The Mississippi River, originating in Minnesota and running for more than 2,000 miles, is the second-longest in the U.S., flowing from the headwaters of Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. As the river reaches its southernmost point in the state of Mississippi, it passes through multiple river communities, as well as state and federal protected lands in ten U.S. states. Travellers along the Mississippi will experience its unique landscape, as well as the diversity of its peoples and culture.
The southern route of the Mississippi River in Minnesota runs through three counties, beginning at the headwaters of Lake Itasca. From there the river flows south through the cities of Sherburn, Fairmont and Albert Lea, then through both Mounds View and St. Paul. As it approaches the border of Minnesota with Wisconsin, the Mississippi River changes its name from the Mississippi River to the St. Croix River.
This full stretch of river is 136 miles long and flows for about 20 miles along the Minnesota-Wisconsin border before crossing into Wisconsin, where it continues its journey southwards. The St. Croix River marks the end of the Mississippi River’s wanderings through Minnesota and the beginning of its journey through Wisconsin.
The St. Croix is actually the longest of the rivers that feed into the Mississippi, beginning in the former glacial lake, Glacial Lake Duluth. It eventually flows into the Mississippi at Prescott, Wisconsin, and marks the boundary between Minnesota and Wisconsin, thus giving the river its name. The St. Croix is also considered an important part of the Mississippi River National Wildlife Refuge and National Scenic Riverway.
The importance of the St. Croix River is quite clear, as it serves two main purposes. Firstly, it acts as a natural resource, providing clean and abundant drinking water to both states, as well as offering recreational opportunities such as boating and fishing. Secondly, it provides an attractive habitat for wildlife such as fish, mammals, waterfowl, and migratory bird species.
Additionally, the St. Croix has been designated for its cultural and historical significance, and is home to several historical sites and civilizations. The first inhabitation of the area dates back to around 8,000 BC, and the most prominent example is the Anishinaabeg, who have lived in the area for centuries. The Anishinaabeg have preserved the area for generations, and are still actively involved in its protection and preservation.
The St. Croix is not just an important part of the Mississippi River system; its importance also stretches beyond the two states it borders. In fact, it is also a vital part of the United States’ water supply and system of waterways. The St. Croix is home to multiple dams, which act as a vital resource for the generation of electricity. The river is also home to multiple locks, which help ease shipping of goods and services along the river.
Significance of the St. Croix River
The St. Croix River is of tremendous importance, both to the residents of Minnesota and Wisconsin and to the United States as a whole. Economically, the river provides a valuable source of energy in the form of hydroelectric power from its many dams, as well as infrastructure for industries like shipping and manufacturing. The river also serves as a key source of drinking water for Minnesota and Wisconsin, and it provides recreation for birdwatchers, fishermen, boaters, and many others.
Culturally, the St. Croix River holds special significance as the oldest continuously inhabited area in the United States. It is home to the Anishinaabeg people, who have lived in the area for centuries. These people have preserved the area for generations, and are still actively involved in its protection and preservation. This cultural relationship is an essential part of Minnesota’s identity.
Presidential Designations for Protection
The protection of the St. Croix River has long been a priority for both Minnesota and Wisconsin. It has received a number of presidential designations over the years, most notably the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968, which designated the St. Croix and its tributaries as part of the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. This designation ensures that the river and its ecosystems will be maintained in their natural state, while also providing opportunities for recreational use.
The most recent presidential designation was the St. Croix National Park, established in 2008. This designation includes sections of the Mississippi, St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers, as well as an area of Lake St. Croix that flows into the St. Croix River. The park provides recreational opportunities such as hiking and canoeing, as well as protection of the rivers’ natural ecosystem.
The Mississippi River and its many tributaries, including the St. Croix, are essential to the economic, recreational, and cultural identities of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The St. Croix’s importance is highlighted by the many presidential designations it has received in recent years, protecting it from development and providing recreational opportunities and a safe source of water.
Environmental Impact of the St. Croix River
The importance of the St. Croix River stretches beyond just providing valuable economic and recreational opportunities; it is also a key factor in maintaining the health of the surrounding environment. The river serves as an important habitat for numerous species of birds, mammals, fish, and other wildlife. It also helps to keep the local watersheds, or areas near the river, healthy.
The St. Croix is also a major source of water for many residents of the two states, providing drinking water, irrigation and hydropower. As such, it is essential to keep the water clean and safe in order to protect both the wildlife and the people. Unfortunately, the river and its surroundings are not always given the protection they need; certain industries, such as agriculture and manufacturing, can have a negative impact on the water quality and wildlife.
The St. Croix River is home to numerous species, and their health is indicative of the overall health of the river. Pollutants from industry and land runoff can have a negative effect on the biodiversity of the river, and ongoing efforts to improve and protect the water quality of the St. Croix are essential for protecting the environment.
Legislation Affecting the St. Croix River
At both the state and federal levels, there is significant legislation in place that serves to protect and preserve the St. Croix River. At the federal level, the St. Croix is designated as part of the National Wild and Scenic River System, meaning that any developments near the river must adhere to the Wild and Scenic River Act in order to minimize any potential negative impacts on the river system.
Additionally, several states, including Minnesota and Wisconsin, have passed legislation in order to protect and preserve the St. Croix River. In Minnesota, the Minnesota Environmental Protection Act of 1975, commonly known as the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment, ensures that state funds are used to protect and improve the waters of the state, including the St. Croix River.
In Wisconsin, the Waters of Wisconsin Legacy Program was established in 2003 in order to raise awareness of and improve the health of the state’s waters. The program’s goals include reducing pollution, increasing access to recreational opportunities, and preserving nationally-significant resources such as the St. Croix River.
Policies & Operations for the St. Croix River
Various governmental agencies, private groups, and non-profit organizations have implemented a number of policies and operations concerning the St. Croix River in an effort to protect and preserve the river. These policies and operations are aimed at reducing pollutants and protecting the river’s ecosystem and resources, as well as engaging citizens in the stewardship of the river.
The National Park Service has established the St. Croix River Education and Research Consortium in order to coordinate research projects and public engagement activities concerning the river. The Consortium partners with a number of organizations to carry out its mission, including universities and non-profits. This research helps to provide a better understanding of the river and the issues facing it, and the activities supported by the Consortium help raise awareness of the St. Croix and the need to protect and preserve it.
Additionally, the National Park Service has created the St. Croix River Stewardship Program, which is a partnership between local governments, businesses, and citizens to foster an environment of responsible stewardship of the St. Croix River. The program is focused on educating the public about the importance of the river, as well as identifying and addressing any threats to its health.
The St. Croix River is an essential part of both Minnesota and Wisconsin, and its protection and preservation is essential to maintain its health and the health of the surrounding areas. The river has a number of designated programs in place to help support this goal, from governmental regulations to public engagement activities.
