Don Fraser Remembered (1924 – 2019)
This week we remember and honor Don Fraser – Former U.S. Representative and Minneapolis Mayor, ‘quiet crusader’ for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
TOP STORY:
‘Beaver believer’ visits Voyageurs National Park and extolls its ecosystem engineers
Environmental journalist who has reported on beavers around the world was awed by the extent of their impacts in northern Minnesota’s national park.
Paddlers break 50-year-old speed record for Border Route
Canoeists cover historic route through heart of Quetico-Superior in less than three days, cutting considerable time off the previous best.
Bat surveys help Quetico assess population of insect-eaters and prepare for disease
Research in Canadian canoe country wilderness seeks to understand species that call it home and may be threatened by deadly fungus.
Museum on Gunflint Trail opens for summer with new facilities and exhibits
Chik-Wauk Museum invites visitors to learn about regional history and enjoy the natural surroundings.
Federal government renews mineral leases near Boundary Waters wilderness
Trump administration overturns Obama decision and provides Twin Metals with access to publicly-owned minerals located near Ely.
Quetico-Superior waterways are part of prestigious Canadian river system
More than 150 miles of lakes and rivers along the Ontario-Minnesota border are included in Canada’s program for celebrating and protecting its most precious rivers.
Legislation initiates discussion of stricter laws for storing mine waste
Pair of Minnesota lawmakers propose following Montana’s lead in strengthening rules about the design and oversight of tailings dam, in response to recent catastrophes in other countries.
Forest Service finalizes plans to cut and burn 17,000 acres near the Echo Trail
Superior National Forest officials recently concluded the lengthy development of a plan to manage significant swaths of public land near and in the Boundary Waters.
New recreation facilities coming to southeastern Voyageurs National Park
Mukooda Lake project will upgrade campsites, create a new hiking trail, develop a day use picnic area, and expand dock capacity for visitors.
Wolves in Voyageurs National Park to be featured in PBS program
Footage of a wolf den recorded by scientists studying the animals in northern Minnesota’s National Park is included in a special episode of PBS Nature.
Lawsuits move forward against both major Minnesota copper mine proposals
Lawyers for environmental groups argued last week that Twin Metals’ mineral leases should never have been renewed, and that PolyMet’s land exchange was a bad deal for the public.
Water Action Day brings Minnesotans to state capitol for education and advocacy
Hundreds of people gathered in St. Paul to call for protection of clean water, draw attention to water quality threats throughout the state, including the Boundary Waters region.
Wilderness Voices: Travis Novitsky
“Some of my most unforgettable moments are sitting on the shores of a boreal forest lake on a calm night with no wind, watching the northern lights dance overhead while the haunting calls of loons echo across the water.”
Star Tribune editorial board calls for release of Forest Service mining study
Star Tribune says Trump officials should justify how they decided to cancel an environmental review and reopen the opportunity for a mining proposal near the Boundary Waters to proceed.
Birdhouses will help researchers study boreal bird challenges
Study will start in earnest this spring as scientists plan to put transmitters on chickadee chicks and watch where they go.
Hawk Ridge offers opportunity to witness spring’s northbound bird migration
Bird counters at the Duluth site report record-breaking numbers of migrators passing through as they race north to their nesting grounds.
Former Minnesota governor calls for reconsideration of PolyMet permits
Arne Carlson and another retired official say new information has come to light that requires a review of how the mine proposal was permitted.
Living Relicts – The North Shore’s Intriguing Disjunct Flora
The north shore of Minnesota is home to several rare plant species that are usually found much further north or in high altitudes and are separated from their normal ranges. These wildflowers, mosses and lichens are living ‘relicts’ of the past…
Summer volunteer projects provide chance to be a Superior National Forest steward
Public land projects offer opportunities to help with trail-building, portage maintenance, and much more across northeastern Minnesota.