St. Louis River Alliance

The St. Louis River Alliance (SLRA) is a local, grass-roots non-profit committed to restoring, protecting and enhancing the environmental health and economic value of the river.

The St. Louis River Alliance is currently taking the lead on implementing the Master Plan for the St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail.

The estuary has a rich natural and industrial history. Once used by Native Americans and Voyageurs, the Estuary now serves the Twin Ports of Duluth and Superior as a working river. A prolific past, combined with the Estuary's extensive natural resources, provides a tremendous opportunity to showcase this incredible waterway to the paddling community.

Once considered one of the most polluted waterways in the United States, the St. Louis River Estuary is slowly and painstakingly being restored to health, and will likely be delisted as an AOC (Area of Concern) within 10 years.

A National Water Trail designation will allow surrounding communities to engage both local citizens and visitors to once again return to this amazing resource and learn about its past, present, and future. This designation also assists local land management authorities and agencies to plan, and apply for possible funding streams to improve water sport access of all kinds on the river, as well as plan and implement restoration efforts. Through careful planning and vision, the Water Trail can ensure access to all regardless of skill level, ability, or financial means.

Help support the St. Louis River Alliance as we work to implement the Master Plan for the St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail.

This work includes (but is not limited to): 

• Managing and convening advisory council meetings, made up of a wide variety of local partners.
• Brand development and marketing for National Water Trail.
• Creation, distribution and fundraising for the St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail map.

• Work with partners to improve and expand water trail facilities including campsites, rest areas and portages.
• Work with partners to improve and expand water trail programs including paddling clubs, recreation rentals, stand-up paddle boarding/canoe/kayak lessons, river ecology courses and tours.
• Promote the St. Louis River Estuary Water Trail for all skill levels. 
• Promote the variety of year-round recreation opportunities along the St. Louis River Estuary including fishing, wild rice harvesting and restoration, hiking, birding, skijoring, snowshoeing and ice fishing, to name a few.

SLRA was born out of the effort and dedication of Twin Ports citizens. Since its inception, the St. Louis River Alliance has been driven by community interest and involvement. We need you in order to make this project a success. 

Please donate today!

If you can not give financially but are interested in moving the project along, email Outreach@StLouisRiver.org for volunteer opportunities.

About the St. Louis River Alliance:

In 1996, SLRA was formed to assist Minnesota & Wisconsin’s state agencies in the development of the Remedial Action Plan to clean up the St. Louis River Area of Concern after years of degradation by unregulated pollution.

The SLRA is a member-based organization that brings together a wide range of individuals, businesses, organizations, along with local and tribal governments who rely on the St. Louis River as a vital part of their lives and communities. 

After decades of work, the benefits of a cleaner river are now being realized, and we are moving into an era of re-connection and celebration! The entire river community is becoming a thriving, exciting place to work and live, and the SLRA has played an important role in this transformation. 

Some of Our Current Work:

The SLRA builds connections between community members and the St. Louis River through education, outreach, programs, projects and events. 

Piping Plover Project | Partnering with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service:
The St. Louis River Alliance is working with state and federal agencies to attract nesting piping plovers to Minnesota and Wisconsin Point beaches. By monitoring their habitat and educating the community about the Plover, we hope to restore the vitality of this rare shorebird.

National Water Trail:
The St. Louis River Alliance is host and manager of the new St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail. We are responsible for implementing a master plan with local partners, creating maps and fundraising for the trail. Currently waiting for National Designation.

Wild Rice Project | Partnering with Mn Land Trust & Wisconsin DNR:
This includes wild rice planting, rice bed monitoring, sign installation and active goose deterrent work.

Learn More About the St. Louis River Alliance:

Website: www.StLouisRiver.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StLouisRA

Email: Outreach@StLouisRiver.org 

Become a Member: https://stlouisriver.org/individual-and-family-membership/