December 2024: 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.
Continue reading for December St. Louis River Area of Concern project updates.
Photo: new opening through the pedestrian trail and the connecting bridge, provided by MNDNR
Perch Lake
The Waabizeshikana Trail bridge has been installed at Perch Lake! With this, the enhanced connection between Perch Lake and the St. Louis River is complete. Please be aware that construction activity will continue until de-mobilization and final grading is complete.
For more information on this project, click here.
Photo: cover of 2024 Remedial Action Plan
2024 Remedial Action Plan (RAP)
Provide input on the SLRAOC draft 2024 RAP, to be posted on WDNR’s website by 12/2, with directions for commenting.
This document provides progress from 10/1/23 to 9/30/24 and program updates. Request a “redline” version from matthew.steiger@wisconsin.gov or send him comments by noon 12/16/24.
To review the Remedial Action Plan, click here.
