Minnesota representatives seek to block mining bans
New legislation prohibits the executive branch from enacting moratoriums that could block proposed mine near the Boundary Waters.
TOP STORY:
Celebrating 80 years of woods, waters, and wilderness in the Conservation Volunteer
The Minnesota Conservation Volunteer has been published by natural resources departments for nearly half the state’s history.
Forest Service adjusts Boundary Waters permit process to improve Leave No Trace education
The Superior National Forest says it will try to educate visitors about responsible recreation when permits go on sale next week.
Prove It First bill and a Path to Permanent Protection
Elected officials and environmental groups roll out plans for legislation and other actions to prevent contamination.
MN DNR seeks more specifics about Twin Metals mine proposal and possible impacts
New rounds of correspondence between DNR and mining company tries to nail down details needed for environmental review.
Planting trees to protect North Shore trout
Conservationists are driven by a sense of urgency to restore forests along Lake Superior tributaries degraded by deforestation and climate change.
Book Review: Wolf Island – Discovering the Secrets of a Mythic Animal
L. David Mech draws us into daily life as a graduate student on Isle Royale with wolves, moose, bush pilots, wilderness neighbors and his family. His groundbreaking research kickstarted one of the world’s longest ecological studies of wolves…
Cell tower approved on Gunflint Trail, extending service into the Boundary Waters
County commissioners approve relatively short, unlighted tower primarily to serve emergency responders.
Snowshoes to Hok skis, exploring the Boundary Waters in winter
Snowshoes, boots or Hok skis? Enthusiasts share tips for heading off the beaten path so you can get the most out of canoe country in winter.
Icy Wonderland
“I could hear the ice shattering like panes of glass as it came ashore… One moment you can see an endless expanse of skim ice and with a shift of the wind it can be gone, waves lapping the shoreline – sculpting ice as far as the eye can see.”
Legislators and advocates call for “Prove It First” copper-nickel mining law in Minnesota
Legislation would require high standard of evidence that a mine can be operated without polluting. “Before they put a shovel into the ground…”
Lawsuit seeks to prevent unintentional trapping of protected Canada lynx
Wildlife advocates claim state of Minnesota has not taken required steps to prevent accidental trapping of endangered species.
Federal government will review mining exploration’s impacts on endangered species
Agency agrees to consider how copper prospecting near Boundary Waters could affect lynx and bats.
Sigurd Olson’s writing shack designated a historic site of national significance
His collection of rocks, duck decoys, snippets of writing, books, maps, personal photos, even his typewriter is still there. Its where he wrote most of his famous works about the Boundary Waters…
Stars aligned: Voyageurs National Park receives prestigious Dark Sky designation
Northern Minnesota’s National Park follows Boundary Waters in being certified by international organization.
Keeping the skies clear in canoe country
Distant sources of air pollution affect visibility and ecology in the Boundary Waters and beyond — efforts are underway to help.
Researchers call for restoring human-forest connections in the Boundary Waters
New study shows how people shaped iconic canoe country forests with fire, authors say it’s time to get back to those roots.
Ice skating in the Boundary Waters – the slightly obsessive search for “wild ice”
“It’s this magical moment that opens up between paddling and skiing in the Boundary Waters.”
The Superior Hiking Trail Story
‘Superior’ photography, history of the trail and its devotees, the story of the 310 mile route is told by personal notes left along the way…
Forest Service seeks input on infrastructure repairs to prioritize with Great American Outdoors Act
Agency asks for public comments on how to spend money from the Great American Outdoors Act recently signed into law to catch up on maintenance backlog.