Ice Safety: A River Connection Field Event
Join the St. Louis River Alliance on Saturday February 17th, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM for a River Connection Field Event hosted at Spirit Lake Marina & RV (121 Spring St, Duluth, MN 55808).
Do you know how to check if the ice is safe for walking, skating or ice fishing? The St. Louis River Alliance, in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, will be hosting ‘Ice Safety and Snowshoe Fun: A River Connection Field Event’. During this hands-on, free event, conservation officers and ice safety experts from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will lead fun activities and ice safety lessons. A bonfire, hot chocolate, and marshmallows will keep everyone warm during this event.
In this field event you will learn how to measure ice thickness and check the quality of the ice. You’ll test essential ice safety gear that you should always have when traveling on the ice, and learn the steps of self-rescue in case you ever fall through. You will leave feeling more knowledgeable and comfortable living near or recreating on the ice. Plus, you will be sent home with an emergency whistle, ice safety wallet card, and other ice safety giveaways.
Attendees can also learn snowshoeing basics if the snow allows, and be able to warm up by the fire.
This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Attendance will be on a first come, first served basis. Please register by February 9th at 4 p.m. by clicking below.
A St. Louis River Area of Concern (AOC) Coordinator will be on site to share information on completed AOC Projects that have helped clean-up and restore this portion of the St. Louis River.
This event is made possible through the Great Lake Restoration Initiative and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. It is intended to reconnect those who have been historically cut off from the river due to a variety of circumstances. Therefore, priority is given to those living in one of the 18 communities adjacent to the St Louis River including: Carlton/Thomson, Cloquet/Scanlon, Cody, Denfeld, Fairmont, Fond du Lac Reservation, Fond du Lac Neighborhood, Gary-New Duluth, Irving, Lincoln Park, Morgan Park, Norton Park, Oneota, Riverside, Smithville, and Spirit Valley.
**If you do not reside in one of these neighborhoods, you can still register but will be added to the waitlist and notified by February 15th if space is available.**
The St. Louis River Alliance staff will make a decision on February 16th by 4 PM if there is a travel advisory, or extreme cold conditions for a back up date of Saturday February 24th, at 1:00-3:00PM. If you are registered, or on the wait list you will receive a message ONLY if this event will be postponed.
Accessibility Information:
This event is designed with access in mind, but if you have accommodation requests or considerations, please email projectleader@stlouisriver.org or call 218-733-9520 at least 10 days before the event.
The Spirit Lake Marina will have a plowed walk way into the event area, and a volunteer to assist with parking. Please carpool if you are able, as parking is limited.
Restrooms are available on site.
If you need help with transportation/getting to the event, please email projectleader@stlouisriver.org and we will help coordinate a rideshare or assist in scheduling transportation.
Registration is necessary and due by Friday, February 9th at 4:00 PM. If online registration is not accessible to you, please call 218-733-9520. If we are unavailable, leave a message with your name, age, phone number, and any accessibility considerations you require. We will call you back to confirm registration and answer any questions you may have.
