River Radio – October 24, 2026

A local and regional environmental update

Hosts Gayle Knutson and Jim Maher discuss key environmental issues affecting our area. Gayle speaks with Craig Beckman and Laurel Quill of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources about plans for William O’Brien State Park, specifically Lake Alice and the St. Croix River boat launch following last year’s unintended draining of the lake (4:00). Jim gets an update on mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness with Chris Knopf, executive director, Friends of the Boundary Waters (26:45). Plus an update of local news (50:00). Matt Quast is technical director.

This Week’s Guests

Craig Beckman & Laurel Quill, Minnesota DNR Parks & Trails
Lake Alice-Boat Launch Photos
Chris Knopf, Friends of the Boundary Waters

Email us:
riverradio@marinecommunitylibrary.org

Government Links:
City of Marine on St. Croix
City of Scandia
May Township
Washington County
Election information – MNVotes.gov
Marine Comprehensive Plan Survey
Osceola Bridge Project
Washington County Climate Action Plan
DNR Hunting information

News links:
WCCO-TV story on Fiddlehead Kitchen
KARE-11 story on Marine’s Straightest Stick contest

Event links:
Arrow Broken Event with Mona Susan Power – Oct. 29
Marine Documentary Night – The Trial of Alec Baldwin – Nov. 5
Photographer Craig Blacklock – Nov. 17

Business/Organization Links:
Marine Community Library

River Radio is presented by the Marine Community Library. It focuses on providing information about your community and your world. In each episode, conversation is conducted with notable figures from Minnesota and nationwide as well as local leaders.

Visit the RIVER RADIO page to learn more about River Radio, and to access replays of past shows.