It has been another great year of writing about the St. Croix River. There is no end to this river’s stories and secrets, no limit to its wonders. And always some surprises.
The favorite topics in 2024 spanned several categories, showing that St. Croix 360’s readers have broad interests and a spectrum of curiosity. The subjects also cover a fair amount of the river’s geography, with stories and parts of stories from its upper reaches all the way down to Lake St. Croix, and up its tributaries.
The ranking below is just based on how many people visited each story. There are lots of great stories that are not included here. What becomes popular is often a matter of some chance and the whims of various algorithms. You can browse all the year’s featured stories here.
Without further prelude or delay, here is the countdown of St. Croix 360’s most popular stories of 2024:
#10: Du Luth or not Du Luth….
Historic rock carving near upper St. Croix River may be rare artifact of early European exploration
(December 6)
New research on an intriguing inscription supports the possibility it’s an authentic monument from the 17th century. Read now >
#9: It’s not the crime, it’s the cover-up…
How 3M executives convinced a scientist the forever chemicals she found in human blood were safe
(July 19)
Decades ago, Kris Hansen showed 3M that its PFAS chemicals were in people’s bodies. Her bosses halted her work. Read now >
#8: St. Croix River’s legal protections affirmed by Wisconsin justice system…
Court rejects Hudson development over river impacts
(March 1)
Ruling in lawsuit says city violated state rules when it approved variances for apartment building. Read now >
#7: A quick climb up the ranks for a recent positive story of historic preservation…
Historic cabin on upper St. Croix River restored with federal funding
(December 20)
Gibson Cabin gets major repairs and renovations just in time for 100th birthday. Read now >
#6: A perennial popular topic is fish, fishing, and also, fish…
New fishing regulations for Wisconsin anglers on the St. Croix River effective March 1
(February 29)
Rules include changed limits for several popular game species. Read now >
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#5: Clothes can contain millions of plastic fibers…
Laundry is a top source of microplastic pollution – here’s how to clean your clothes more sustainably
(January 19)
Washing machines can produce millions of tiny plastic particles that are polluting land and water. Read now >
#4: Agribusiness advocates argue state has no authority to protect natural resources…
Wisconsin judge rejects attempt to overturn factory farm regulations
(February 16)
Ruling allows DNR to continue requiring pollution permits for large-scale livestock operations. Read now >
#3: There’s a lot of life swimming beneath the St. Croix’s surface…
Fish surveys turn up surprising species in St. Croix and tributaries
(March 8)
Rare minnows and unexpected paddlefish are highlights of one biologist’s work in 2023. Read now >
#2: Years of failures and contamination, rewarded with expansion…
Pollution-plagued factory farm permitted to double in size
(March 1)
DNR approves Emerald Sky application to increase cow herd — and manure production. Read now >
#1: And, finally… drum roll, please… The most-read story of 2024 was about protecting some of our favorite overlooked fish species…
Minnesota passes new law to manage misunderstood fish
(May 3)
Legislation will make significant changes to how native rough fish are regulated and protected. Read now >
Thanks again to everyone for reading, sharing, sending news tips, and supporting St. Croix 360. We can’t do it without you.
There will be more big news and fascinating stories in the year ahead. Please consider contributing to St. Croix 360 to help us continue covering this beloved river.
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