St. Croix 360

River stories to inspire stewardship.

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

Seven Short Quotes About the St. Croix From Walter Mondale

Highlights from a recent interview with the river champion cover conservation to kids and canoes.

By Greg Seitz | May 21, 2015 | 2 minute read

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Print
  • More
  • LinkedIn
  • Tumblr
  • Pocket
  • Telegram
Cedar Bend swing bridge

Cedar Bend swing bridge

Former vice president and U.S. Senator Walter Mondale was interviewed by the Pioneer Press recently. The St. Croix’s “elder statesman” had a lot to say about the history of its protection, and its future.

Mondale will lead a discussion tonight (Thursday, May 21) in Stillwater about the river today and in years to come.

1. “We got there just in time.”

The St. Croix River was poised for major development along its course when Mondale, Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson, and others included it in the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act of 1968.

2. “It wasn’t a big struggle.”

Protecting the St. Croix had strong local and bipartisan support at the time. Minnesota’s Republican governor Al Quie also supported it. Imagine trying to pass such legislation today.

3. “It’s over. I don’t want to dwell on it.”

Anyone who has driven or rode a boat past the Stillwater bridge construction site knows it’s being built. Mondale said he is worried that exempting the project from the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act will set a dangerous precedent, but all that’s left to do now is ensure the bridge doesn’t have any greater impact on the St. Croix than necessary.

4. “Buy yourself a river.”

Mondale worries that average Americans today are discouraged by the political system. The perception is that powerful interests can get whatever they want.

5. “Instead of paying a psychiatrist, I go out there and get better.”

The St. Croix is clearly still important to Mondale, who has a house on it in Osceola, and a boat he calls “the African Queen — it’s the oldest pontoon in Western society.”

6. “It’s just what we dreamed of.”

Describing summer scenes of his grandkids paddling down the river, or jumping off the Cedar Bend swing bridge, or groups enjoying the big sandbar below the bridge, Mondale says it was exactly the goal of protecting it as a Wild & Scenic River.

7. “Be honest and kind. Love your friends.”

This is the advice Mondale has for college students and young people today. He says we need to get better at listening and compromising in this country.

Click here to read the full interview.

 

Related

Comments

  1. Jim Fitzpatrick says

    May 22, 2015 at 7:10 am

    Hey Greg: Were you at his Thursday evening discussion? I was. He is an extremely tremendous person. I was the one who wrote the question “Will you consider running for president?” Half of the room clapped. I was serious. Jim

Follow

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • RSS
  • Twitter

St. Croix 360 is 100% supported by readers.

Click here to contribute →

 

Latest stories

  • No wakes allowed on lower St. Croix due to high water
  • Snake River Canoe Race sees fast times and smooth paddling
  • Developer proposes 12 new ‘cabins’ on St. Croix River

More news

  • Residents resist St. Croix Falls riverside development proposal
  • Birds, Bugs, and Blooms: A St. Croix 360 spring Saturday
  • Tribal officials applaud plan to change derogatory names for places
  • Stillwater teen drowns in St. Croix River while helping save friend
  • Afton State Park phenology May 13 to 19, 2022
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.
 

Loading Comments...