Federal government says Canada lynx numbers safe, proposes to remove protections
Fish and Wildlife Services says recent studies show sustainable populations, and initiates process to take them off the list of endangered species.
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Photo Gallery: Winter in the Quetico Superior
The uncommon beauty of winter, photographs from Voyageurs to Lake Superior, Boundary Waters to Quetico, from frozen lake to snow-laden trees…
Draft permit released for PolyMet copper mine proposal in northern Minnesota
The major milestone is one of the final hurdles before the company can start mining, and initiates a two-month public comment period.
State report: Headwaters region in northern Minnesota has ‘exceptional’ water quality
Multi-year study finds the Boundary Waters and surrounding area have clean and healthy lakes and streams.
Boundary Waters lake trout season opens this weekend
Anglers can start going after the coldwater fish in wilderness waters two weeks earlier than the rest of the state.
Trump administration renews mineral exploration near Boundary Waters
Twin Metals project gets new lease on life after Interior Department lawyer reverses policy and says government must allow access.
PolyMet and state agency disagree on mine proposal’s closure costs
Debate over ‘damage deposit’ ramps up with dueling reclamation estimates.
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.