Protecting Our Water

St. Croix County joins USDA National Water Quality Initiative

The Kinnickinnic River begins its journey in the agricultural landscapes east of Roberts and Hammond—an area now at the heart of a new groundwater protection initiative led by St. Croix County Land and Water Conservation, with funding from the USDA National Water Quality Initiative (NWQI). Nitrate levels in municipal wells in this area have been rising over the past 25 years, and many private wells already exceed safe drinking water standards. This new effort, covering nearly 67,000 acres in the Towns of Warren, Hammond, Erin Prairie, and Baldwin, aims to protect water quality through smarter nitrogen management on cropland. The planning phase runs through 2025, with the goal of securing USDA funding for on-the-ground conservation work starting in 2026. This work complements KRLT’s mission to protect and restore the Kinni and its watersheds, beginning right at its source.

Want to know more? Contact Patty Schrank, Water Resource Specialist, at St. Croix County to learn more: 715-381-4933 or patty.schrank@sccwi.gov

National Water Quality Initiative project area encompassing three watershed: Twin Lakes, Headwaters Kinnickinnic River, Village of Baldwin-Rush River.

Current conservation funding opportunities for the Kinni Watershed

St. Croix County Land and Water Conservation has secured a Surface Water Grant to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs) in the Kinnickinnic River watershed, a critical step forward in protecting this world-class trout stream. This funding, totaling over $375,000 in cost-share support, will help farmers install conservation practices such as: grassed waterways, buffer strips, cover crops, nutrient management, and streambank improvements. These efforts will reduce sediment and nutrient runoff into the Kinni and ultimately benefit Lake St. Croix downstream.

Landowners and farm operators seeking more information on implementing BMP’s or protecting the Kinnickinnic River in other ways may contact Evan Lutkenhaus, Conservation Planner with St Croix County.  715-377-2831 or evan.lutkenhaus@sccwi.gov

Project area for the Surface water protection grant covering two watersheds: Headwaters Kinnickinnic River, and Parker Creek.