Interior Department plans to remove wolves from federal protection
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced plans yesterday to remove gray wolves from Endangered Species Act protections and move management responsibility to states
TOP STORY:
Boundary Waters permit reservation system reopens in wake of earlier failure
After crashing on its first day at the end of January, the system that lets people plan wilderness trips re-launched successfully, though a key Congressman is seeking to force the Forest Service to bring back the lottery for motorized trips.
Environmental groups and Ojibwe tribe call for new evaluation of PolyMet mine design after Brazil disaster
Mining opponents say PolyMet proposes a dam to hold its tailings that has direct connections to a deadly disaster this January at the Córrego do Feijão iron ore mine in southeastern Brazil.
Young people invited to apply for Washington, D.C. trip to lobby for Boundary Waters protection
Youth organization that works to protect the Boundary Waters from copper-nickel mining pollution is organizing another event to provide high school and college students the chance to tell policymakers their stories and ask for stewardship.
Researchers will track Isle Royale moose movements for first time in decades
Advanced tracking collars will give scientists an intimate look at the animals’ lives on the wild Lake Superior island.
U.S. Senate passes bill to make northeast Minnesota hiking routes part of national trail system
Effort to adjust original route to include state’s premier trails along Lake Superior and through the Boundary Waters takes biggest step in 10 years as Senate includes it in omnibus legislation.
BWCAW permit reservation system re-launch date announced, outfitters say process flawed
A second attempt to open up wilderness permit reservations will take place in late February, while Boundary Waters businesses say they were never consulted while the system was in development.
Remembering Norman Deschampe – a legacy of building partnerships
This week we mark the loss of Norman Deschampe, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Tribal Council Chairman. His love of the outdoors translated into a defense of Minnesota’s natural resources…
International body seeks to develop water quality goals for border lakes and rivers
Citizens asked to provide input on process to protect the health of waters in the Quetico-Superior region from a variety of threats.
Less ice cover on Lake Superior could reduce key fish species
Ripple effect of climate change may make it harder for cisco to reproduce and survive, causing problems for lake trout and other species that depend on the cold-water fish.
“The BWCA is at stake” says former supervisor of Superior National Forest
“We must stop the political do-over on the Twin Metals mine. Experience shows that pollution is probable. It may be catastrophic.”
New BWCAW permit system fails on first day, reservations remain unavailable
The web site used to reserve Boundary Waters permits apparently could not handle the traffic of eager wilderness users seeking to reserve permits for this year’s quota season.
Young crews restore historic Forest Service ranger station near Ely
Open house on Feb. 2 will give visitors the chance to check out the Halfway Ranger Station and learn about a program to train young people in preserving such storied places.
Quetico creativity: Park seeks artists for wilderness residency program
Deadline is March 31 to apply to live and work in the Ontario wilderness park at a rustic studio or travel by canoe.
Camping in Quetico-Superior country this winter?
The hardy souls that winter camp in the Boundary Waters and Quetico need to be as conscious of wilderness rules as their summer counterparts. Their reward: the freedom to explore corners of the wilderness that are inaccessible in any other season…
Documents reveal EPA comments critical of PolyMet may have been silenced by federal officials
Rep. Betty McCollum promised to use her powerful subcommittee to investigate if the agency blocked its staff from sending written comments to Minnesota regulators.
New northern Minnesota representative in Congress pushes PolyMet land exchange
Rep. Pete Stauber introduces legislation to ensure PolyMet can hold onto National Forest land it has already acquired.
How do wolves hunt beavers?
How do you catch a semi-aquatic rodent that spends very little time on land? Turns out, with patience and a lot of waiting. Researchers use GPS-collars to reveal a predator-prey relationship…
Partners work to reduce impacts of government shutdown on Voyageurs National Park
Federal government funding lapse means no services at the park near International Falls, but nonprofit partners are providing financial support to provide limited staffing.
Canada considers request to name Quetico lake after wilderness scientist and advocate
Anyone with knowledge of a small lake in Quetico is invited to offer input on proposal to rename it after Miron “Bud” Heinselman, who advanced scientific knowledge of the boreal forest and pushed for its protection.