IMMEDIATE RELEASE             May 11, 2004

Duluth, Minn., U.S.A.—The 12th annual series of River Quest educational cruises for area sixth grade students has been set for Wednesday through Friday (May 12-14) aboard the harbor excursion vessel Vista Star.

St. Louis River Quest, created in 1993, is an educational program sponsored by more than 40 local public agencies, political subdivisions and industrial organizations concerned with use and preservation of the St. Louis River estuary. More than 7,200 students have participated in the program since its beginning. This year there will be four half-day cruises held onboard the Vista Star accommodating 580 students.

The program is designed to instill environmental stewardship in area sixth graders while helping them understand industrial, commercial and recreational activities in the St. Louis Harbor.

“River Quest gives students hands-on lessons in water quality, soil conservation, pollution prevention, maritime commerce, boating safety, fish habitat and sewage treatment,” said Ray Skelton, chairman of River Quest and environmental and government affairs director for the Duluth Seaway Port Authority, lead sponsor of the program. Daily sessions will run 9 a.m. through 11:30 a.m., on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday (May 12-14), and also noon through 2:30 p.m. on Thursday (May 13).

Examples of the leaning stations to be provided this year are available on the Port Authority’s website at www.duluthport.com. Click on “Environmental,” then “River Quest.”

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NOTE TO EDITORS/INTERESTED PARTIES: The first learning station for the 9 a.m. session on Wednesday, May 12, will be held dockside at the Vista Fleet berth adjacent to the Duluth Entertainment and Convention Center to accommodate guests and media.

CONTACT: Lisa Marciniak, Port Promotion Manager, Phone 218-727-8525

More Press Releases, 2004