December 2023: St. Louis River Area of Concern Updates
The St. Louis River (SLR) was designated as one of the 31 Areas of Concern (AOC) on the Great Lakes. It was designated as an AOC under the U.S. – Canada Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement in 1987 because of significant impacts that occurred before modern environmental laws were in place. Following the SLRAOC Remedial Action Plan, state and federal agencies have been implementing management actions to address the legacy impairments. If you look, you can now see the work in progress throughout the SLRAOC: contractors are busy each construction season, plant and animal populations are rebounding, water is cleaner, and lost habitat is being restored.
Here are some current project updates, continue reading for further details:
Wild Rice Restoration: Continued progress has been made towards wild rice restoration in the St. Louis River Estuary. The amount of wild rice is expanding in Allouez Bay and upstream sites near Boy Scout Landing. Over 12,500 lbs of manoomin was seeded on 61 acres in 2023, thanks to many partners. More information HERE.
Manoomin Camp: The 1854 Treaty Authority hosted educators, professionals and youth to celebrate the return of Manoomin. Over 500 students, including 17 different schools attended the first Manoomin camp on the shores of the river in decades. More information HERE.
Snively Creek: 5,500 cubic yards of contaminated soil was removed and the area was backfilled with clean soil. Temporary erosion control work will be completed in early December. Site restoration continues into Spring of 2024, with more information below.
Munger Landing: Clean sand was placed over dredged areas, along with biomedium in sensitive habitats. Restoring the boat launch and upland areas is underway, while vegetation planting and final site restoration are coming in Spring of 2024. For everyone’s safety, please stay away from the construction areas.
Wild Rice Restoration
Manoomin growing within the St. Louis River Estuary. Photo Credit: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Wild rice restoration continues to make good progress in the St. Louis River Estuary with the amount of rice expanding in Allouez Bay and upstream sites near Boy Scout Landing. Over 12,500 lbs of rice was seeded on 61 acres in 2023. Thanks to many partners who continue to support this important effort!
Manoomin Camp
Wild Rice Camp hosted by the 1854 Treaty. Photo Credit: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
The 1854 Treaty Authority hosted educators, professionals and youth to celebrate the return of Manoomin. Over 500 students, including 17 different schools attended the first Manoomin camp on the shores of the river in decades. Thank you for your shared knowledge and passion to help inspire the next generation of stewards!
Snively Creek
Photo showing the backfilling process at Snively Creek. Photo Credit: Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
5,500 cubic yards of contaminated soil was removed, and the area was backfilled with clean soil. Temporary erosion control work will be completed in early December. Spring 2024 site restoration includes: planting trees, shrubs, installing monitoring wells, and restoring the stream channel.
Munger Landing
Newly constructed paddle sport landing. Photo credit: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Clean sand was placed over the dredged areas at Munger Landing, along with biomedium in sensitive habitats. Restoring the boat launch and upland areas is underway, with in-water work completed. Vegetation planting and final site restoration is coming in the Spring of 2024. For everyone’s safety, please stay away from the construction areas!
