The Area We Protect
The St. Croix River Watershed
A Wild & Scenic River
Free-flowing character, water quality, and outstandingly remarkable values (ORV), are the characteristics or values for which the Riverway was designated and the foundation of wild and scenic river planning and management. To be eligible for addition into the wild and scenic rivers system, a river must be free-flowing and have at least one ORV. Additionally, water quality is important.
What is a watershed?
The ponds, streams, creeks, rivers and lakes in our communities are full of life, and they are all connected to each other. A watershed is an area of land where all the water that falls or flows there ends up in the same place. The St. Croix Watershed is made up of 7,800 square miles.
What is special about the St. Croix & Namekagon Rivers?
The Riverway is a high-value natural and recreational resource known for its exceptional water quality, free-flowing nature, and scenic beauty. Designated as part of the National Scenic Riverway, it offers diverse outdoor experiences from rugged paddling in the upper stretches to popular boating in the lower river along with rich ecological habitats.
What ecosystems surround the Riverway?
The St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers are among the cleanest rivers in the Midwest. Because of the health of the river, many threatened and endangered species of fish, mussels, and other wildlife thrive here.
What threats exist?
Development pressure, land use changes, increased occurrence of invasive species, and contaminates pose threats to the condition of the river.
