MN DNR Lists Duluth Project As Highlight Of 2025 Accomplishments

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has shared its biggest accomplishments for 2025. Near the top is one of the projects that was completed this summer in Duluth, Minnesota.

The St. Louis River Estuary was designated nearly 40 years ago as an area of concern. The area of Perch Lake was once a shallow bay on the St. Louis River estuary until it was cut off by railroads and U.S. Highway 23 decades ago.

Without the flowing water in and out of the estuary, oxygen levels dropped, and there was limited access for fish and wildlife. Sediment accrued, and the 31 acres were nearly unusable.

The DNR began work on the project 4 years ago and recently completed the $10 million rehabilitation project. They removed 72,000 cubic yards of sediment and restored the 31 acres of water. A pedestrian bridge was installed, and a culvert was placed under Highway 23, which allows fish, wildlife, and small boats to pass under the bridge and enjoy Perch Lake.

Another big accomplishment listed by the DNR was the decrease in watercraft-related fatalities to historic lows. Unfortunately, 7 people died in boating-related fatalities in Minnesota. The DNR says even one fatality is too many, but 2025 does mark a historic low. It comes after previous historic lows in 2023 and 2024. The DNR points out that this is a big accomplishment, considering there are more watercraft registrations than ever before, meaning the decrease in fatalities comes even with busier boating seasons. They credit life jackets and efforts to decrease operating watercraft while intoxicated.

Read more about the other highlights of the Minnesota DNR's work in 2025.