At the headwaters of Lake Superior lies the Nation’s largest freshwater estuary. Flowing between Minnesota and Wisconsin, the St Louis River Estuary has a rich history. Unfortunately, Due to unregulated industrial dumping, the St. Louis River was one of the most polluted waterways in the United States. Though after decades of work the River is slowly returning to health. The St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail project is a direct result of a cleaner river. The National Water Trail is a multi-use waterway enabling the public to experience the St. Louis River Estuary amidst the urban landscape of the Twin Ports. The Water Trail includes 11 loop trails for paddlers of all skill levels and abilities and is intended for various watercraft use. By providing access to wild space in an urban area, the Water trail enables more people an opportunity to build their own memories and relationships to the St. Louis River. As proud managers of the National Water Trail, the St. Louis River Alliance is leading a working group of representatives from MN and WI to ensure its success. The St. Louis River Alliance is a membership organization of river stewards working together to restore, protect and enhance the St. Louis River. Support the Water Trail by becoming a member today! About the Alliance: www.StLouisRiver.org Become a Member: www.StLouisRiver.org/Become-A-Member About the St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail: www.stlouisriver.org/national-water-trail Follow on Facebook: www.facebook.com/StLouisRA/

Before modern environmental laws were passed, many waterways were polluted causing significant damage to delicate ecosystems. As a result, the United States Environmental Protection Agency designated the St. Louis River as one of 43 Areas of Concern around the Great Lakes. This designation prompted a plan of action. The St. Louis River Alliance, originally established as the Citizens Action Committee, was formed to help propel the Area of Concern Process, providing the opportunity for community input and involvement. For decades the Alliance has been working with state, tribal, and federal agencies to complete the projects outlined in the Remedial Action Plan in order to delist the St. Louis River as an Area of Concern by 2025. The engagement of the community has been an integral component in guiding the Area of Concern Process. The Alliance has worked hard to connect the public to this process by holding events, providing volunteer opportunities and advocating for federal funds. In 2016 and 2017, the Alliance rallied the community to help secure funds through a Minnesota bonding bill, triggering further federal funding, in total, 73 million dollars. The funds are being used by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency to remediate contaminated sediments at 9 sites in the estuary. As a result of these efforts the water quality is improving, lost habitat is being restored, and plant and animal populations are rebounding. The restoration of this unique place that we call home is a success story of people coming together and working towards a cleaner environment for future generations. We welcome you to take part in this important work by becoming a member today. About the Alliance: www.StLouisRiver.org Become a Member: www.StLouisRiver.org/Become-A-Member About the St. Louis River Area of Concern: https://www.stlouisriver.org/area-of-concern Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StLouisRA/