Nemadji State Forest

The St. Croix River watershed is one of the most ecologically significant landscapes in the Upper Midwest. Anchored by the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, the first federally designated Wild and Scenic River in the nation, this region is a haven for wildlife and a beloved destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Each year, over one million visitors come to fish, paddle, hike, hunt, and reconnect with nature in this unique corner of the country.

But the protection of this iconic landscape is far from complete. While the Wild and Scenic River designation safeguards a narrow corridor along the St. Croix River itself, more than 75 percent of the watershed’s forested habitat lies outside that boundary, leaving it vulnerable to development and fragmentation.

Trust for Public Land is working to protect this critical landscape, including our work at Nemadji State Forest. We protected 119 acres as an addition to this state forest, meaning more recreational opportunities to connect to nature. Open to the public for hunting, snowshoeing, wildlife observation, and more, this strategic addition helps improve water quality and strengthens the management of surrounding forestlands—delivering lasting benefits for people and wildlife alike.

Funding was provided from Minnesota’s Outdoor Heritage Fund as recommended by the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council.