Biologists find northern MN fish contaminated with chemicals
New research reveals widespread presence of pollutants being studied for the first time.
Greg Seitz
Forest Service issues warning about Boundary Waters bears
A bountiful year for natural food sources has kept most bears away from people, but a few spots have had multiple problems.
Twin Metals loses lawsuit seeking renewal of mineral leases
Federal court rejects attempt to overturn cancellation of 57-year-old licenses to extract public resources.
How does a forest wildfire affect water quality?
New study says lakes near the 2021 Greenwood Fire saw significant and surprising impacts.
Forest Service rejects Lutsen ski area expansion
Superior National Forest upholds treaty rights and rejects request for new ski runs on public land.
BWCAW visitor numbers drop to pre-COVID levels
After two years of high demand in the wilderness, Superior National Forest data shows that the number of visitors to the BWCA last year returned to similar levels as before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mineral licks may be to blame for deer infecting moose with deadly parasite
Animals are observed frequenting same sites where transmission can easily occur.
Isle Royale releases wilderness plan for public input
The National Park Service proposes options for how to handle group sizes, campgrounds, structures, and more on the island wilderness in Lake Superior.
Lutsen Mountains pauses expansion plans to confer with tribes
Company calls off plans to expand on public land so it can consult on treaty rights.
Minnesota Supreme Court revokes PolyMet permit, criticizes secrecy
Justices find that state and federal agencies concealed concerns about water pollution potential.
Boundary Waters Boy Scout camp celebrates a century of wilderness adventure
Program based near Ely has helped young people explore and experience canoe country since 1923.
Superior National Forest proposes raising fees at nine campgrounds
Nine recreation sites would see increases in fees charged by the U.S. Forest Service if a new proposal is approved. Fees help fund maintenance and improvements…
The top 10 clearest lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Which lakes in the BWCAW are the most crystal clear? Satellite data analyzed by the University of Minnesota yields insights. #10 – Lac la Croix…
Star Tribune series explores fighting fire with fire in the BWCA
Should fire be managed in the Boundary Waters? What have we learned from past mistakes? Experts discuss wildfire past and future in the BWCAW.
New BWCA report calls for more public engagement
A wide range of stakeholders weigh in on how the BWCAW is managed. Interviews with dozens of wilderness users and other stakeholders resulted in new recommendations.
Biologists say wolves are fond of fishing in Voyageurs Park
New research shows that wolves hunting fish – a behavior first seen in 2017 – is apparently common during sucker spawning.
Campfires banned in BWCA due to dangers caused by drought
Local, state, and federal agencies announce prohibitions to reduce wildfire risks.
PolyMet mine permit revoked for failure to meet tribal water regulations
Army Corps revokes key PolyMet permit after push from Fond du Lac Band, saving 900+ acres of wetlands. The company behind proposed copper-nickel mine must start over on application.
DNR considers BWCA mining buffer zone expansion
Minnesota DNR announces its undertaking rulemaking to protect the Boundary Waters wilderness from noise and light pollution related to mining.
Report documents how “model mines” actually contaminate environment
Professor of geology studied several mines that supposedly have not polluted, and found they don’t meet proposed Minnesota standards.