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.
TOP STORY:
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.
From mercury to manoomin, sulfate causes ecological ripples in Minnesota waters
Common chemical in industrial discharges has far-reaching effects on lakes, rivers, and the plants that live in them.
Moose find a friend in fire: burned areas host highest numbers
New research shows how moose prefer the type of forest habitat that is created by forest fires.
National Park Service proposes reintroducing wolves on Isle Royale
Managers respond to disappearance of wolves from the wild island in Lake Superior, letting moose population explode with
Teen heading to the “greatest place on earth” after winning Boundary Waters essay contest
This week, Ely Outfitting Company announced the winner of its first annual Boundary Waters Teen Essay Contest. Julia Ruelle, the 16-year-old winner, was one of more than 70 entries. Her prize? She and up to three teenage friends will go on a fully outfitted, self-guided trip—five days in the wilderness without parents and without a guide.
Poll finds growing statewide opposition to copper-nickel mining near Boundary Waters
Seventy percent of registered voters oppose mine proposals that threaten to pollute canoe country.