of forests and bottomlands are found farther downstream.