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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 is currently closed to the public 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 on October 19 and October 21, 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 will develop a range of alternatives, engage in further public involvement, and assess compliance needs under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental regulations.
In February and March 2023, St. Croix National Scenic Riverway will be seeking public input about future management of the Fairy Falls Day Use Area. Public comments on site options will be accepted February 13 through March 29, 2023; see Open for Comment for more details. A public meeting will be held 5-7 p.m. on March 7, 2023 in Stillwater, MN; 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 is currently closed to the public 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 on October 19 and October 21, 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 will develop a range of alternatives, engage in further public involvement, and assess compliance needs under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other environmental regulations.
In February and March 2023, St. Croix National Scenic Riverway will be seeking public input about future management of the Fairy Falls Day Use Area. Public comments on site options will be accepted February 13 through March 29, 2023; see Open for Comment for more details. A public meeting will be held 5-7 p.m. on March 7, 2023 in Stillwater, MN; 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.