Drought impacts northern Minnesota’s ecosystem
Low water levels, cyanobacteria, wildfires, stressed forests due to extremely dry conditions.
TOP STORY:
Court rejects PolyMet air pollution permit
Judges rule that state agency must consider company’s true plans for proposed copper mine.
Quetico closes parts of park as wildfires grow
Several fires are burning in Quetico, across a large area, near the border with Minnesota.
Tribe proposes restoring elk to part of native range in northern Minnesota
The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has submitted a proposal to reintroduce elk near Cloquet.
Boundary Waters permits will be issued in person starting mid-July
Forest Service will return to near normal permitting process as the public health threat passes.
Northern Minnesota’s warming winters possibly affecting flying squirrels
The region may be losing its northern species as climate change makes it more suitable for southern species.
Wolf population around Voyageurs National Park steady despite smaller packs
New report tracks changes in numbers of wolves and the size of their packs and territories.
New film covers Isle Royale wolf reintroduction
Wolves, moose, climate change on Isle Royale. New documentary shows how wolf decline is interwoven with ice and exploding moose population, and the debate over what people should do about it.
Minnesota mining engineer says copper mine near Boundary Waters is ‘too risky’
Experienced engineer from Iron Range publicly states opposition to proposed Twin Metals mine.
New book of journals reveals Sigurd Olson’s long struggle to write
Famed author and conservationist struggled for decades to achieve his dreams, revealed in personal journals.
EPA recognizes PolyMet mine could pollute tribal waters
In significant decision, federal agency says pollution from the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine “may affect” downstream lakes and rivers under the jurisdiction of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
Tofte forest management proposal would affect 333,000 acres adjacent to BWCAW
Public comments invited on plans for timber harvest and prescribed burning in eastern Superior National Forest.
Researchers to track human impacts on Isle Royale wildlife
Citizen science opportunity lets hikers share data that will help scientists understand how people affect animals.
Program to protect private lands, keep rivers cold and clean
The $1.8 million project seeks to purchase conservation easements that will help keep North Shore rivers cold and healthy.
Wilderness advocate to run 110 miles across Boundary Waters for clean water awareness
“Where else can you run 100 miles and not have to carry water with you? That clean water is worth protecting.”
Courts decide key issues concerning mining near Boundary Waters
A series of rulings has offered wins and losses for both environmental groups and mining proponents.
Wilderness Voices: Justine Kerfoot, Gunflint Trail Leader
“An infinitesimal speck in the cosmos, I stood on the shore of Gunflint Lake beneath a great white pine-matriarch of a fast vanishing tribe. And I knew I was home. I was twenty-one. The year was 1927.”
SNF proposes to reclassify roads and trails, restore streams, allow dogsleds and off-road vehicles
Superior National Forest seeks comments on project that would officially designate dogsled trails, open campgrounds to off-road vehicles, and more.
EPA identifies Minnesota wild rice waters affected by mine waste, sets up legal battle
Federal agency overrules state’s efforts to ignore sulfate pollution.
Forest Service reports 2020 Boundary Waters visitor numbers, signs point to another busy season
A significant increase in visitors last year showed value of wilderness, while posing some challenges.