No wake limit needed on St. Croix due to rising waters

[sandmannd]

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources officials expect the rising St. Croix River to soon reach the level at which the department must impose a speed limit on boat traffic.

The "slow, no-wake" zone is needed to minimize shoreline erosion, said Molly Shodeen, area hydrologist for the DNR.

The restriction, authorized by state rules in Minnesota and Wisconsin, is triggered when the St. Croix reaches 83 feet above sea level at Stillwater. Officials said this morning that is expected to happen by noon Wednesday; the river was at 81.7 feet at 8 a.m. today.

Wisconsin, Minnesota and National Park Service officials will post signs today regarding the slow, no-wake requirement at all public accesses on the St. Croix.

The rule will remain in effect until the water level drops below 83 feet; the river is expected to reach 85.9 feet above sea level at Stillwater on Sunday, Shodeen said.

Boaters still should exercise caution because of the high erosion potential and danger of floating debris, Shodeen said.

Boaters should also consult the National Weather Service Website for the latest updates on current and projected water levels: water.weather.gov/ahps/

Mary Divine can be reached at 651-228-5443.