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High Water
Sections of the lower St. Croix River are running higher than normal for this time of year. Be prepared and cautious if venturing out on the river, and watch for debris and other obstacles in the water.
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Wells Closed
Beginning in 2013, water will no longer be available at McDowell Bridge Landing, Riverside Landing, and the Marshland District Office on Highway 70. Please plan accordingly and bring an adequate supply of water.
Junior Ranger Contest
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Contact: Julie Galonska, 715-483-2270 Contact: Jean Van Tatenhove, 320-629-2148
National Junior Ranger Essay Contest Announced Winner to Receive Family Vacation and Other Prizes
The National Park Service is pleased to announce that the winner of the 2008 Junior Ranger essay contest will receive an all expense paid family vacation to one of the country’s most remarkable national parks and a starring role in an electronic field trip seen by millions of school children across the country.
The essay contest is open to children between 9 and 12 years old. Each person must express his or her thoughts on “What can you do now to turn over a new leaf for the environment and help preserve our national parks?”
National Park Service Director Mary A. Bomar, First Lady Laura Bush, and National Park Foundation President and CEO Vin Cipolla announced the details of this year’s contest during a recent visit to Everglades National Park in Florida. A group of local 5th graders joined them to help plant native trees in a park restoration project prior to the announcement. “Children throughout the country, like those here today, are more interested and involved in environmental issues than ever before,” said Bomar. “They can make a difference, both now and in the future, on the impact of humans on the land. I can’t wait to hear all of the wonderful ideas that will come from this essay contest.”
The grand prize winner of the essay contest will receive a trip for four to Everglades National Park where he or she will appear in an electronic field trip about invasive species in national parks. The prize includes round trip air transportation, car rental, hotel accommodations, meal expenses, a $1,000 Macy’s shopping spree, and an America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands Pass.
Essays must be 500 words or less and received on-line or by mail by March 14, 2008. Each entry will be judged on originality, clarity, and understanding of the issue. Submission guidelines for the 2008 Junior Ranger Essay, can be found on the National Park Foundation website at: http://www.nationalparks.org/get-involved/essay-contest/ Additional contest and Junior Ranger information is available at www.nps.gov.
National Park Service Junior Ranger programs are designed to provide youth with the opportunity to explore, learn about, and protect national parks. Participants complete a series of activities during their park visit, share their answers with a park ranger, and receive an official Junior Ranger badge or patch and Junior Ranger certificate.
Locally, the Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway, a unit of the National Park System, will premier its Junior Ranger program in April 2008. National Junior Ranger Day will be celebrated on Saturday, April 26, at the Saint Croix River Visitor Center in Saint Croix Falls, WI, and the Namekagon River Visitor Center in Trego, WI. Additional information will be forthcoming. |
Did You Know?
Water boatmen have no gills but rather trap air with the hairs on their legs and the air bubble encircles their bodies, making them appear shiny. Their front legs are short, their middle legs are long and slender and their back legs are shaped like paddles fringed with hair.