Event Resources: River Orientation and Trip Planning for the St. Louis River Estuary
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for our “River Orientation and Trip Planning” event on Thursday, August 21 at the Morgan Park Community Center! We enjoyed connecting with so many enthusiastic paddlers—both new and experienced—who are excited to explore the St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail.
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to deepen your knowledge, we hope the session helped you feel more confident planning your next paddle adventure.
Post-Event Resources
Below are the key materials and tools we shared during the event to support your trip planning:
Download the Presentation Slides
👉 Click here to download the PowerPoint slides (PDF)
**Note: we had to reduce the presentation size for web sharing, so some formatting and design features were lost in this process.
Water Trail Maps
Each participant received a free St. Louis River Estuary National Water Trail map. Didn’t get one or want another? You can view and download PDF versions here or pick one up at one of our local distribution locations.
Float Plan Template
As part of the event, we practiced filling out a float plan—a critical tool for safe paddling.
👉 Download a Float Plan Template (PDF) or complete online
Topics We Covered
Route selection based on weather, experience, and trip length
Access points and launch locations across the estuary
Essential gear recommendations for a safe day on the water
Wind and weather considerations for paddle planning
The importance of a flexible mindset when conditions change
How to fill out a float plan and communicate your itinerary
Thank You to Our Partners
This event was made possible through generous support from the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative via the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the City of Duluth. We're grateful for their continued commitment to supporting public access, safety, and environmental stewardship in the St. Louis River Estuary.
Support the Alliance and the River
Become a member - starting at $25, active for one year.
Join us at a future event
If you're interested in volunteering with the Alliance, please email outreach@stlouisriver.org
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