Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge Warn of Boating Difficulties from Flooding

(KWNO)- The Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge, Winona District is urging boaters to take precautions in the coming days and weeks due to the flooding expected on the Mississippi River.

In a press release from U.S. Fish and Wildlife services, they say boaters should be vigilant as flood waters will have significantly changed conditions at traditional access, camping and day-use sites. They also mention that excessive current, turbid water, and submerged and floating hazards should be expected in the river over the coming days.

Boaters should be prepared to locate alternative boat ramps to access the river between Wabasha, MN and Trempealeau, WI. The press release indicates that ramps will be closed throughout the area due to floodings. Refuge personnel are constantly evaluation river conditions to determine when refuge boat ramps need to be closed and re-opened.

The following landings are currently closed; Indian Slough, Beef Slough, and Pontoon Slough on Hwy 25 between Wabasha, MN and Nelson, WI; Peterson Lake and Halfmoon located near Kellogg, MN; Weaver at Weaver, MN; Verchota and McNally on the Prairie Island Dike near Minnesota City, MN; and Mertes’ Slough on Hwy 54/43 near Winona, MN.

Questions regarding the boat ramps and their availability can be answered by calling the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge at 507-454-7351.