Federal legislation requires report on mining threat to international waters
Rep. McCollum includes funding for State Department to study effects on shared border waters, from proposed copper-nickel mining upstream in the Superior National Forest.
TOP STORY:
Twin Metals submits mine proposal for state and federal review
Proposed copper-nickel mine on the edge of the Boundary Waters is official after company submits first plans and other documents to regulators.
History in the Air – Bushplanes in Quetico Park
As far back as the 1930’s, airplanes have flown into the remote reaches of Quetico, patrolling for poachers, delivering supplies to rangers, fighting forest fires… Jill Legault from Quetico Provincial Park shares this look back to the ‘bush planes’ and intrepid pilots that flew into the border lakes backcountry.
National Park Service wants input and ideas about boat tours in Voyageurs National Park
Park managers invite comments about what is working and what is needed at the water-based National Park in northern Minnesota.
Wolves transplanted to Isle Royale are eating more than moose
Researchers studying summer predation find wolves transported to the island by the National Park Service are eating the abundant moose, as well as other prey animals.
Harmful algae a toxicity concern in northern Minnesota lake
Scientists say cyanobacteria in Voyageurs National Park’s Kabetogama Lake can cause toxic water even when there is no visible bloom.
Minnesota seeks stakeholders as state prepares to update wolf management plan
DNR invites citizens to apply for advisory committee that will take the lead on revising policies and bridging deeply different goals and opinions.
Minnesota’s newest state park: Lake Vermilion – Soudan Underground Mine State Park
Preserving ten miles of glistening shoreline, 15 islands featuring old growth pine forests, 3,900 acres of freshwater, and 4,000 acres of park, trails and campsites, this park is a gateway to the northwoods and the result of community collaboration and innovative planning.
“Not this mine. Not this location.” – Star Tribune editorial calls for halt to Twin Metals
Biggest newspaper in the state says the risks are too great for copper-nickel mining near waters that flow into the wilderness area.
Minnesota will conduct own environmental review of Twin Metals mine proposal
DNR announces it will analyze the project on its own rather than in partnership with the federal government, unlike the PolyMet process.
YMCA Camp Northern Lights is for families
YMCA Camp Northern Lights gives families time to bond, deepen their appreciation for wild places, and, if they want, gain skills for a wilderness adventure near the Boundary Waters.
Rainy River sturgeon spawning protected by dam operation agreement
Threat to endangered fish species spurs international action to monitor activity and modify dam operations.
Wilderness water and mining woes focus of mini-documentary
Revealing new report on the debate over Twin Metals mine proposal, features opinions in Ely and potential impacts on the Superior National Forest.
More water bodies in northeast Minnesota fail state pollution standards
State agency finds many lakes and streams are contaminated by pollutants across the Boundary Waters, northern Minnesota region.
Sugarloaf Cove – lots to discover just steps off the north shore drive
Worth stopping for – a one-mile nature trail, a DNR Scientific and Natural Area, and a beautiful stretch of undeveloped Lake Superior shoreline. Preserved by dedicated stewards and harboring rare species and unique geology…
Restoring a River – The Minnesota Land Trust partners on restoration projects in the St. Louis River Estuary
The St. Louis River estuary is a unique, 12,000 acre wetland where water from the St. Louis River mixes with the water from Lake Superior. The Minnesota Land Trust is working with groups and state agencies to restore features of the river habitat that have become compromised by pollution, debris, and development.
Nonnative snail species found for first time in Voyageurs National Park
Chinese mysterysnails have been confirmed in Kabetogama Lake, raising concerns about harm to ecosystem, as officials urge compliance with prevention practices.
Experiment tracks long-term connections between climate change and Minnesota peatlands
Study seeks information about how warming affects peatlands, and how bogs could respond to climate change by releasing more carbon gasses, making the problem worse.
Den boxes could help falling numbers of fishers in Minnesota’s north woods
Researchers are deploying dozens of artificial tree cavities across the region, hoping the secretive predators will find a suitable substitute for reduced natural habitat next spring.
PolyMet opponents take case that mine permits are flawed to Court of Appeals
Hearing in St. Paul hosted arguments about numerous contested components of three permits issued to the company by the Department of Natural Resources.