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Now is a good time to get out and enjoy your river

Peter Gove, Chair
Gary Noren, Vice Chair
Dan Willius, Past Chair
Mike Prichard, Treasurer
Karen Hansen, Secretary
 
Board Members:
Melanie Kleiss Boerger
Paul Bourget
Bill Clapp
Jerry Dorff
Randy Ferrin
Dave Ferris
David Griffith
Steve Hobbs
Jean Hoffman
Steve Johnson
Verna Kragnes
Sally Leider
Thomas Polasik
Tom Triplett
John Velin
Wendy Williamson

Staff:
Julie Hildebrand
Tracy Maki
Deb Ryun
Monica Zachay

Happy Spring--With the sun beaming in through the windows, it does actually feel like spring. It's about time. Even the dogs are getting crabby from lack of sun and outside play time. Speaking of spring, the SCRA annual business meeting and spring dinner will be here before you know it. You won't want to miss an evening with William Souder, Author of“On a Farther Shore: The Life and Legacy of Rachel Carson", May 14 at Camp St. Croix, near Hudson. I always look forward to the annual meetings. It's a great time to get together with fellow river enthusiasts and hear what's on their minds. You can learn more and register now at: http://stcroixriverassociation.org/featured/scra-spring-meeting-and-dinner-gathering/
Until then, enjoy the snow!
Deb Ryun

14th Annual Protecting the St. Croix River Basin  is Set for Monday, April 8, 2013
 Visions for Water Quality: Getting the Job Done
This year’s conference features national and state conservation leaders sharing their visions for water quality and strategies to achieve them. The conference explores phosphorus reductions strategies and the emerging farmer-led council in the St. Croix, along with the case studies of civic engagement for land stewardship and water quality. Where? University of Wisconsin River Falls – University Center, River Falls, WI. Early registration  deadline is March 27, $55 and includes continental breakfast and lunch. Stay for the evening forum titled "Seeds to Supper: What's Happening to the Land" with Jim Gullliford, Executive Director for the Soil and Water Conservation Society. More information at http://stcroixriverassociation.org/featured/st-croix-basin-conference/

Asian Carp Webinar
The River Alliance of Wisconsin will co-host a one-hour webinar April 3 from noon to 1 PM, featuring our own Laura MacFarland and Deb Ryun of the St. Croix River Association, who will show the gaps in the fight and discuss how we can do better to prevent, control, and mitigate the Asian carp arrival here in Wisconsin.   http://www.wisconsinrivers.org/details/26-asian-carp-webinar


The 2013 Paddle Namekagon trip is almost at capacity. I'm extremely pleased to say over 70 people are now registered for the full trip May 18 through May 24. Consider joining the group on river for a day paddle. You'll be on your own for logistics, and we cannot provide camping space, but you are very welcome to participate in the educational and fellowship opportunities. Or how about signing up for one of the ranger guided paddles, co-hosted with the National Park Service. This year we are offering 14 different 4-hour outtings. For the details on all the paddle offerings visit: http://www.scrapaddle.org.

National Park Week is Next Month
DID YOU KNOW…America's national parks include more than 18,000 miles of trails, 43,000 miles of shoreline, 900 miles of passageways and caves, and 12,000 campsites?!?  There is so much to learn and appreciate about America's 398 national parks and NATIONAL PARK WEEK is the perfect time to do just that.  From April 20 – 28, everyone is invited to get to know our national parks, so take this chance to broaden your understanding of the vast history, culture and natural beauty the national parks encompass.  As extra incentive to experience all the parks have to offer, from April 22 – 26, visitors can enjoy ALL the parks for FREE!
 
From ranger-led hikes and kayak trips to camping and exploring, park visitors can plan their National Park Week visit at http://www.nationalparkweek.org. Discover information about special events and activities for visitors of all ages, how to share your park adventure with other travelers, and how to support these treasured places.

Support the Mississippi River Water Walk 2013
Sharon Day, a Grandmother and Executive Director of the Indigenous People’s Task Force, is participating in the Mississippi River Water Walk (MRWW). The mission of the 1200 mile walk from the Mississippi headwaters to the Gulf of Mexico is meant to call attention to water quality issues for all the earth’s waters. The walk started March 1 and will end April 29, 2013.
Top five reasons to support the Mississippi River Water Walk 2013:
  1. It’s about care and appreciation of the Mississippi River-its tributaries, creeks, and watersheds are all connected.
  2. Water, health, and environment: It’s not just about the Mississippi! It’s about the health of the planet’s water and therefore humans who are over 60% water.
  3. Support for the walkers: In their quiet unassuming way, without corporate sponsors, the walking grandmothers are offering their whole selves- bodies, minds, and spirits to this endeavor. 
  4. Appreciation of our continent’s indigenous people: The walkers invite all to join and participate in whatever way they choose.
  5. Power of 10:  Many people’s intentions can create change.
To Join in supporting MRWW 2013 http://www.indigenouspeoplestf.org

Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride Moved to the St. Croix Valley
The 47th annual Minnesota Ironman Bike Ride (MIBR) will be on April 28th, 2013 in the Scenic St Croix River Valley! Washington County and the communities of Scandia, Stillwater, Afton, Lake Elmo, Marine on the St Croix and Oak Park Heights are the new home for the ride. Volunteers are the heart and soul of the MIBR family ride, and it depends on  hundreds of volunteers to help create the best bike ride in Minnesota. It would be fun if a LOT of SCRA members either participated in the ride, or volunteered to help out along the route. If you volunteer tell them we sent you! For more information go to http://ironmanbikeride.org/volunteer


Another great St. Croix resource www.stcroix360.com
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Our contact information:
PO Box 655, St. Croix Falls, WI 54024
715-483-3300
www.stcroixriverassociation.org