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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.

USFS to purchase 80,000 acres from the DNR within the BWCAW

Update: public comment period extended. State and federal agencies are collaborating to transfer 80,000 acres within the BWCAW to the federal government. “School Trust Lands” originally aimed to provide long-term revenue for Minnesota’s public schools, but wilderness protection measures have limited their ability to generate sufficient income. Groups see the move as a win both for wilderness and for public schools.

How portage trails are maintained in the BWCAW

Portage trails within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) are minimally maintained in keeping with the wilderness ethic. However, the USFS – Superior National Forest performs annual maintenance. This year’s heavy rains washed out parts of the portage trails and obliterated sections of roads leading to canoe entry points…

Some BWCAW entry points closed due to storm damage

Heavy rainfall from severe thunderstorms caused extensive damage to roads and flooding within the Superior National Forest (SNF), including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). In response, the USFS – Superior National Forest has closed several entry points. As a result, individuals with BWCAW permits reserved through June 22, 2024, are being notified directly of the cancellation and refunded.

Nature Conservancy tree planting

Global environmental organization plants 2.3 million trees in northern Minnesota 

Over the past year, state, federal, and environmental groups have partnered to plant millions of trees in northern Minnesota. The Nature Conservancy reports that the state’s forests have decreased from 31.5 million acres to 18 million acres since the 1800s. They aim to reverse this trend by boosting forest resiliency and diversity while adapting to long-term climate change.