Endangered? The St. Croix River
A Case Study in Water Stewardship
Author(s)
Abstract
Managing the St. Croix River has sparked tremendous controversy due to conflicting uses of the river. At risk is the water quality and aesthetic value of this National Scenic Riverway. The drama unfolding around the St. Croix River is used in this case study to illustrate water resource concepts and the difficulties that can arise when making decisions about natural resources. Designed for a water resources course taken primarily by undergraduate juniors and seniors, the case could be used effectively in classes covering water quality, water policy, environmental policy, limnology, stream ecology, environmental studies or science, or environmental decision making.
Objectives
- To understand the importance of values in decision-making.
- To understand key components of a decision-making model.
- To experience dilemmas in water quality decision-making.
- To apply aquatic ecological concepts in decision-making.
- To understand and apply issues of scale (temporal and spatial) in water resource decision-making.
Keywords
St. Croix River; National Scenic Riverway; water resources; water quality; environmental decision-making; invasive species; exotic species; zebra mussel; Dreissena polymorpha; biomonitoring; Minnesota; WisconsinTopical Areas
Policy issues, Regulatory issuesEducational Level
Undergraduate upper divisionFormat
PDFType / Methods
Analysis (Issues)Language
EnglishSubject Headings
Natural Resource Management | Environmental Science |
Date Posted
03/27/00Teaching Notes
Case teaching notes are password-protected and access to them is limited to paid subscribed instructors. To become a paid subscriber, begin the process by registering.
Teaching notes are intended to help teachers select and adopt a case. They typically include a summary of the case, teaching objectives, information about the intended audience, details about how the case may be taught, and a list of references and resources.