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paddling in Cloquet State Forest

Northeast Minnesota’s best-kept secret – 5 fabulous State Forests

Tucked along winding, remote roads throughout Minnesota’s Arrowhead region are five fabulous state forests. Together, these five forests tout nearly 1.6 million acres of recreational land where you can camp, paddle, hike, hunt, fish, picnic, and cross-country ski. And unlike the other wonderful places I mentioned previously, these hidden gems are lesser known and see fewer visitors.

Minnesota DNR suspends review of PolyMet mine project

The MN DNR recently announced it will suspend its review of the PolyMet copper-nickel sulfide permit until late next year. “This decision recognizes that PolyMet owes Minnesotans transparency and honesty instead of continuing to waste scarce resources and everyone’s time.” said JT Haines from MCEA.

lake superior trout

Lake Trout restored in Lake Superior

Researchers have announced that lake trout have fully recovered in most of Lake Superior. The Lake Superior Committee, which manages and protects the lake, credits this recovery to decades of sound research and conservation practices. However, they caution that, given climate predictions, species management must remain proactive and vigilant.

USFS budget cuts will impact Superior National Forest visitors

The Forest Service anticipates budget cuts across the entire organization for 2025. The federal agency has requested $8.9 billion in funding but expects to receive significantly less. This reduction could negatively impact the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. As a result, visitors should prepare for potential changes.

Remote Area Border Crossing Quetico Ontario

Remote Area Border Crossing permits on pause for Quetico

Canadian authorities have temporarily paused new and renewal applications for Remote Border Crossing Permits (RABC). This will impact visitors traveling between the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park.

cold snowy winter forecast for the BWCA

Colder, snowier winter ahead for Northern Minnesota

Winter enthusiasts and residents should prepare for a colder, snowier winter in northern Minnesota. NOAA recently released its forecast for 2025. Although dry conditions persist in the north, the expected forecast should benefit those who recreate in the BWCAW and beyond.

Carlton Peak Trail Hike

One hike, two scenic vistas—Ted Tofte Overlook and Carlton Peak

“Do we have to go hiking?” our nephew fussed as we made our way up Highway 61 along Minnesota’s North Shore…“Hiking is just walking and walking is boring.” “Well, how about this?” I wagered. “Let’s do this hike to Carlton Peak and if you don’t like hiking, we won’t do any more hikes for the rest of the trip.” “Fine,” he grumbled. “But I already know I’m not going to like it.”

Sea Change for Lake Superior a sailboat shown with a map and documentary title

Film captures record-setting swim in warming Lake Superior

Marathon swimmers set a new distance relay record to highlight the impact of warming waters in Lake Superior. Over 24 hours, the athletes swam 46 miles without wetsuits. The documentary film, A Sea Change for Superior: The Warming of the World’s Largest Lake, captures what the effects of climate change mean for the ecosystems and communities that depend on it.

Voyageurs Park Expansion, private island acquired

Voyageurs National Park expands to protect habitat

A private land acquisition has expanded Voyageurs National Park by 51 acres. The National Park Service and Voyageurs Conservancy partnered with the Ramsey family over the past year to secure permanent protection for the property. Located on an island in Rainy Lake, the park service sees this as a significant milestone in its ongoing mission to protect natural habitats and parklands for outdoor enjoyment.

Bogus Lake Fire MN 2024

Bogus Lake wildfire burning in Superior National Forest

A third wildfire has started in the Superior National Forest. USFS crews discovered the Bogus Lake fire in northeastern Minnesota on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. The fire has burned approximately 45 acres and remains active. Firefighters from the Superior National Forest and MN DNR have responded with aircraft and personnel to assist with suppression efforts.

Wood Lake Fire suppression efforts

Wood Lake fire burning in BWCAW grows to 45 acres

A fire detected September 10 is burning on an island of Wood Lake within the BWCAW, partially contained, according to the USDA Forest Service. The fire is suspected to be human-caused and is burning in an area that is difficult to access. Some portages, lakes and entry points are closed.

Paddling BWCAW Tin Can Mike Lake

Where do they stand on protecting the BWCA?

As the election approaches, we look to key politicians’ historical positions on mining and conservation, impacting places like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Environmental groups urge voters to support lawmakers who advocate for continued protection.

Research to fight sulfate pollution in great lakes region

Remediating mercury and sulfur pollution in Upper Great Lakes

Since 2021, the USFS Northern Research Station’s Mercury Sulfur Initiative Working Group has been studying mercury and sulfur pollution in the Upper Great Lakes region. They will be hosting a webinar series on reducing these harmful chemicals in water and soil. Innovative research includes using trees, plants and microbes to remediate pollution.

1964 Wilderness Act

60 years of the Wilderness Act and the BWCA

September 3 marks the anniversary of The Wilderness Act of 1964, a landmark piece of legislation in American conservation history, which established a national policy to protect wilderness areas for future generations. The act included protections for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, which is not only the largest wilderness area east of the Rockies, but also the most widely used.