The St. Louis River Alliance is a membership organization committed to supporting the resiliency of the St. Louis River.
As river stewards we are a voice for the river, working together to protect, restore and enhance the St. Louis River.
News & Updates
Ready to feel more confident on the water? Join us for Easy Paddling: A Beginner Kayak Workshop on Wednesday, August 12, from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at Thomson Reservoir in Thomson/Carlton.
Space is limited—register today.
Many projects have been completed to help clean up and delist the St. Louis River Area of Concern. Click here to learn the Perch Lake Habitat Improvements and an exciting upcoming River Connection event.
Over the past three years, the St. Louis River Alliance has connected thousands of people to the St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail through outreach, education, paddling experiences, and community events. Thanks to support from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF), as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR), the Alliance expanded opportunities for people of all ages and experience levels to safely explore the river through guided paddles, educational programming, updated maps and resources, and community outreach. As this chapter of funding comes to a close, we're celebrating the incredible team, partnerships, and lasting connections that have helped inspire the next generation of St. Louis River stewards.
Have you ever wondered what's happening in Allouez Bay or why restoration work is taking place on Wisconsin Point? Join us on Thursday, July 16, from 5–7 p.m. for the Restoration Celebration on Wisconsin Point and meet the people behind the projects. Chat with community partners to explore ongoing conservation efforts, enjoy family-friendly activities and great food, and discover how collaboration is helping shape the future of the St. Louis River Estuary. This free, drop-in event is open to all.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at our ‘Physics of the Paddle Blade: An Intro to SUP on the St. Louis River Estuary’ at Munger Landing on Thursday June 25th, with North Shore SUP.
More than 70 community members joined us on June 18 to explore the future of the 44th Ave. E Dock in Superior and share their ideas for this unique waterfront space. As the City of Superior begins planning for the 22-acre site, community input will help shape future concepts for recreation, access, and amenities. Planning is still in its early stages, and there is still time to get involved. Take the community survey, learn more about the project, and sign up for updates as we work together to create a welcoming, shared-use waterfront for future generations.
Restoration projects can improve more than habitat—they can also benefit local communities. In partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, University of Minnesota Duluth students analyzed community feedback about Allouez Bay to identify priorities, barriers to access, and ways to measure how restoration improves recreation, safety, and connections to the St. Louis River.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at our What's in Bloom Hike at Spirit Mountain! We had a large group, and it was so exciting to see all the conversations happening. Thank you to Shannon Kesner for sharing so much plant knowledge with us and to Jeramy Pinkerton for sharing about the Knowlton Creek Restoration Project.
The St. Louis River Alliance was grateful to be part of the National Outdoor Recreation Conference in Duluth, May 11–14, where we connected with recreation professionals and community leaders from across the country and around the world. One highlight was co-hosting a field trip with the City of Duluth that showcased parks, restoration projects, and National Water Trail access points throughout the estuary.
Thank you to everyone who joined the 2026 Twin Ports Paddling Film Festival on Thursday May 14th at Zeitgeist Theatre. This was in collaboration with our friends at North Shore SUP & Paddle it Forward, and would not have been possible without their dedication, hard work, and dream to bring this Film Fest back to the Twin Ports. These films were specifically chosen and customized with the community in mind, with a wide variety of paddling experiences to inspire us all.
Partners gathered at Thomson Reservoir on May 27 to celebrate a major milestone in the restoration of the St. Louis River Estuary: the completion of the eighth and final contaminated sediment remediation project on the Minnesota side of the Area of Concern. Decades of collaboration between Tribal, federal, state, local, nonprofit, industry, and community partners have helped transform the estuary and move the river one step closer to delisting.
The St. Louis River Alliance is excited to help lead community engagement efforts for the 44th Avenue East Waterfront Access Project, a community-driven effort to reimagine a former industrial dock on Allouez Bay as a welcoming public waterfront space. In partnership with the City of Superior, upcoming outreach efforts will include neighborhood yard signs, community events, and a public survey to gather ideas for the future of the site. Community members can also join the June 18 “Old Dock, New Era” field tour to explore the waterfront and help shape its future through public input.
Join us for June’s River Revival! The focus will be ‘Old Dock—New Era: Public Access and Possibility at 44th Ave Dock’ in Superior.
Join the St. Louis River Alliance and the City of Superior for a guided walking tour of the 44th Ave E dock and help shape the future of this emerging public waterfront access site on Allouez Bay. Explore the site’s history, current conditions, and possibilities for future public use while sharing your ideas with project partners.
Thank you to everyone who joined our May River Revival event focused on the Wisconsin Point Resiliency Study and the cultural importance of manoomin (wild rice). The evening featured presentations from AMI Consulting Engineers and the 1854 Treaty Authority.
