General

Upcoming events

Past Conventions

Past Conferences

Convention Conservation Projects

CONVENTION CONSERVATION PROJECTS

2002: St Louis Estuary

ABA's 2002 Convention Conservation Grant will go to The Nature Conservancy and their efforts to protect the unique ecological attributes and exceptional biodiversity of the St. Louis River Estuary. The 12,000-acre Estuary is located at the lower portion of the St Louis River on the Minnesota and Wisconsin state boundaries in the Twin Ports of Duluth/Superior. The diversity of habitat and extent of wetland and shoreline habitats make the Estuary ideal for some 230 bird species of breeding and migrant birds. Among these, birds of particular concern are American Bittern, Peregrine Falcon, Black Tern, Sedge Wren, Wood Thrush, Golden-winged Warbler, Black-throated Blue Warbler, and Le Conte's Sparrow.

The St. Louis River Estuary is an important stop-over site for migrating birds. In early spring, it is often the only place with open water, so migrating birds including waterfowl, waders, shorebirds, gulls, and terns are concentrated in a relatively small area. The Estuary's sandy beaches (scarce in the Upper Midwest) are one of the few desirable places for migratory shorebirds to stop en route to breeding and wintering grounds. During autumn, the combination of the mountain ridge and the adjacent Lake Superior-which soaring birds are reluctant to cross-produces a spectacular raptor migration along the western edge of the Lake. Annual counts at Duluth's Hawk Ridge Nature Center average in excess of 60,000. One-day counts have seen up to 32,000 Broad-winged Hawks, 131 Saw-whet Owls, and 4,000 American Robins. Boreal species that may also occur during fall migration include Black-backed Woodpecker, Boreal Chickadee, and Gray Jay. The area is well known for its wintering Gyrfalcons, Snowy Owls, Boreal Owls, and Bohemian Waxwings.

Ecological conditions in the St. Louis River Estuary vary greatly. The upper portion of the estuary retains wilderness-like areas, while the lower portion of the estuary has been significantly altered by more than 100 years of urban development, including an industrial harbor and international shipping port. Threats to the ecological integrity of the St. Louis River Estuary identified through TNC's conservation planning activities include: habitat loss, exotic species, increased sedimentation, filling of wetlands, contaminated sediments, and degradation of water quality. While the estuary can never be restored to its pre-settlement condition, the goal of this ambitious project is to protect and enhance ecological functions and maximize biodiversity in the remaining habitats. TNC works in partnership in the Estuary with the St. Louis River Citizens Action Committee and numerous other agencies and individuals.