PolyMet and state agency disagree on mine proposal’s closure costs
Debate over ‘damage deposit’ ramps up with dueling reclamation estimates.
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Meet Amy Freeman, Wilderness Guide
One winter day in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, an otter ran across the path of a dogsled team on Basswood Lake. Excited, the dogs picked up the pace, then Amy saw something else out on the ice: wolves…
Public input invited on increasing timber harvest on Minnesota state lands
The state is currently taking comments on the possibility of a 25 percent increase in timber harvest across its lands.
Congress considers opening wilderness areas to bicycles
Disagreement about the bill hinges on whether or not human-powered mechanized travel is allowed under the Wilderness Act.
Twin Metals legislation passes House, Senate support seems elusive
A bill restoring mineral rights near the Boundary Waters squeaked through the House of Representatives last week, but doesn’t yet have a Senate author.
Legislation making mining easier in northern Minnesota moves forward in Congress
Two bills seeking to speed up the Twin Metals and PolyMet mine proposals are being voted on this week in Washington, D.C.
Scientific research released on connections between mining pollution and wild rice
State-sponsored studies sought to improve understanding of the complex ways sulfate harms the iconic plant.
Minnesota’s Arrowhead region has notably dark night skies
Cook County encourages visitors to come see the Milky Way and the northern lights in its pitch black sky.
Canoe building: A life-changing experience
Canoe builder Ken Koscik points to a canoe hanging in the rafters and says, “We’re going to build that.” Some students shake their heads. Some don’t believe it. He reassures them: it’s easy. “I have told hundreds of people that if you can tie your shoes, you can build this canoe. And that is the truth,” he says.
Scientists: Northern Minnesota’s rising deer population to blame for dwindling moose numbers
Extensive studies of moose mortality show parasites carried by whitetail deer are killing many of Minnesota’s remaining moose.
Report: Robots are replacing miners around the world — could automation affect Minnesota jobs?
Automation is revolutionizing the mining industry, quickly reducing employment and the potential economic impact of proposals in northern Minnesota.
Minnesota governor announces support for PolyMet mine proposal
Mark Dayton tells newspaper he believes the economic benefits and environmental risks can be balanced.
Wildlife managers worried as moose numbers decline in Ontario
The iconic animals appear to be following in the footsteps of Minnesota’s as their habitat is degraded and the climate warms.
Ely’s mining debate featured in the New York Times Magazine
Writer profiles the long-lasting conflict between wilderness proponents and mine workers.
Remote lakes on Isle Royale are turning toxic and we don’t know why — yet
Scientists recently discovered more harmful algae blooms at the National Park in Lake Superior, a surprising problem for pristine waters surrounded by unbroken forests.
Paddlesongs: How one country songwriter married his love of music and canoeing
In 1994, Nashville singer-songwriter Jerry Vandiver, whose song “It Doesn’t Get Any Countrier Than This” had just been recorded by Tim McGraw, portaged a behemoth of an aluminum canoe across a rocky and root-filled portage. He was no stranger to paddling; he’d moved that canoe from his hometown of Kansas City, Missouri, to Nashville when he set out to see if he could make it in the country music business. But this was his first trip to Quetico Provincial Park, and lugging that canoe over such a challenging portage inspired him
Rising deer numbers in northern Minnesota mean more wolves
The latest estimate of the wolf population has increased significantly due to more and more whitetail deer living in wolf territory.
New book from couple who spent a year living in the Boundary Waters
Freemans publish account of their headline-grabbing adventure during all four seasons in the threatened wilderness area.
Paddling Into the Past on Rainy Lake
Editor’s Note: Whenever possible, Quetico Superior Wilderness News highlights partners committed to protecting or enhancing the wilderness character of the region. The following piece is reposted with permission by the Voyageurs …
Book: Beavers have big impact on boreal forests in Voyageurs National Park
The return of beavers to the Kabetogama Peninsula has altered water flows, changed the tree composition, and brought back other plants and animals.