A land swap bill that would swap 86,000 acres of state lands inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for federal land on the edge of the Superior National Forest has passed the U.S. House of Representatives.
Alissa Johnson
New Fires Burn in the Boundary Waters
Not long after the Forest Service contained the Cummings Lake Fire, new fires cropped up adjacent to and in the northern parts of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The Parley …
Cummings Lake Fire an Example of New Forest Service Fire Fighting Policy
Lake and area closures have been lifted in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, though fire restrictions remain in place HERE. The suppression of the recent Cummings Lake Fire has prompted …
Boundary Waters Fires are Out, Closures Remain in Effect
The Cummings Lake Fire about 12 miles northwest of Ely, MN and the Wooden Leg Fire about 22 miles northeast of the town are officially out. According to an article in …
Spot Fires Prompt Forest Service to Close Some Lakes in BWCAW
Fire crews have made progress containing the Cummings Lake Fire in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Located about 12 miles northwest of Ely, MN, recent Forest Service estimates place the fire at 60 percent contained.
Wildfire Burns Near Ely
Fire crews are battling a fire near Ely, MN. The fire was reported on Sunday afternoon and is burning on a peninsula between the west end of Cummings and the northeast side of Otter Lake. Current estimates place the fire at about 20 acres in size.
Saving the Pow Wow Trail
The Forest Service is considering closing the 30-mile Pow Wow Trail through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, but one group of hikers is hoping to prevent that.
EPA Might Step in on Haze Control
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may step in and require stricter regulations for reducing taconite plant plant emissions than plans proposed by Minnesota and Michigan.
Cell Tower Ruling Stands, Construction Could Begin This Week
The Minnesota Supreme Court announced last week that it will not review a Minnesota Court of Appeals ruling allowing the construction of a 450-foot cell phone tower on Fall Lake, just outside of Ely, MN.
Mining in Minnesota: Ely’s Steve Piragis Offers His Take on Keeping Wilderness Pristine
As northwoods mining takes center stage on the economic and environmental stages, a long time land use debate is resurfacing among neighbors who make Ely, MN their home. Steve Piragis, owner of Piragis Northwoods Company, is no stranger to that debate. He and his wife have run their shop and guide service since 1979.
Environmental Groups Challenge Wilderness Haze Plan
Environmental groups are challenging Minnesota’s plan to reduce haze in places like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park.
News Update: BWCAW Land Swap Bill to be Considered by House
Last spring, representative Chip Cravaack introduced federal legislation to exchange 86,000 acres of state lands embedded inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for an equal amount of federal land outside the wilderness.
Volunteer at Voyageurs National Park
This September, get an inside look at Minnesota’s only National Park and help park rangers complete important conservation projects. Voyageur’s National Park is hosting its 2012 Volunteer Rendezvous on September 7 and 8, and nature lovers of all ages are invited to sign up for one or both days.
Border Security vs. Wilderness Protection
Another new bill raises concerns about potential development in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives waives environmental regulations on public land within 100 miles of international borders.
Duluth and the North Shore are Open for Business
Duluth Mayor Don Ness and north shore business owners are spreading the word that it is safe to visit Duluth. A story on Minnesota Public Radio reports that restaurants and shops …
New Bills Could Open Wilderness Areas to Hunting, Fishing, Motors
When the U.S. House passed the Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012 two months ago, it didn’t get much attention. But after further analysis, the bill is increasingly seen as a real …
Flash Floods Wreak Havoc in Duluth and along the North Shore
Up to 10 inches of rain fell overnight in Duluth this week, overwhelming the city’s sewer system and road infrastructure. Flash flood warnings were in place for much of the north shore as streams and rivers overflowed their banks in torrents of water.
Arrowhead 135 pits racers against the elements
135 brave souls bike, run or ski from International Falls to Tower in this truly Minnesota event.
Rep. Chip Cravaak Speaks in Favor of Mining, Polymet Project
U.S. Rep. Chip Cravaak says that environmentally sound mining is a vital part of a healthy Minnesota economy.
Wolf Hunting Bill Introduced That Ignores DNR Wishes
Rep. David Dill, DFL-Crane Lake, has introduced a bill to the Minnesota State Legislature that would set a wolf hunting season to coincide with deer season. This is in direct conflict with DNR plans.