TOP STORY:

Lake Superior

Top stories of 2024

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.

Updated bridge in northern Minnesota improves trout fishery

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.

Superior National Forest recreational fees increase

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.

Silver Rapids Lodge abandons expansion plans near the BWCAW

Silver Rapids Lodge owners have canceled their plans to expand the resort near the BWCAW. As a result, they “surrendered” their permit that the Lake County Planning Commission had approved this fall. The Minnesota DNR and citizen groups had filed lawsuits against the commission, citing multiple concerns about the proposed expansion near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The DNR would like the case to move forward.

Trout stocking program reclaims Minnesota mine pits

State agencies continue to stock rainbow trout in retired mine pits in northern Minnesota, enhancing local fisheries and tourism. In the spring and fall of 2024, the Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) stocked area lakes with roughly 2,800 pounds of fish.

paddling in Cloquet State Forest

Northeast Minnesota’s best-kept secret – 5 fabulous State Forests

Tucked along winding, remote roads throughout Minnesota’s Arrowhead region are five fabulous state forests. Together, these five forests tout nearly 1.6 million acres of recreational land where you can camp, paddle, hike, hunt, fish, picnic, and cross-country ski. And unlike the other wonderful places I mentioned previously, these hidden gems are lesser known and see fewer visitors.

Interactive kiosks share stories of the North Shore

New kiosks are appearing in ranger stations, state parks, and local businesses along Minnesota’s North Shore, making it easier for visitors to connect with the region’s cultural, natural, and environmental history.

Minnesota DNR suspends review of PolyMet mine project

The MN DNR recently announced it will suspend its review of the PolyMet copper-nickel sulfide permit until late next year. “This decision recognizes that PolyMet owes Minnesotans transparency and honesty instead of continuing to waste scarce resources and everyone’s time.” said JT Haines from MCEA.

Lake Trout restored in Lake Superior

Researchers have announced that lake trout have fully recovered in most of Lake Superior. The Lake Superior Committee, which manages and protects the lake, credits this recovery to decades of sound research and conservation practices. However, they caution that, given climate predictions, species management must remain proactive and vigilant.

USFS budget cuts will impact Superior National Forest visitors

The Forest Service anticipates budget cuts across the entire organization for 2025. The federal agency has requested $8.9 billion in funding but expects to receive significantly less. This reduction could negatively impact the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. As a result, visitors should prepare for potential changes.

Colder, snowier winter ahead for Northern Minnesota

Winter enthusiasts and residents should prepare for a colder, snowier winter in northern Minnesota. NOAA recently released its forecast for 2025. Although dry conditions persist in the north, the expected forecast should benefit those who recreate in the BWCAW and beyond.

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 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.