The St. Croix Watershed Research Station was honored to recently receive an award for its work to study and protect the St. Croix River and its watershed. This federal Wild & Scenic Rivers, managed as a National Park, is the station’s home water and an important part of its work.
The award was given by the St. Croix River Association (SCRA), the nonprofit organization which works to protect, restore, and celebrate the river and its basin. The research station has partnered frequently with SCRA on conservation of the St. Croix.
The annual awards are given to individuals and organizations that provide outstanding contributions to protecting the river—now and for future generations.
“While it is their job to do research, we see time and again the passion this staff has for the St. Croix, and the tributaries. We are thrilled to honor the hard working team at the Research Station,” SCRA executive director Deb Ryun said.
In its announcement, SCRA stated, “Its research has had a significant impact on the St. Croix River. For instance, it influenced Minnesota to become the first state to ban the anti-bacterial agent, triclosan, in personal care products. The Station’s sediment sampling in Lake St. Croix became the basis for the St. Croix nutrient reduction goals agreed to by Minnesota and Wisconsin.”
The announcement also noted the station’s programs to connect people with science in creative ways, including the Artist at Pine Needles program and Research Rendezvous.
Accepting the award at SCRA’s annual dinner on May 6, research station director Dr. Dan Engstrom recognized the two organizations’ history of partnering together, as well as with other agencies like the National Park Service and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency. Dan also thanked founding director Ron Lawrenz, who was also at the event, for his vision and work to create the Research Station more than 25 years ago.
Field Notes 