GLNF-CESU Grant: Research for St. Croix NSR Phase 2- SACN

Public and commercial use at St. Croix Scenic Riverway will be assessed to inform planning and compatibility with park purposes.  In order to better understand the public and commercial use of the riverway and landings, systematic visitor observation will occur to assess the number and type of waterfront users at key river landings during peak season (April 15 to October 15, weather dependent). The Principal Investigator, Dr Ingrid Schneider, will continue existing research between the NPS and the Univ of Minnesota to identify the volume, unique types, appropriateness, and acceptability of use by using visitor observation and survey methods. By June 30, 2022, the park will have gathered specific management  strategies given acceptability preferences, and best available research at several landings across the 250 miles of the St Croix and Namekagon Rivers.

The public purpose is entirely based upon the management policies and strategies proposed by the Principal Investigator’s findings and self-reported surveys by the general public. To that end, the park’s management may change in order to satisfy public engagement, facility management, or other management approaches such as improvements to visitor experiences.