News Release

National Park Service to Conduct Brush Removal, November 1 - 18, 2022 -- EXTENDED through November 23, 2022

St. Croix River, Grantsburg to St. Croix Falls, WI

NPS

News Release Date: October 18, 2022

Contact: Caitlin Nagorka, 715-501-0011

ST. CROIX FALLS, Wisconsin: St. Croix National Scenic Riverway plans to conduct understory brush removal in the Riverway corridor along the St. Croix River in Polk County, Wisconsin from approximately November 1 –18, 2022 depending on weather and site conditions. The National Park Service (NPS) is conducting mechanical brush removal as part of an effort to improve prairie, savanna, and mixed forest habitat.

The areas where brush removal is to occur:

• Sterling Barrens; located in Sterling Township in Polk County, 10 miles west of Cushing, Wisconsin. This work site is located east of Sunrise Ferry Landing.

• Sunrise Campground; located in Sterling Township in Polk County, 10 miles west of Cushing, Wisconsin. This work site is located west of Sunrise Ferry Landing.

The NPS has developed detailed plans for brush removal and work will be carried out by contracted personnel. Work will be restricted to times when the ground is dry and/or frozen. Work will be rescheduled if conditions are not favorable within the planned timeframe. The project area, including the Sunrise Campground, will be closed to the public while work is actively occurring. Operations are not expected to impact use of Sunrise Ferry Landing.

For additional information, contact the St. Croix River Visitor Center in St. Croix Falls, Wisconsin, at 715-483-2274.  Updates regarding brush removal work will be posted to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway website and Facebook page when exact days are determined.


Update: November 18, 2022:

The brush removal project was scheduled to take place from November 1, 2022 to November 18, 2022. Due to delays from inclement weather, operations need to extend past November 18, 2022 to complete the project. Project is anticipated to be completed by Wednesday, November 23.

·         The Sterling Barrens project site will remain closed for the duration of the project. The Sunrise project site has reopened to the public. 

·         Wisconsin’s firearms deer hunting season starts Saturday, November 19. No work will occur on site from sunrise to sunset on November 19 or November 20 to avoid disturbance during hunting hours. Day time work hours will resume on Monday, November 21.

·         Once project work at Sterling Barrens is complete the closure signs will be removed, and the project area will re-open to the public.