Interested in exploring the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway? On May 12 a ranger will lead a group of kayakers down a section of the river.

The National Parks Conservation Association, which operates a number of offices across the country to stay on top of national park issues, has opened an office in St. Paul, Minnesota, to keep an eye on parks in the Upper Midwest.

Efforts to gain approval for a four-lane bridge over the St. Croix River not only represent a significant threat to the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, but if successful would set a dangerous precedent for Wild and Scenic rivers nationwide, according to a national rivers advocacy group.

U.S. Rep. Michelle Bachmann, while strongly criticizing President Barack Obama for presiding over a $1.65 trillion deficit, is expected to introduce legislation any day now that could add to that deficit while also pushing through an exemption to the Wild & Scenic River Act for a four-lane bridge through a national scenic riverway, according to those close to the issue.