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Saint Croix National Scenic Riverwaymisty morning on St. Croix where it is a wide river
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Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway
Water Quality

The St. Croix River is known as one of the cleanest rivers in the Midwest. Yet all is not well, even with the St. Croix. In 2006 Wisconsin and Minnesota signed an agreement to work toward a 20% reduction in phosphorus loading in the St. Croix River Basin. This will help restore the St. Croix to a level closer to what existed in the 1940's. more...

A Habitat Classification Report looks at the rivers and divides them into segments.  This may help you better understand the rivers in regard to water quality.  more...  This document also has appendices.

 

The St. Croix's water quality is a major factor in the St. Croix having a mostly intact mussel population. This includes 40 species, two of which are on the endangered species list. Learn more about mussels.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency maintains web sites with information pertaining to the St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers.

Information and resources highlighting the Namekagon Watershed.
Information and resources highlighting the Upper St. Croix Watershed.
Information and resources highlighting the Lower St. Croix Watershed.

Black and White photo of the St. Croix river clogged with logs  

Did You Know?
Between 1850 and 1889 log jams occurred at angle rock on the St. Croix River between Minnesota and Wisconsin, where the river bends within a rocky gorge. In 1886 over 150 million board feet of logs jammed creating a tourist attraction. Today St. Croix NSR attracts tourists for its scenic beauty.

Last Updated: June 04, 2009 at 13:52 EST