New video documents canoe trip up Partridge River to PolyMet’s proposed mine site
Mining opponents show river and wetlands that would be most affected by the proposed copper-nickel mine in the Lake Superior basin.
TOP STORY:
Businesses, sporting groups, and environmentalists call on federal officials to block mining near Boundary Waters
Letters to leaders of two government agencies seek completion of study of mining in the wilderness watershed before proposals move forward.
New coin celebrates Minnesota’s northwoods National Park
Voyageurs is latest park featured in ‘America the Beautiful’ series from the U.S. Mint, and will be launched at a special event next week.
Book review: Gunflint Burning
Before you strike a match to light your next campfire read this gripping nonfiction account of the 2007 Ham Lake Fire written by Cary J. Griffith…
Twin Metals proposes mine processing plant on Birch Lake
A facility near the Boundary Waters and upstream of the popular White Iron Chain of Lakes could process 20,000 tons of ore each day.
Boundary Waters Expo to offer exhibitors and expert advice on wilderness canoeing
Annual two-day event on the Gunflint Trail will offer presentations and exhibitors to help beginners and experienced canoeists make the most of their adventures.
Berm washes out in Biwabik, spilling iron mine waste downstream
An embankment next to a historic iron mine pit was breached during spring melt, damaging infrastructure and contaminating local waters.
Voyageurs National Park visitors spent nearly $19 million in neighboring communities last year
National Park tourism has a significant economic impact in nearby towns, with visitors patronizing hotels, gas stations, and grocery stores.
A new generation continues the tradition of Boundary Waters outfitting
Across canoe country, the next generation is taking over outfitting businesses or starting new ones. These outfitters offer a fresh take on what it means to introduce people to the wilderness today.
Federal government restores mineral leases in Boundary Waters watershed
Twin Metals is getting mineral leases back that it lost in 2016, as the Trump administration continues to reverse Obama-era decisions.
Officials withdraw change to wild rice protections, will restart work on sulfate standard
After being ruled too vague to protect rice or provide certainty to industries, state scientists will try to come up with a clearer way to implement research findings.
Freemans embark on bike ride to Washington, D.C. — with a canoe in tow
Married adventurers and advocates for mining protection are on their way to the capital to raise awareness of the Boundary Waters and its threats.
Longtime northwoods journalist Sam Cook announces retirement
After 38 years full of stories ranging from Duluth to the Arctic, the well-known scribe is closing out his career.
Significant step taken toward resolving state lands in the Boundary Waters
Group starts land exchange transferring school trust lands in wilderness to federal government.
Wilderness Voices: Layne Kennedy
“There are many reasons why this pristine wilderness along the shared border of Minnesota/Ontario is important. A close encounter with nature can turn into a tremendous learning experience. The fair price for wilderness travel is awareness…”
Voyageurs National Park undertakes study of invasive cattails
Imagine boating in Voyageurs National Park and seeing what appears to be an island on the move. It is over six acres in size, composed primarily of cattails and pockmarked by shrubs and small trees. Unanchored, this vegetative mass moves freely—a navigational hazard, a danger to docks and property, and spreading invasive species.
Scientists say bird species in northern National Parks could be much different in 30 years
New study predicts that an average of 25 percent of bird species in America’s National Parks will change due to global warming.
Threat of mining pollution puts Boundary Waters on annual list of threatened rivers
American Rivers has named the wilderness waters to its list for a second time in five years as critical decisions loom.
PolyMet says mine proposal has become less profitable
Rising costs and falling metal prices shed doubts on economic viability of the mine proposal.
Sharing the wilderness with women—of any age
“There is a measurable amount of growth with every trip and every person I take out… And it really is empowering, especially for mature women who think that, physically, they aren’t capable anymore,” wilderness guide Peta Barrett says.