River
The Kinni and Its Watershed Compliments of
The Kinnickinnic
River Land Trust. For more photos, click
here. The Kinni is designated an "Outstanding Resource Water" by
the Wisconsin Legislature - the highest classification possible. It
rises north of Interstate 94 in St. Croix County, Wisconsin and flows
generally southwest for about 22 miles until it empties into the St.
Croix River. It is joined by several spring creeks along its course
(including Parker Creek, Kelly Creek, South Fork, and Rocky Branch)
draining a watershed area of 240 square miles (153,000 acres). On a
typical day, the Kinni flows at 50 cubic feet of water per second.
The Kinni watershed is characterized by scenic bluff lands, rare oak
savanna, original prairie, farm land, white pine forest, wooded
coulees, sedge meadows, rare and endangered plant species (including
the Fameflower), beautiful stands of white pines and plenty of open
space and scenic vistas. Its feeder creeks are cold and clean,
containing wild native brook trout, important spawning areas,
wetlands, and many springs arising from under picturesque limestone
outcroppings. Its acreage is home to deer, wild turkey, pheasants,
rabbits, ducks and other wildlife. Within the Kinni watershed can be
found 40 Endangered, Threatened, or Special Concern species, 500 plant
species (40% of all plant species found in Wisconsin), 100
non-vascular plants (mosses, lichens, etc.), and 140 bird species (50%
of the species found in Wisconsin).
"The Kinnickinnic River is home to a wonderful variety of
plant communities and species. From goat prairies to balsam fir
stands, from weeping cliffs to sedge meadows, this river must not be
taken for granted. In my estimation, this combination of
plant communities and endangered species is a rare gem and must be
conserved. I have seen nothing like it in the Upper Mississippi
River Basin." - Sara Rogers, National Biological Survey
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The Upper Kinni River has over 8,000 trout per mile
and meanders past farms and scenic views. |
The Lower Kinni Canyon area has quick, free-flowing
water and winds through limestone bluffs and forests seen in more
northerly climates. |
Canoeing the Lower Kinni is a favorite pastime of
locals as well as guests. |
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