St. Croix 360

River stories to inspire stewardship.

  • Share News
  • Event Calendar
  • About
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
  • Support

Land Protected on the Totogatic River

The purchase of 262 acres will keep 2.5 miles of the river wild and provide opportunities for outdoor recreation.

By Greg Seitz | January 23, 2013 | 2 minute read

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Print
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • Pocket
  • Telegram
Totagatic River

Totagatic River

One of the wildest rivers in the St. Croix River watershed recently got a bit more protection. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has acquired 262 acres along the Totogatic River, the largest tributary of the Namekagon River.

An example of the sum being greater than its parts, the acquisition is especially valuable because it connects two other pieces of publicly-owned land, making a new contiguous preserve of 822 acres along 3.5 miles of river.

Totagatic River

Totagatic River

Seventy miles of the Totogatic were designated as part of Wisconsin’s “Wild Rivers” system in 2009, making it the fourth river in the state to get such designation. The new public land is included in that stretch of river.

In a story published by the Spooner Advocate, two people involved in the purchase spoke glowingly of the river:

“I’ve canoed parts of that river and it’s amazing how wild and pristine it’s remained,” said Board Chairman David Clausen of Amery.

Before the unanimous vote awarding the Stewardship grant, State Rep. Nick Milroy, D-Superior, called the Totagatic, a river of “regional importance” that fits the county’s tourism destination for the area.

“It’s truly one of the few wild places left in Wisconsin,” said Milroy, who has canoed the river. “There’s abundant wildlife there as there’s little pressure on them. You see otters, merganser ducks, and it’s a great smallmouth bass fishery.”

The St. Croix River Association described the benefits of the acquisition in a recent newsletter:

“Through its protection, this property will conserve water quality, preserve an astoundingly beautiful stretch of undeveloped river, and provide permanent public access for recreation including hunting, fishing, trapping, cross country skiing and paddling.”

Totogatic regional writer Herb Wagner wrote a lengthy description of the river’s history, ecology and myth during the successful effort to designate it as a Wild River:

Where Totogatic River crosses the pine barrens its banks exhibit several landform types. Areas of uncollapsed outwash have steep shifting sand banks and a flat surrounding upland with a long history of frequent wildfire. There are also large areas of “pitted” or “collapsed” outwash where irregular masses of stagnant ice left behind by the retreating glacier later melted to form a vast jumble of basins and depressions today occupied by bogs, streams, swamps, and pristine lakes.

Continue reading…

The land acquisition effort was led by the Washburn County Lakes & Rivers Association, working with the Conservation Fund.

Interactive Map:

Conservation news on St. Croix 360 is supported by the St. Croix River Association, which works to protect, restore and celebrate the St. Croix River and its watershed.

Related articles:

Follow

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Features

Two inches and 6,000 gallons: A swollen century on the St. Croix River

Cold comfort

New preserve will let students, community, and anglers experience the Kinnickinnic River

St. Croix 360 is now 100% supported by readers.

Click here to contribute →

 

Latest News

Progress reported on effort to establish National Heritage Area for St. Croix River region

Afton State Park Phenology Feb. 19 to March 4, 2021

Spring is coming: Officials provide first St. Croix River flood forecast of season

Tax dollars work for water: Legacy Amendment funds will help protect St. Croix River

Watch: A guy’s goats keep him company while he swims the icy St. Croix

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

About

St. Croix 360 builds support for river stewardship, and connects people and organizations. It is an independent news source produced by Greg Seitz, with past support from the St. Croix River Association.

Donate to St. Croix 360 today »

Story of 360

One of the biggest challenges facing the St. Croix River is harmful blooms of algae in in the lower river, due to excess nutrients in runoff. The goal is to restore the river by reducing phosphorus levels to 360 tons/year. Learn more »

Share Your News

St. Croix 360 is powered by a broad community of St. Croix River-loving people. Please visit our submission page to send tips, press releases, and other news.

Submit an Event

Lower St. Croix: St. Croix 360 partners with online calendar St. Croix Splash.

  • Submit your events to Splash.
  • Share it with St. Croix 360 for promotion.

For events elsewhere in the watershed, contact St. Croix 360 directly.

St. Croix 360 Syndication

To help increase awareness of the St. Croix River, news organizations and other outlets are free to share St. Croix 360 content, as long as you follow a few simple rules.

Republish St. Croix 360 stories »

Partners

  • St. Croix River Association
  • St. Croix Watershed Research Station
  • ArtReach St. Croix
  • You and all St. Croix 360's readers!
Handcrafted in May Township, Minnesota. Please contribute today »
loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.