Near Houlton in St. Croix County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Protecting the Watershed
Photographed By McGhiever, September 15, 2023
1. Protecting the Watershed Marker
The St. Croix River was one of the first rivers protected under the Wild Scenic Rivers Act. This legislation was prompted by the toll that decades of damming, development and diversion on America's rivers had taken on wildlife, the landscape and drinking water. The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System strives to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
Today, 230 miles of the St. Croix are protected as a national park. Another 25 miles, from Stillwater to the St. Croix's confluence with the Mississippi, are managed by the states of Minnesota and Wisconsin. The reasons for the river's wild and scenic designation are found along its length, even as the character and use of the river changes. From splashing boulder-strewn stretches to the wide lake-like conditions here, from quiet paddles to motorboats, the Riverway is a place to be enjoyed and treasured while protecting its resources.
An unspoiled river is a very rare thing in this Nation today. Their flow and vitality have been harnessed by dams and too often they have been turned into open sewers by communities and by industries. It makes us all very fearful that all rivers will go this way unless somebody acts nowto try to balance our river development.
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President Lyndon Johnson on signing the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act, October 2, 1968.
St. Croix between Danbury & Hwy 70
Upper St. Croix Coppermine Dam
Upper Namekagon
Dalles - Geology
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1968.
Location. 45° 2.701′ N, 92° 46.954′ W. Marker is near Houlton, Wisconsin, in St. Croix County. Marker is on State Highway 64, on the right when traveling south. The marker is mounted on the outside of the north pylon of the St. Croix Crossing bridge, accessible to foot and bicycle traffic on the St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Houlton WI 54082, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Migration (here, next to this marker); Home to Bald Eagles (here, next to this marker); Brule-St. Croix Waterway (approx. 0.2 miles away); White Pine Treaty (approx. ¼ mile away); Steamboats on the St. Croix (approx. ¼ mile away in Minnesota); Where's the State Boundary? (approx. ¼ mile away in Minnesota); St. Croix Crossing (approx.
Photographed By McGhiever, September 15, 2023
2. Protecting the Watershed Marker on the St. Croix River Crossing Loop Trail
Credits. This page was last revised on January 18, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. This page has been viewed 50 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 17, 2024, by McGhiever of Minneapolis, Minnesota. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
