Prescribed fires on Superior National Forest cancelled to protect virus victims and firefighters
Federal agency calls off all spring burning plans as officials seek to reduce connected risks of fires and health.
Greg Seitz
Flashback: A New Yorker tried to mine copper inside the Boundary Waters
George St. Clair’s efforts to exercise mineral rights he had inherited set off battles in the courts, the newspapers, and legislative bodies from St. Paul to Washington, D.C.
Numerous lakes and streams in northeastern Minnesota available for citizen monitoring
Volunteers are vital to measure how clear lakes and streams are, providing valuable information to track long-term health.
Coronavirus in canoe country: pandemic precautions affect public lands
While local residents follow social distancing outdoors in the wilderness, the public is asked to not travel to the Quetico-Superior region, as facilities close due to infection prevention measures.
Minnesota court rejects air permit for proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine
Judges order state to consider if PolyMet actually plans a much larger mine than the company told regulators when applying for an air pollution permit.
Federal court upholds Twin Metals mineral leases
Major blow to wilderness protection comes as judge rules in favor of reversal, restoring leases to company seeking to mine at edge of Boundary Waters.
‘No better, no worse’ – moose population in northeast Minnesota remains reduced, but steady
Annual DNR survey finds similar moose numbers to recent years, but still precariously low compared to 15 years ago.
Oil spill penalties will help protect Minnesota loons by promoting lead-free fishing tackle
Fines paid by BP for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill will help fund Minnesota’s expanded “Get the Lead Out” program to reduce loons deaths from lead poisoning.
Northern Minnesota mining reports from Trump administration met with criticism
Government agencies release confidential and redacted documents that fail to satisfy wilderness advocates who requested them.
Trip planning takes priority as summer season approaches
First-timers and experienced wilderness visitors can learn from several upcoming programs and events focused on safe and successful paddling and hiking trips.
Artists invited to spend time this summer living and creating in Quetico Provincial Park
Rustic residency program provides time and support to find inspiration in the Ontario wilderness.
Tribal group supports legislation to prevent mining near Boundary Waters
Coalition of Ojibwe bands calls on Congress to pass legislation blocking copper-nickel mines in the wilderness watershed.
Search-and-rescue crew recaps year of Boundary Waters emergencies
Respected northern Minnesota rescue squad responded to hundreds of calls last year, including almost 20 in the Boundary Waters wilderness.
DNR and PolyMet appeal order to conduct judicial review of controversial copper mine permits
State and mining company ask Supreme Court to review decision by Court of Appeals that requires a contested case hearing to consider facts affecting permits in front of a judge.
New evidence from Voyageurs National Park shows blueberries are a big deal for wolf packs
Field observations in remote areas shed new light on wolf behavior, including how they feed their pups when meat is hard to come by.
House committee holds hearing on McCollum bill to block mining in wilderness watershed
Members of Congress questioned witnesses who testified about the Boundary Waters, the economy, and past decisions to protect northeastern Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.
PolyMet water permit court proceedings examine actions by regulators
Witnesses and additional evidence were examined after the Court of Appeals ordered a hearing into how state and federal officials worked together to convey concerns over mining pollution.
Two invasive species in Minnesota lakes appear to cause slower walleye growth
Study from the University of Minnesota finds that young walleye appear to be smaller in waters infested by spiny waterflea and zebra mussels, with implications for the future of popular fisheries.
Boundary Waters permits go on sale January 29 for restricted quota season
Are you ready to reserve your dates and entry point? Permits to camp in the popular wilderness area this summer will soon be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
High water on Lake Superior expected to continue this year after record-setting 2019
Precipitation patterns are blamed for water levels far above average, which have caused erosion, flooding, and other challenges along the shoreline.