Aquatic Invasive Species Training: St. Croix Falls

Training Description

This aquatic invasive species training is co-hosted by the Wild Rivers Conservancy, Polk County Land and Water Resources Department, and National Park Service with support from Wisconsin DNR and UW-Extension. It includes an in-classroom training session followed by an optional group paddle.

Are you interested in protecting our rivers from aquatic invasive species? Join Project RED (Riverine Early Detectors) on July 10th. Volunteers like you are invaluable for early detection of aquatic invasive species.

Attend a free aquatic invasive species detector training and learn how to:

• Identify aquatic invasive species in Wisconsin
• Monitor for aquatic invasive species
• Collect and report findings

What to expect

This event begins at 10 AM at the St. Croix Falls Public Library with an indoor training where participants learn aquatic invasive species identification and monitoring protocols.  After lunch, if they choose to participate in the paddle, participants will drive to Franconia Landing, drop off their vehicles, and be shuttled to MN Interstate Park to begin our paddle.  During the paddle, participants will gain hands on experience with invasive species identification and monitoring.  We plan to arrive at Franconia Landing and conclude the training by 4 PM.  

Kayaks, paddles, and PFDs for the 2.2 mile paddle from MN Interstate Park to Franconia Landing are provided.  There is no cost to participate in this event.

What to bring

Bagged lunch, sunscreen, hat, polarized sunglasses (if available), plenty of water.

How to dress

Clothing that correlates to weather conditions (layers are best), clothes for being outside in the sun (hat, long sleeves, shorts or pants), sandals/waterproof boots/waders if planning on wading in the river (optional)