These two rivers are excellent candidates, as they provide a remote location for river recreation, with little development on their banks in the segments proposed for designation. The Totogatic (also spelled Totagatic) is about 70 miles long, starting near Cable, Wisconsin, (in Bayfield County) and flowing west through Sawyer, Washburn, and Douglas Counties before reaching its confluence with the Namekagon River in Burnett County. The 8-mile headwaters segment of the St. Croix flows between Upper St. Croix Lake and the Gordon Flowage in Douglas County. This segment is not included in the National Wild and Scenic Riverway designation, but has great historic, recreational, and resource significance. Both the Totogatic and the St. Croix Headwaters segment were added to the state’s list of Outstanding Resource Waters in December, 2006.

There is considerable grass roots support for continuing this initiative. Department staff and Senator Jauch held public meetings in the fall of 2005 to hear feedback from interested citizens. Based on this feedback, draft statute language has been prepared and is being shared with potential legislative sponsors. The proposed statutory changes were also shared with interested partners and citizens at a public meeting in September, 2006. The next step is to continue seeking local support from towns, counties, and local organizations. In order to be designated as state Wild Rivers, a bill would have to be passed by both houses of the legislature and signed by the Governor.