With more than 30 lakes, 20 streams and 17 miles of riverway along the Wild & Scenic St. Croix River, the CMSCWD watershed is a haven for wildlife and biodiversity.

Learn about some of the local animals you can hope to see in the region, including river otters, loons, Blanding’s turtles and more.

Minnesota's lakes are at risk due to vanishing shoreline habitat.

From studying lakes around the state, we know that small changes – removing trees, shrubs, and perennial plants; adding rock along the water’s edge (rip rap); or building homes and driveways – can add up to big ecological impacts over time. As shorelines become increasingly more developed, we start to see shoreline erosion, fewer fish and wildlife, more algae in the water, and diminished water clarity.

CMSCWD has studied the impacts of shoreline alterations on Big Carnelian, Big Marine, Fish, Goose, Hay, Little Carnelian, Long, North Twin, Sand, and Square Lakes and is working with landowners and local communities to improve shoreline habitat over the next ten years.

Learn more about CMSCWD lakes and streams.

Head to our "Shoreline Studies” page to learn more about our work to protect lake and river shoreline habitat.

As a lakeshore owner, your actions determine the future health of our lakes. Permits are required for any of the following: Construction, additions, grading, clearing trees or shoreline vegetation, and building riprap or seawalls.

Please consider integrating raingardens, native shorelines, native trees and shrubs, and emergent vegetation into your shoreland to improve habitat and preserve water quality.

We offer free site visits, design assistance and cost-share grants for shoreland restoration projects!