About

This SNA protects a stretch of the Cannon River downstream of Welch, in a meandering section of the river not far from its confluence with the Mississippi River. Sandbars and adjacent uplands here offer potential nesting habitat for turtles, and parts of this SNA are seasonally designated as sanctuary areas.

As visitors will discover, this is a dynamic, ever-changing environment. Low-lying areas are routinely scoured by ice and currents. Sandbars and shorelines can be submerged by high waters until mid-summer, and subject to flooding during periods of heavy rain. Whether you hike in, bike by on the Cannon Valley Trail or canoe through the SNA, note that all sandbars are designated as sanctuary areas (closed to access) from May 1 – October 15 to avoid potential impacts on turtles or their eggs. While a short stop or simple picnic on a sandbar seems innocent enough, studies have demonstrated that such activity attracts nest predators such as raccoons, dramatically decreasing turtles' reproductive success.

Sanctuary (sandbars closed May 1 - October 15). The Cannon Valley Trail and Cannon River Water Trail pass through site. This site is an Audubon Important Bird Area.