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Jul 16, 2024:
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Fairy Falls Day Use Area Site Planning Process
Saint Croix National Scenic Riverway » Fairy Falls Day Use Area Site Planning Process » Document List
The National Park Service is exploring opportunities for improving safety, protecting the natural environment, and enhancing visitor experiences at the Fairy Falls Day Use Area, located near Stillwater, Minnesota.
The Fairy Falls Day Use Area is a 54-acre natural area located in Stillwater Township. Deep ravines and steep bluffs surround Silver Creek as it passes through a marsh on its way the St. Croix River. The area has a long history of human use and its ecological diversity provides habitat for a variety of plants and animals. Fairy Falls Day Use Area was closed to the public from summer 2020 to winter 2022 due to lack of safe visitor access and deteriorating social trails along steep slopes.
In October and November 2021, we invited public comments to gather input before concepts or ideas for the future of Fairy Falls Day Use Area are formally developed. We invited comments from the public about:
- Identifying safe access and designated parking
- Improving or rerouting trails
- Enhancing visitor experience
- Protecting the natural environment
We received over 40 comments from members of the public and partners, and over 30 individuals attended two virtual open houses held in October 2021. The presentation provided in those meetings was recorded and can be accessed on the Wild Rivers Conservancy's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/YxEOVIp5HL0
In late January 2022, we shared a summary of the comments and discussions thus far. Next, based on the input received, we developed a range of alternatives, engaged in further public involvement, and assessed compliance needs under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental regulations.
In February and March 2023, St. Croix National Scenic Riverway collected public input about future management of the Fairy Falls Day Use Area. Comments and ideas were reviewed, and a draft site plan and Environmental Analysis has been developed and is open for public comment beginning June 17 through July 16, 2024. A public meeting will be held 6-8 p.m. on June 25, 2024, at the Stillwater Public Library in Stillwater, MN. The meeting will have an open house format with a short presentation at 6:30 p.m.; see Meeting Notices for more information.
Any project updates throughout the process can be found at the "Planning for Fairy Falls" link at http://www.nps.gov/sacn or by calling the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Headquarters at 715-483-2274.
The Fairy Falls Day Use Area is a 54-acre natural area located in Stillwater Township. Deep ravines and steep bluffs surround Silver Creek as it passes through a marsh on its way the St. Croix River. The area has a long history of human use and its ecological diversity provides habitat for a variety of plants and animals. Fairy Falls Day Use Area was closed to the public from summer 2020 to winter 2022 due to lack of safe visitor access and deteriorating social trails along steep slopes.
In October and November 2021, we invited public comments to gather input before concepts or ideas for the future of Fairy Falls Day Use Area are formally developed. We invited comments from the public about:
- Identifying safe access and designated parking
- Improving or rerouting trails
- Enhancing visitor experience
- Protecting the natural environment
We received over 40 comments from members of the public and partners, and over 30 individuals attended two virtual open houses held in October 2021. The presentation provided in those meetings was recorded and can be accessed on the Wild Rivers Conservancy's YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/YxEOVIp5HL0
In late January 2022, we shared a summary of the comments and discussions thus far. Next, based on the input received, we developed a range of alternatives, engaged in further public involvement, and assessed compliance needs under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental regulations.
In February and March 2023, St. Croix National Scenic Riverway collected public input about future management of the Fairy Falls Day Use Area. Comments and ideas were reviewed, and a draft site plan and Environmental Analysis has been developed and is open for public comment beginning June 17 through July 16, 2024. A public meeting will be held 6-8 p.m. on June 25, 2024, at the Stillwater Public Library in Stillwater, MN. The meeting will have an open house format with a short presentation at 6:30 p.m.; see Meeting Notices for more information.
Any project updates throughout the process can be found at the "Planning for Fairy Falls" link at http://www.nps.gov/sacn or by calling the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway Headquarters at 715-483-2274.