May 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 May St. Louis River Area of Concern project updates.
The new boat ramp is open but awaits paving. Photo provided by Minnesota Pollution Control Agency
Munger Landing
The boat launch and parking lots will be temporarily closed from May 13th through May 23rd when crews will be onsite completing final paving and site restoration activities. The boat landing and parking lots are currently open and will remain open through opening fishing weekend.
One half of the Perch Lake culvert was installed under Highway 23 in 2023 (shown); construction of the second half will start in May. Photo provided by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Perch Lake
Habitat restoration resumes in early May. The DNR is installing a 12x16 ft culvert under Hwy 23 to reconnect the lake to the St. Louis River. Drivers can expect a temporary single lane bypass. Work is expected to last about one month.
Map of Superior Slips remediation project areas. Map provided by AECOM.
Superior Slips
This project’s sediment remediation feasibility study is open for public comment until June 7th. The presentation from the April public informational meeting is posted on the WDNR website. Visit the website to view it, get additional details, and fill out the comment form.
For more information on this project, go to: dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/GreatLakes/SuperiorSediment
Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources crew conducting a fish survey on Little Balsam Creek. Photo provided by Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.
Little Balsam Creek
A section of the Gandy Dancer Trail in Patzau, WI will be detoured from May to November to replace a culvert and install a bridge. This will remove the final fish passage barrier on Little Balsam Creek and open over 5 miles of Class 1 trout stream.
For trail and detour information, go to: douglascountywi.gov/244/Recreational-Trails
Drone image of riparian vegetation treatment at Pickle Pond. Photo provided by White Lake Dock and Dredge.
Pickle Pond
The final season of remediation and habitat restoration work at Pickle Pond will begin in May. Crews will restore upland areas and plantings through July. Stormwater infrastructure at the pond will be improved later in the summer. A portion of Marina Dr. will be closed during the work.
For more information on this project, go to: widnr.widen.net/s/htgjgfzvhx/gw_slr_picklepondrestoration
Water Safety Tips
Do you swim, paddle, hunt waterfowl, fish, sail or pleasure cruise on the St. Louis River? If you do this fact sheet will help you prepare to enjoy the river safely. Interested in more details behind the tips?
For more information on this project, go to the Wisconsin Sea Grant website: https://www.seagrant.wisc.edu/our-work/focus-areas/coastal-communities/enjoy-the-st-louis-river-estuary-safely/
Virtual Scavenger Hunt
Thank you to everyone who played along for the ‘Recreating in the St. Louis River: A Virtual Scavenger Hunt’. This was a great tool to explore the river and learn about recreational resources available to help get people on the water. 20 participants successfully completed the quiz and will receive $20 Super One gift card!
If you’re interested in playing for fun, you can take the quiz here.
