The Spruce budworm, native to Minnesota, has spiked in numbers as state and federal agencies, along with conservationists, are working to mitigate the issue. Repeated and sustained outbreaks, seen in dead or dying balsam fir and white spruce are a signal of poor forest health…
Chief Randy Moore, who announced his retirement as head of the U.S. Forest Service yesterday, previously worked on the Land and Resource Management Plan for the Superior National Forest. He is stepping down at a time when the agency faces significant budget reductions and job cuts.
A four-person paddling crew will tackle 1,200 miles of historic routes between Minnesota and Canada. Their journey will take them from Grand Portage on Lake Superior to York Factory on Hudson Bay this summer and is expected to take 85 days. Through their journey, they aim to inspire young women and girls while advocating for gender equality in paddlesports.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has approximately 1,500 portage trails across the landscape. Some of these trails use mechanized transport, including rails and trolleys, to help users move heavy gear and fishing boats between lakes. These mechanical workhorses have a long history, dating back to the days of logging and early resort development.
Canadian authorities released an update on the temporary paused new for renewal applications for Remote Border Crossing Permits (RABC). This impacts visitors traveling between the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park.
The Kawishiwi Ranger District is developing a forest plan to reduce the risk of wildfires near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and surrounding communities. The goal is to support a diverse and healthy forest, reducing combustible fuel, and to assist wildland firefighters in managing forest fires more effectively.
Two bills have been reintroduced to the legislature to address wilderness protection and mining practices near the BWCAW. Supporters of mining highlight its positive impact on local revenue and economic growth. However, opponents continue to advocate for protecting the wilderness and surrounding areas, noting that they contain some of the cleanest waters on Earth.
The Minnesota Court of Appeals sided with an environmental group over a mining expansion project along the North Shore. They ruled that the MNDNR must reconsider whether an EIS is necessary for the proposed expansion of the Mile Post 7 tailings pond. Northshore Mining is working to fulfill a permit to expand the basin just 3 miles from Lake Superior.
A plan is in place to return elk to some of their native range as early as 2026. The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, in partnership with the Minnesota DNR, plans to move 100-150 elk from northwestern MN to the Tribe’s reservation and surrounding areas in Carlton and southern St. Louis counties.
The Superior Resource Advisory Committee is looking for members who will help guide the Forest Service on upcoming projects. Most projects focus on restoring and managing federal lands with a focus on benefit to surrounding communities.
The USFS, in partnership with the North Country Trail Association, has updated two entry points for thru-hikers along the Gunflint corridor of the BWCAW. Previously, it was illegal to cross the Gunflint Trail between the Kekekabic and Border Route Trails. The new process makes it legal, eliminates overlapping permits, and prevents unnecessary fees.
Northern Minnesota is experiencing an influx of owls this winter due to an “irruption,” a phenomenon where food availability in their usual habitat declines. This forces them to expand their range. Environmental factors, such as deep snow or limited cover, can also play a role. We’ve listed some of the top locations for spotting these quiet raptors.
Multiple environmental groups traveled to Washington D.C., recently for the latest appeal by Twin Metals Minnesota. The Chilean-owned mining company has been seeking to reinstate two mineral leases near the BWCAW and other critical watersheds. The company appealed to a panel of judges, aiming to reinstate two preferential rights applications that would allow the company to build a mine south of Ely.
The USFS – Superior National Forest, in partnership with the Friends of the Flathorn-Gegoka, recently completed a new trailhead and parking lot. The area is a cross-country skier’s haven, featuring over 29 km of classic trails through the woods. Heavy flooding last summer pushed the project forward when bridges along part of the trail were damaged.
The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, along with various partners, has built a new ferry terminal and permanent exhibit for Isle Royale National Park. Each season, visitors begin their journey to Isle Royale at Hat Point Marina. The new site will permanently display cultural and traditional stories through immersive multimedia.
Winter camping in the BWCAW is a magical way to embrace the season’s silence. It’s a great time to explore the region by snowshoe or skis. We’re highlighting three winter camping routes for all interests and experience levels. Plus, we’ll share a few helpful resources to get you started.
We’re revisiting our most viewed topics of 2024! These include stories on forever chemicals in Lake Superior, continued efforts to protect wilderness, the possibility of full mobile phone coverage in the BWCAW, and a peak Northern Lights season.
A new bridge along the Baptism River opens access to 156 miles of trout habitat. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with conservation groups, recently completed the bridge redesign. This improvement allows fish to migrate between habitats and shoreline restoration supports changing climate conditions.
With rushing waterfalls and impressive potholes, hike one of the North Shore’s trails along the Temperance River, to surprising vistas of Lake Superior.
The USFS recently increased recreational fees throughout the forest. This was due to rising maintenance and operational costs. In the summer of 2023, the Forest Service invited public comment on the fee change proposal. An advisory committee representing multiple outdoor interests recently approved the proposal.