Wild River State Park near Almelund in Chisago County, Minnesota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
A Conservation Legacy
Photographed by McGhiever, July 21, 2023
1. A Conservation Legacy Marker
The pristine view in front of you would look much different without Walter F. Mondale's passion and tenacity. As Minnesota Attorney General, U.S. Senator, Vice President and an engaged citizen, he has spent a lifetime advocating for the protection of natural resources.
Senator Mondale's impassioned speeches to Congress illuminated the gravity of America's water quality issues and inspired lawmakers to take action. Thanks to his tireless advocacy and partnership with other conservation-minded politicians and citizens, the St. Croix River is truly wild and scenic today.
The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (1968), the Clean Water Act (1972), the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge (1976), the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (1980) and the protection of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are all on Walter Mondale's list of accomplishments. Throughout his time in government and into retirement, Walter Mondale has never stopped working to protect nature. One of this park's hiking trails was named to honor his legacy in 2019.
Mondale (left) shakes hands with President Johnson after the signing of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. MN Historical Society
"We must repay nature and our children for what we have done to this world."Walter F. Mondale, 2020
ItThe Wild and Scenic Rivers Act (October, 1968)is hereby declared to be the policy of the United States that certain selected rivers of the Nation which, with their immediate environments, possess outstandingly remarkable scenic, recreational, geologic, fish and wildlife, historic, cultural or other similar values, shall be preserved in free-flowing condition, and that they and their immediate environments shall be protected for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.
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Erected by Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1968.
Location. 45° 31.115′ N, 92° 44.051′ W. Marker is near Almelund, Minnesota, in Chisago County. It is in Wild River State Park. It can be reached from St. Croix Scenic Byway. The marker is on the rear deck of the Wild River State Park Visitor Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 37475 Park Trail, Taylors Falls MN 55084, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally,
Photographed by McGhiever, July 21, 2023
2. A Conservation Legacy Marker (right) at the Wild River State Park visitor center
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The St. Croix River (here, next to this marker); Restored Prairies (a few steps from this marker); Conifer Forests (a few steps from this marker); Military Road (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Looking For A Better Life (about 400 feet away); Wild River State Park (about 400 feet away); Who Was Here First? (approx. 0.4 miles away); What Was It Like (approx. Ύ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Almelund.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 31, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2023, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 128 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 3, 2023, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