The St. Louis River Alliance is seeking one dedicated individual to serve as a Communications and Outreach Coordinator. This staff will play a key role in building relationships between the organization, community members, and the St. Louis River Estuary. This person will lead public engagement efforts, coordinate volunteers and outreach events, support communications, and more.
Take a guided walk on Wisconsin Point to explore the return of Ishkode (good fire) for our final River Revival event! Hear stories of this place and see how cultural burning is helping restore forest health and connection to the land.
Discover how coastal wetlands shape the St. Louis River Estuary at this River Revival event featuring Allouez Bay restoration updates, cattail ecology, and a hands-on weaving activity for all ages.
Celebrate restoration and community at Wisconsin Point! Join us July 16, 5–7 p.m. at the End Parking Lot for a free beach gathering featuring restoration partners, family activities, puppets, snacks, and a beach fire. Meet the people working to protect this special place. All welcome.
The internationally celebrated Paddling Film Festival World Tour returns to Duluth on May 14 at Zinema Theatres. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.; films begin at 6:30 & 6:45 p.m. (same films) Tickets are $25, benefiting local nonprofits connecting people to regional waterways through stewardship, education, and recreation.
The 2025 Wisconsin Point Visitor Use Assessment report is now available, sharing community insights on how people use, value, and connect with the Point. Findings will help guide future planning, resilience efforts, and decisions to protect its natural character, cultural significance, and public access.
Thank you to the volunteers who joined the St. Louis River Alliance for an Earth Day cleanup at Woodstock Bay Public Landing, removing litter while celebrating stewardship of the St. Louis River Estuary.
A new feature from WDIO shares the powerful story of the St. Louis River, from industrial pollution to one of the Great Lakes’ most inspiring restoration successes.
The piece highlights longtime environmental advocate Dave Zentner, partners from the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, agency staff, and Executive Director Kris Eilers of the St. Louis River Alliance Kris Eilers working together to restore habitat, improve water quality, and reconnect people to the river.
Watch the video and read the full story HERE to learn how decades of partnership are helping shape a healthier future for the river.
Twenty-four Washington Elementary second graders joined the St. Louis River Alliance and Lake Superior National Estuarine Research Reserve for a hands-on estuary field day exploring shorebirds, water monitoring, habitat stewardship, and interactive learning at Wisconsin Point and the Estuarium.
Paddlers gathered April 9 for a free River Orientation & Trip Planning event hosted by St. Louis River Alliance and Minnesota Sea Grant. Participants gained tools, safety tips, and local knowledge to confidently explore the St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail this season.
Join River Revival, a monthly gathering exploring restoration, community connections, and the future of the St. Louis River. Meet May 21, 5–6:30 p.m., to learn about the Wisconsin Point Resiliency Study and manoomin restoration. Free, all ages welcome; snacks provided.
We’re grateful to all who joined our first River Revival on April 16! Thank you to Giizh Agaton Howes and fellow paddlers for sharing about the Anishinaabe Canoe Migration and to our partners at Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources for sharing project updates about Allouez Bay and Wisconsin Point. Join us May 21 for our next gathering!
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the annual Celebration of Progress for the St. Louis River Area of Concern! Watching this community show up year after year makes all the difference. And hearing the story of manoomin's return to the St. Louis River Estuary? That's what decades of dedication looks like in real life.
The river is healing. The community is showing up. The future is bright!
Share your input on the SLRAOC’s draft 2025 Remedial Action Plan! The annual input opportunity is open from April 13-26, 2026. The RAP and directions for commenting are posted on WDNR’s SLRAOC website. This plan includes details about impairment status, projects and the plan to delist the SLRAOC. Input can be sent to matthew.steiger@wisconsin.gov by April 26.
Discover River Revival, a new monthly series bringing the community together to explore restoration, culture, and connection on the St. Louis River. Join conversations, creative activities, and local voices sharing stories and updates shaping the river’s future.
Upcoming Events
Calling all volunteers! Come lend a hand however your schedule allows and join the St. Louis River Alliance on Thursday, August 6th, Friday, August 7th, or Monday August 10th.
During this volunteer maintenance day, we will be handling unwanted vegetation in the Piping Plover nesting area, and other targeted areas on Wisconsin Point Bird Sanctuary. If the wind and weather cooperates, we will be managing the unwanted vegetation by burning them on site.
Participants are encouraged to email Mikayla, at watertrail@stlouisriver.org if they are interested in helping so we have enough tools to go around.
Calling all volunteers! Come lend a hand however your schedule allows and join the St. Louis River Alliance on Thursday, August 6th, Friday, August 7th, or Monday August 10th.
