10.b River Taskforce Letter 9Mary Steinberg MS LMFT 31171 NPI: 1760548861
1025 5th St
Novato, CA 94945
May 18, 2021
Dear Mayor Maefsky,
It is my understanding that St Croix River traffic problems will be discussed at the Scandia City
Council meeting on Tuesday May 18th. I live in California so will not be able to attend.
Nevertheless, the St. Croix river is special to me so I wanted to give you my feedback.
My family has owned an old home on the river since 1970. Our property is located at 20921
Quint Avenue N. We are still considered "newcomers". It is personally special to our family but
believe that the St Croix river valley is a special place that deserves protection and preservation
for all who wish to use it.
The Wild and Scenic Rivers act of 1968 put regulations in place for those of us fortunate enough
to own property on the river including limitations on construction and seasonal use of our
property. We accept and understand the need for these limitations in order to preserve this
unique and special place.
It also put boating rules in place to ensure the safety of paddlers in canoes, kayaks and
increasingly on paddle boards. This low wake zone stretches from Taylor's Falls to the Arcola
sandbar at the mouth of the Apple River.
These rules are appropriate for this narrow and often shallow stretch of the river. Increasingly
large boats with big motors disregard or are ignorant of these regulations. The safety of
paddlers enjoying the contemplative pace of this river is often at risk.
We want all who appreciate the river to enjoy it. We also would like to ensure that the
regulations are well understood by the general public and that they are better enforced. Large
wakes and fast boats are a dangerous mix with canoes and kayaks.
With sincere regard for your service,
Mary Steinberg and family.