The natural resource stewardship program is the principle means through which the national park service (NPS) evaluates and improves the health of watersheds, landscapes, and marine and coastal…

The Department of the Interior's National Park Service (NPS) Midwest Region awarded a $299,600 Cooperative Agreement under the Natural Resource Stewardship program (CFDA 15.944) to the Wild Rivers Conservancy of the St. Croix & Namekagon, a non-profit organization. The funding supports the Conservancy's efforts to address the threat of invasive zebra mussels in the St. Croix River watershed. Key activities include:

Educating boaters and water recreators to prevent further zebra mussel infestation and spread to nearby waterbodies. This will involve the Conservancy working closely with NPS staff and volunteer groups to develop and deliver targeted outreach programming.

Procuring a decontamination unit to be placed at high-traffic boat landings to support early detection and rapid response protocols.

The Cooperative Agreement is active from August 8, 2023 through September 30, 2025. The Conservancy has previously received sub-awards from the NPS to manage aquatic invasive species and deliver education programs related to the St. Croix watershed.

The natural resource stewardship program is the principle means through which the national park service (NPS) evaluates and improves the health of watersheds, landscapes, and marine and coastal resources, sustains biological communities on the lands and waters in parks, and actively endeavors to improve the resiliency of these natural resources and adapt them to the effects of climate change. To carry out and further this stewardship responsibility, NPS implements programs that encompass a broad range of research, operational, and educational activities by utilizing park personnel and contractor support or page 4 of 4 cooperative agreements. Invasive zebra mussels represent a significant threat to the ecosystem of the ST. Croix river and its watershed. Educating boaters and water recreators is essential to control further infestation within the ST. Croix river watershed and to prevent their spread into nearby waterbodies. NPS staff will work closely with their official non-profit partner and volunteer groups to build programming and deliver focused outreach that will target zebra mussel prevention, support early detection and rapid response (edrr) protocols, and enhance AIS education outreach and awareness. Activities include the purchase of a decontamination unit to be placed at high traffic landings.beneficiaries include the general public.