During this volunteer maintenance day, we will be handling unwanted vegetation in the Piping Plover nesting area, and other targeted areas on Wisconsin Point Bird Sanctuary. If the wind and weather cooperates, we will be managing the unwanted vegetation by burning them on site.
Participants are encouraged to email Mikayla, at watertrail@stlouisriver.org if they are interested in helping so we have enough tools to go around.
During this volunteer maintenance day, we will be handling woody debris on the Wisconsin Point Bird Sanctuary. If the wind and weather cooperates, we will be managing the unwanted debris by burning it on site. This event is weather dependent.
Participants are encouraged to email Mikayla, at watertrail@stlouisriver.org if they are interested in helping so we have enough tools to go around.
Ready to build your kayaking confidence? Join the St. Louis River Alliance and partners on Wednesday, August 12, for an evening of hands-on kayaking workshops at Thomson Reservoir in Thomson/Carlton. Customize your experience by choosing from beginner-friendly dry land, on-water, and in-water sessions covering safety, paddling skills, rescues, and more. Whether you're new to kayaking or looking to sharpen your skills, there's a workshop for you. All equipment is provided, and advance registration is required.
Discover how coastal wetlands shape the St. Louis River Estuary at this River Revival event featuring Allouez Bay restoration updates, cattail ecology, and a hands-on weaving activity for all ages.
Join the St. Louis River Alliance, the City of Superior, and Stantec on Monday, August 24, from 5:00–6:30 p.m. at the 44th Ave E Dock for an interactive community design workshop.
Following June's Walk & Talk, Stantec has developed preliminary concepts for the future public waterfront access area using feedback gathered from the community. At this workshop, you'll have the opportunity to review the concepts, share your thoughts, and help shape the next phase of the design.
Take a guided walk on Wisconsin Point to explore the return of Ishkode (good fire) for our final River Revival event! Hear stories of this place and see how cultural burning is helping restore forest health and connection to the land.
Help care for the St. Louis River by joining the St. Louis River Alliance for the 2026 Fall Cleanup at Woodstock Bay on Sunday, September 20, from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. Volunteers will help remove litter from the Woodstock Bay Public Landing in Superior. Cleanup supplies are provided—just dress for the weather and bring a water bottle. Groups and individuals are welcome, and no registration is required.
The St. Louis River Alliance
is a membership organization of river stewards working together to protect, restore and enhance the St. Louis River.
About Us
The St. Louis River Alliance was born out of a group of concerned citizens that helped bring people together to clean up the St Louis River. While there is much left to be done, the river is reflecting that care back to us.
Become a Member
When you become a member of the Alliance, you become a voice for the river. In doing so, you support our many events and forums that keep people informed of the issues and celebrations of the river.
Donate
You are an essential component to the future of the River. The St. Louis River Alliance depends on the financial support from community contributors to continue our important work.
Gichigami-ziibi
Homeland of the Anishinaabe
At the headwaters of Lake Superior lies the St. Louis River, known to local Anishinaabe as Gichigami-ziibi ‘the River that flows into the great waters’. For nearly 14,000 years, Native people have relied on the river for food, medicine, transportation, sport, and enjoyment.
In 2020, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior designated the St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail, and it is now included in the National Parks Trail System. This is a major accomplishment that is a result of a river in restoration. However, as more people are drawn to experience the St. Louis River, it is more important than ever for us to share the stories of those who have forever called this land their home.
As you explore the Water Trail, we encourage you to learn about and honor the life and lessons that this special place has held.
Learn more about Anishinaabe history along the St. Louis River on the Onigamiinsing Dibaajimowinan-Duluth's Stories Website.
Our Work
St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail
As proud managers of the St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail, the St. Louis River Alliance is leading a working group of representatives from MN and WI to implement the Master Plan.
Wild Rice Restoration
The St. Louis River Alliance partners with the Wisconsin DNR and others to help plant wild rice, monitor the beds, and collect data.
St. Louis River Area of Concern
For decades the Alliance has been working on projects with state, tribal, and federal agencies in order to delist the St. Louis River as an Area of Concern by 2025.
Piping Plover Project
For years the St. Louis River Alliance has been partnering with state and federal agencies to create a favorable habitat for nesting Piping Plovers on Minnesota and Wisconsin point beaches.
Community Engagement & Membership
The St. Louis River Alliance is a membership organization committed to supporting the resiliency of the St. Louis River. As river stewards we are the voice of the river, working together to protect, restore and enhance the St. Louis River.
Environmental Stewardship & Events
The St. Louis River Alliance is devoted to building connections between community members and the St. Louis River through education, outreach and stewardship events.
The next opportunity to help plan the future of the 44th Ave E Dock is here! Join the St. Louis River Alliance, the City of Superior, and Stantec on Monday, August 24, from 5:00–6:30 p.m. for an interactive community design workshop.