From big trees to big fish: Top St. Croix stories of 2017 spanned many subjects

See the 10 articles that got the most interest this year, and we hope you’ll come back for more in 2018!

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Once again, as another year draws to its end, we’ve crunched the numbers and found the most popular stories of the year. These are the posts that were most-read, so they really are picked by St. Croix 360’s readers.

Thank you for reading St. Croix 360, sharing our articles, and truly being the most important part of this site.

Without further ado, let’s count down:

10. Plastic pollution prevalent in St. Croix and Namekagon Rivers

Researchers find tiny pieces of plastic in the water from Seeley to Prescott.

9. Aerial footage show the St. Croix’s narrow source and wide lower reaches

See the river’s small and wild beginnings and its broad lower reaches in two short videos.

8. Mermaid swims the St. Croix to share the wonders of water

Mermaid Echo

Hudson woman entertains and educates kids about taking care of lakes and rivers.

7. Hauling in fishing nets on the St. Croix River

Commercial fishermen catch carp and more in the cold waters at Point Douglas.

6. Concept plan approved for Stillwater’s new St. Croix River park

Features include a fishing pier, canoe and kayak launching, walking trails, and picnic areas.

5. First-ever invasive silver carp caught in St. Croix River

Silver carp captured in the St. Croix River, March 2017
Silver carp captured in the St. Croix River, March 2017 (MN DNR photo)

The non-native fish jump out of the water when boats pass, endangering safety as well as the ecosystem.

4. Artists invited to live and work at historic St. Croix River cabin this summer

Pine Needles.
Pine Needles (Photo by Greg Seitz)

Residency offers inspiration, solitude, and chances to connect with the river, the community, and scientists.

3. Legislation would exempt Somerset event center from St. Croix River rules

Lodge on the Croix is perched on a bluff overlooking the river across from Marine on St. Croix.

Elected officials in Wisconsin want to let company ignore zoning after court decision upholding protections.

2. New Stillwater bridge could open in August

St. Croix Crossing bridge, Feb 17, 2017.
St. Croix Crossing bridge, Feb 17, 2017. (Photo courtesy St. Croix Crossing)

The bridge now fully spans the river, and only six months of work remain to prepare it for use. (It did open, and the Lift Bridge did close, read all about it here.)

1. St. Croix Valley willow tree declared the biggest in Minnesota — and probably America

A black willow tree in Marine on St. Croix was recently discovered to be the largest of its species in the state. (Photo by Greg Seitz)

Volunteer tree survey finds a record-breaking specimen of important floodplain species.


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From big trees to big fish: Top St. Croix stories of 2017 spanned many subjects