St. Louis River Quest
ABOUT US
Students are enrolled in the St. Louis River Quest each year to explore the Duluth-Superior estuary and learn about the waterfront industries and the people who work there.
- In 1993, a pivotal conversation between Kurt Soderberg, at-the-time Executive Director of the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District (WLSSD) and John Goldfine, whose family owned/operated Vista Fleet and Southern Belle Riverboat in Chattanooga, Tenn, led to the idea of getting kids from the region to see how important the river is to this region.
- May 1993, nearly 20 waterfront-related industries including the Duluth Seaway Port Authority sponsored what would become St. Louis River Quest. Ray Skelton, Port Authority Special Projects/Environmental and Government Relations Director was key in shepherding the program until his death in 2006.
- Almost 800 sixth graders from Duluth, Hermantown, Proctor and Superior participated in the inaugural excursions onboard the two Vista Fleet boats.
- River Quest champion Ray Skelton's memory lives on in an annual Captain Ray Skelton River Quest Writing Contest. Begun in 2008, student essays and poems highlight lessons learned during their River Quest experience.
Our
HISTORY
River Quest provides students with hands-on learning experiences that enhance awareness and understanding of the St. Louis River ecosystem and interrelated commercial, industrial and recreational activities.
Our
MISSION
2020-2021
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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James Farkas
President & Chief Operating Officer (Retired), Fraser Industries
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Amy Herstad-Einbu
Technical Sales, Altec Industries Inc.
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Jayson Hron
Dir. Communications & Marketing, Duluth Seaway Port Authority
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Doug Jensen
Extension Assistant Professor, Minnesota Sea Grant
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Sarah Lerohl, Secretary
Environmental Program Coordinator, Western Lake Superior Sanitary District
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Erin Makela, Vice President
Communications Consultant, Emagination
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Phil Marquis
Plant Manager, Graymont
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David Moeller
Senior Attorney, Minnesota Power/Allete
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Brian Resch, President
Wealth Manager, MPPL Financial
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Aaron Salmela
Science & Curriculum Coordinator, ISD 709
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Karen Sunderman
Senior Content Producer, WDSE-WRPT TV
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Amy Wolcott, Treasurer
Senior Environment Permitting Specialist, Barr Engineering
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David Worley, MD, Past President
Director, UMD Health Services
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Katelyn Rogers, Program Coordinator
Human Resource Generalist, ZMC Hotels
RIVER QUEST
Video
Hop aboard the Vista Star with Ellie and Michael in this 4 1/2 minute video introducing the day; although recorded in 2012, it still captures the spirit of the event.