No Wake Restriction on the St. Croix River

A slow no-wake restriction in effect on St. Croix River this weekend. Boaters and anglers using the St. Croix River this Memorial Day weekend are advised water levels are still high. The Minnesota Department of Natural of Resources has once again placed a slow no-wake restriction on the river. The DNR had earlier advised the no-wake restriction be lifted but discovered the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gauge near the Stillwater lift bridge malfunctioned Wednesday and incorrectly read the river levels. The river is currently sitting at 684.4 feet above sea level and is expected to remain over the slow no-wake threshold through the weekend. Boaters on the St. Croix, between Taylors Falls and Prescott, must operate at slow no-wake speeds when the river’s level reaches 683 feet above sea level at Stillwater. The special restriction, authorized by state rules in both Minnesota and Wisconsin, is aimed at reducing shoreline erosion and resulting property damage in areas not usually susceptible to wave action at lower water levels. Officials from Wisconsin, Minnesota and the National Park Service will post signs regarding the slow no-wake requirement at all public accesses, and marina operators have been notified. The slow no-wake rule will remain in effect until the water level again recedes below the 683-foot level. Boat and water safety officials at the DNR also point out high water often contains debris floating just below the surface that can present significant hazards. Boaters should slow down and use extra caution in such conditions. The river is also cold right now. Water temperatures are hovering around 60 degrees. With the high and cold water, boaters should wear their life jacket.