University of Wisconsin - Extension

Contact Patrick Robinson, 920-465-2175, patrick.robinson@ces.uwex.edu

Superior, Wis.—At the headwaters of the Great Lakes, above the twin ports of Duluth and Superior, the St. Louis River runs into Lake Superior. Near the end of its 179-mile journey, the river spreads into a massive 12,000-acre freshwater estuary that is unique in the world.

Freshwater estuaries occur where rivers and Great Lakes water mix in shallow wetlands located near the mouth of the river. Home to more than 45 types of native fish, 230 bird species, old-growth forests, sandy beaches, wetlands and wildlife, the St. Louis River freshwater estuary also offers excellent recreational opportunities such as hiking, paddling, fishing, bird watching, swimming and boating.

Fortunately for Wisconsin residents, the state has taken a big step towards adopting a plan to safeguard this resource for generations to come.

The St. Louis River freshwater estuary was recently nominated by Governor Jim Doyle as the nation’s 28th National Estuarine Research Reserve, culminating several years of work by local communities, the University of Wisconsin-Extension, UW-Superior, the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and others. It sets the stage for the federal government to make a significant financial contribution to a research and interpretive facility on the estuary.

“This is exciting because the funding that comes from this will be used for research and education on issues that are relevant to local communities,” says Patrick Robinson, environmental restoration specialist for UW-Extension.

UW-Extension is part of a state multiagency partnership that is leading the estuary reserve effort that includes the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and UW-Superior.

Extension helped engage local citizens and ensure public input in the estuary reserve site selection and nominating process, which included scientists, natural resource professionals, mayors, local conservation organizations, area residents and county board members.

Robinson, along with UW-Extension colleagues Cathy Techtmann and Becky Sapper of the Great Lakes Northern Visitor Center, facilitated the 18-month site selection process. Techtmann and Sapper have provided years of local outreach and support for the estuarine reserve project.

“Our local Extension staff, in collaboration with many partners, did a tremendous amount of groundwork over an eight-year period that laid the critical foundation for this to happen. Their work locally is another great example of what makes Extension programming so effective and relevant for Wisconsin’s communities,” Robinson says.

Estuaries are often the sites of harbors and thriving coastal communities. In fact, the port of Duluth-Superior is one of the largest inland seaports in the world. “Communities were often built in these areas since they were the sites of ports and mills,” says Robinson.

Like other estuaries, the St. Louis River faces challenges from pollution and development, as well as invasive plants and animals. But as the site of a future national reserve, there will be additional resources for research and education related to those challenges .

“We’re seeing lots of headlines about beach closings, invasive aquatic species, loss of habitat and other problems,” explains Robinson. “This is a great chance for Wisconsin communities to access information and resources that can help to further address important coastal issues.”

Established by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, the reserve system is a partnership program between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and coastal states. NOAA provides funding, national guidance and technical assistance. Each reserve is managed by a lead state agency or university, with input from local partners. Currently, there are 27 federal estuary research reserves. Only one other is located in the Great Lakes on Lake Erie.

“This nomination is quite an achievement for local coastal communities and we are excited to be part of this effort with them,” says Robin Shepard, interim vice chancellor and provost for UW-Extension, “and it reflects the strong nature of water outreach education that Extension has offered over the years.”