Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources declared a no-wake zone for boats on the St. Croix River between Taylors Falls, Minnesota and Prescott.

That happens when the river reaches 683 feet above sea level at Stillwater. The water rose to that height Wednesday.

A Minnesota DNR hydrologist says boaters need to observe a lower speed to minimize shoreline erosion.

Boaters should watch for debris floating just below the surface.

Spring snow melt and recent rain caused the high water. It also means several islands in the St. Croix will be flooded and unusable for recreation.