Contact: Alexis Donath, 651-757-2120
Saint Paul, Minn. - The 11th annual “Protecting the St. Croix Basin” conference will be held Thursday, April 8, 2010 at the University Center in River Falls, Wisc. Sponsored by the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and the St. Croix Basin Water Resources Planning Team, the conference will focus on plans to attain a 100-ton phosphorus reduction in Lake St. Croix.
The section of the St. Croix River Basin between Stillwater, Minn. and Prescott, Wisc. - a 25-mile stretch known as Lake St. Croix - was designated as an impaired water in 2008 due to excess phosphorus. While phosphorus is an essential nutrient in lakes, it is considered a pollutant when it stimulates excessive growth of algae or aquatic plants and impairs water quality. The states of Minnesota and Wisconsin are working together with groups in the basin to improve water quality in this important scenic and recreational lake.
This year’s conference will provide information on the water quality improvement plans and allow businesses, farmers, municipalities and citizens in the basin to share ideas about how to attain the phosphorus reduction goal. The conference is open to the public and advance registrations are being accepted through April 2. Further information on program content and registration is available at http://basineducation.uwex.edu/stcroix/ or by calling 715-635-7406. The cost is $50.00 with a special $25.00 rate for students. Breakfast and a buffet luncheon are included.
