MPCA stands by PolyMet air permit despite concern of “sham permitting”
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has affirmed a permit issued to PolyMet, ignoring possible planned expansion of mine after permitting.
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Creature feature: Rare lemmings in Northwoods bogs
Little-known peatland rodents could soon be listed as federally endangered.
Mining ban near the Boundary Waters? The public is asked to weigh in.
Discussions will cover proposed plan to prohibit new mining activities in locations that threaten BWCAW, if successful, the prohibition would effectively block the proposed Twin Metals mine.
“We badly need good fire” New film: Oshkigin Spirit of Fire
A new short film produced by the University of Minnesota and partners including tribal fire specialists, seeks to regenerate respect for the positive impacts of fire on northern Minnesota’s ecosystem. In …
Forest Service reducing Boundary Waters permits next year to combat crowding
Agency seeks to restore wilderness experience by cutting quotas on 24 entry points to address congestion, violations, and wilderness degradation.
New tribal liaison helps Superior National Forest respect treaty rights
A new staff member with the U.S. Forest Service will provide dedicated communication and coordination with tribes and tribal entities in northern Minnesota.
Warm summers mean more ticks on moose
Researchers use two decades of moose observations to understand how climate and harmful parasites interact.
Sigurd Olson’s wilderness retreat featured in new video
“I named this place Listening Point because only when one comes to listen, only when one is aware and still, can things be seen and heard.” Stunning new footage of Listening Point is narrated with the influential essay…
Forest Service proposes logging portions of Greenwood Fire area
Burned trees on Superior National Forest may be opened to loggers. Plan focuses on one percent of the area burned by this summer’s biggest fire in northeastern Minnesota.
Rare October tornado reported in Boundary Waters
Unusual autumn twister leaves four-mile path of downed trees across popular BWCA wilderness lakes.
Sowing seeds of a climate-resilient forest
Project seeks to connect farmers and foresters as they plan to increase reforestation efforts in northern Minnesota.
Fall Surprises on the Section 13 Cliffs
“That will make a great story,” I thought, as I started my climb to the Section 13 Cliffs on the Superior Hiking Trail. I was only 0.3 miles into my hike and I already had a story to tell.
Budworm infestation blamed for forest fires
An outbreak of spruce budworms in northeastern Minnesota created conditions primed for ignition and likely fueled this summer’s wildfires.
Feds consider mining ban upstream of Boundary Waters
Officials with the U.S. Forest Service have taken a decisive step toward long-term protection of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, resuming study, could lead to 20-year mining moratorium.
Harmful algae blooms in Voyageurs, Isle Royale focus of new study
Federal agencies conducting research to understand threat of toxins produced by cyanobacteria
Photo Essay: Nature’s Engineers
The distinct slap of a tail lets me know I am in special area. Beavers are here, which is an indication of newly formed wildlife habitat and changes in the landscape …
Survey says Minnesotans support strong mining protections
A new survey finds split opinions but strong desire to prevent pollution. 61 percent of respondents said they agree mining should be prohibited…
Unique North Shore wetland to preserve rare plants with public access
Rare wetland next to Lake Superior will be protected as new Scientific and Natural Area.
Shovel Point at sunrise – unforgettable North Shore fall color hike
“For as long as I’ve been exploring the great outdoors, I’ve been mesmerized by how I can hike my favorite spots over and over and it’s always a new experience. The seasons, weather, sun, and clouds bring surprise and delight to every hour of every day. No matter how many times I’ve done a hike, it’s never been the same twice.”
Minnesota DNR required to review mining issues
State agency will debate PolyMet tailings permit and evaluate overall regulations.