Osceola, Wisconsin’s natural beauty is at risk of being destroyed forever! The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MN-DOT) will soon be making design choices surrounding the MN243 bridge replacement project across the St. Croix River. The wrong bridge alignment choice would destroy the natural beauty of the Cascade Falls trail through the Wilke Glen - the #1 tourist attraction for this small Wisconsin town located on the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway. By signing this petition, you can save Cascade Falls and the Wilke Glen from permanent destruction and preserve the #1 reason why people visit our charming little river town.

Osceola was founded in 1886 with a mill at Cascade Falls. This roaring 25-foot waterfall is the #1 tourist attraction in Osceola and carries the Osceola Creek (a DNR designated trout stream) to the St. Croix River through Wilke Glen.

 

MN-DOT’s Bridge Alignment Choices

MN-DOT is considering two bridge alignment choices – North Alignment or South Alignment. These two options would allow the existing MN243 bridge to stay open during construction of a new bridge directly adjacent to the north or the south side. In addition, the new bridge is planned to be wider to accommodate bikes and pedestrians across the St. Croix River, taking a bigger swath out of the Wisconsin shore. 

 

Cross Section of Impact to Cascade Falls and Wilke Glen Ecosystem

MN-DOT cross section illustration

 

North Alignment Destroys Cascade Falls and Wilke Glen

If the North Alignment option is chosen for the MN243 bridge replacement, it will permanently destroy the natural beauty of Cascade Falls and Wilke Glen by…

• Removing most of the trees
• Destroying the unique vegetation that thrives along the Osceola Creek
• Removing the natural hill that protects Cascade Falls, Wilke Glen and Downtown Osceola from traffic noise
• Destroying numerous DNR-designated wetlands
• Moving the natural flow of the Osceola Creek (DNR-designated trout stream) to accommodate new bridge abutments
• Construction of soaring concrete retaining walls through much of the Wilke Glen that would soon be filled with disgusting graffiti.

Graffiti is a constant problem on the existing MN243 bridge abutments in the Wilke Glen.

 

South Alignment Preserves Cascade Falls and Wilke Glen

The South Alignment option is the only logical choice for the new MN243 bridge to save the vital natural ecosystem of Cascade Falls and the Wilke Glen and preserve the #1 reason why people come to visit Osceola. The South alignment also maintains the much-needed economic contribution that tourism provides to Osceola's local economy.

 

Osceola’s #1 Tourist Attraction

Osceola has been recognized as a top tourist destination for the natural beauty of Cascade Falls and Wilke Glen – an vital economic contributor to the Village of Osceola. (CTRL/Click links)

Forbes Magazine: https://www.forbes.com/sites/judykoutsky/2021/09/08/48-hours-in-osceola-wisconsin-small-town-charm-with-plenty-to-do/?sh=5be1a9f07d70

Minneapolis/St. Paul Magazine: https://mspmag.com/travel-and-visitors-guide/day-trip-cascade-falls-in-osceola-wi/

Travel Wisconsin: https://www.travelwisconsin.com/article/natural-attractions-and-parks/top-ten-scenic-waterfalls-in-wisconsin

Great Lakes Waterfalls & Beyond: https://gowaterfalling.com/waterfalls/cascadeosceola.shtml

Only In Your State: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/wisconsin/wi-cascade-falls-no-hiking/

 

Osceola Needs Your Signature NOW!

Osceola needs your signature NOW before the alignment choice for the new MN243 bridge is made by MN-DOT. We’re looking for 1,000+ signatures on this petition to stop MN-DOT from destroying Osceola’s most important natural environment and #1 tourist attraction.

Your voice will be communicated directly to the project managers in Minnesota and Wisconsin responsible for the selection process:

• Dmitry Tomasevich – Minnesota Department of Transportation
• Marc Bowker – Wisconsin Department of Transportation
• Brett Danner – SRF Consulting

 

By signing this petition, you’ll show your support for…

1. Eliminating the North Alignment from further consideration for the new MN243 bridge, AND...
2.  Choosing the South Alignment as the only viable option for the new MN243 bridge.

 

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!