What’s at stake with Twin Metals? Diving into Ely’s mining debate
In-depth report from ‘Almanac’ features interviews with Ely residents holding diverse perspectives on the Twin Metals proposal and what it might mean for the Boundary Waters.
TOP STORY:
Volunteers save the Powwow Trail
Volunteers and a nonprofit group worked tirelessly to clear deadfall and regrowth from the Powwow Trail in the BWCAW, after Pagami Creek Fire.
Ely Marathon runners go 26.2 miles portaging canoes
A race with a Boundary Waters twist – some runners carry canoes, about 8,390 rods, through the heart of Superior National Forest.
Forest Service requests input on outfitters, resorts, and other commercial services
Federal officials are examining whether the supply of services meets the public needs, and how to manage contentious issues like crowding and motorized use.
Court puts PolyMet mine on pause while investigating new information
Minnesota Court of Appeals orders halt on project after new questions arise about permits, risks, and responsibilities.
Release of new EPA emails shows how officials suppressed PolyMet comments
EPA releases additional emails that show communication between state and federal government agencies about holding back official comments critical of the project’s water permit.
Wilderness advocate working on trail run across Boundary Waters
Wilderness advocate Alex Falconer has completed the first leg of an attempt to run from east to west through much of the BWCAW as a way to increase awareness of mining threats.
Measuring dark night skies in Quetico-Superior a first step in light pollution protection
Wilderness rangers recently traveled through Quetico and Boundary Waters to take measurements of the night skies are, as regional efforts get underway to recognize and preserve its darkness.
New bird banding efforts to help reveal regional trends in avian populations
A new report shares the results of a regional bird-banding effort that is shedding new light on the status of many boreal species.
Environmental groups ask Minnesota Supreme Court to review state’s mining regulations
Organizations say Court of Appeals process showed how Minnesota’s mining regulations are ‘full of loopholes,’ as demonstrated by PolyMet permit.
Prescribed fires planned this fall in the Boundary Waters to protect outside areas
Fires will reduce the amount of flammable forest materials in areas hit by the 1999 blowdown, and hopefully reduce the risk that a wildfire could escape the wilderness.
Habitat and humans support reintroducing elk to St. Louis River region
Researchers release studies that show there is food and shelter and public opinion is in favor of bringing elk back to another part of their historic home.
Minnesota’s governor responds to questions about mine proposals
Tim Walz talks about PolyMet’s new owner and Twin Metals’ future in a new interview, after staying mostly silent on the subject so far.
Study: Bald eagle recovery in Voyageurs National Park comes at cost to other bird species
A comeback for eagles has caused a significant decline of osprey and great blue herons populations nearby, adding valuable understanding for future restoration efforts.
Undeveloped Island on Burntside Lake Protected
The Listening Point Foundation and other organizations work together to ensure perpetual conservation of Gusty Island, located near other islands included in a state Scientific and Natural Area.
PolyMet project put on hold while court considers permitting ‘irregularities’
Controversial copper mine in northern Minnesota will have to wait to move forward until courts consider possible agency cover-up.
Tornado hits Voyageurs National Park for first time in recorded history
A swath of forest was flattened and some park facilities received minor damage after historic storm.
Wilderness Voices: Kelly Beaster
“While I create each drawing, I get to re-visit past trips and adventures, and I notice things from the drawing itself that I didn’t from the photograph, details that were always there, but the drawing has brought out new details…”
Forest Service proposes to cut compensation to Boundary Waters counties
Federal payments to local governments offset lost tax revenue from BWCAW lands, but the latest valuation of the Boundary Waters has resulted in a significant reduction.
Stauber pressures Forest Service to reinstate Boundary Waters permit lottery
Eighth District representative proposes legislation to revert to previous system for entry point permits, saying changes have hurt local businesses, affected tourism.