The Mississippi River Basin holds significant importance in underpinning the ecological, economic, and social frameworks of the United States. Yet, its effective management has grown increasingly complex due to multifaceted challenges. This presentation examines the historical evolution of watershed management practices for the Mississippi River, encompassing aspects such as navigation, flood control, sediment management, water supply, and pollution reduction. It then delves into the contemporary challenges that impinge upon the river basin's resilience, sustainability, and equitable distribution of resources, subsequently outlining a prospective vision for its future. To actualize this vision, an array of strategic interventions is suggested. These include the adoption of integrated water resources management, the utilization of information technology, the synergy of green, grey, and blue infrastructure measures, and proactive preparation for extreme weather events. Furthermore, the presentation addresses social equity considerations, acknowledges the nexus of water, energy, and food systems, investigates the river's potential as a carbon sequestration reservoir, and explores relevant geoengineering solutions. The presentation concludes by pinpointing key areas for future research and offering recommendations to enhance the Mississippi River Basin's resilience, sustainability, and equity.
