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.
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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.
Minnesota proposes new standard to protect wild rice from mining pollution
After years of debate, scientists recommend a complex equation to calculate how much sulfate is safe to discharge into waters where wild rice grows.
Minnesota lawmakers attempt to stop Superior National Forest mining study
The bipartisan effort was met by bipartisan opposition as Congress wrestled with proposal to withdraw lands in the wilderness watershed from mineral exploration.
Sawbill Canoe Outfitters: The family behind the legacy
There is an outfitter at the end of the Sawbill Trail where customers and staff return year after year, a network of people connected to the place and the family at its center. The Hansens, and now the Shirleys, have been running Sawbill Canoe Outfitters since 1957, where annual traditions, lifelong friendships and marriages have been born.
Veteran forester selected as new chief of U.S. Forest Service
Tom Tooke takes over the top job after a long career with the Forest Service, and with important issues facing National Forest lands in northern Minnesota.
Mondale calls for protection of Boundary Waters from mining
Lifelong statesman and environmentalist argues canoe country is too precious to risk polluting with mine runoff.
New Water Trail Benefits from Collaborative Cross-Border Partnership
This summer, Ontario Provincial Park wardens, the Gunflint Ranger District of the Superior National Forest and members of the Northwoods Volunteer Connection came together to work on a water trail that runs from Kenora to Thunder Bay, Ontario. Called the Path of the Paddle, it’s part of a larger effort to connect three oceans…
BOLD & GOLD: How a YMCA program brings diversity to wilderness tripping
The YMCA of the Greater Twin Cities Boys & Girls Outdoor Leadership Program uses canoe tripping and wilderness settings, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, to teach youth to work together, whatever the differences between them.
Three more days to comment on proposal to block mining near the Boundary Waters
Communications error results in extension of deadline to weigh in on withdrawing public lands from mining next to the wilderness.
Proposal to log old-growth pines near Burntside Lake raises objections
About a third of the trees in a 62-acre parcel would be cut, but hikers and skiers oppose the project’s impact on popular recreation area.
Study: No connection between forest fires and mercury levels in fish
Measuring mercury in two different lakes before and after, and absent, fires showed fears about short-term contamination are unfounded.
Volunteers invited to collect seeds, combat invasive cattails at Voyageurs National Park
Annual volunteer weekend at Voyageurs will contribute to wetland restoration efforts.
Coalition calls for nearly a billion dollar ‘damage deposit’ from PolyMet
Expert says mining company based its cost estimates on faulty assumptions that minimize the risks to taxpayers.
Rep. Emmer introduces bill to override mining barriers near Boundary Waters
Legislation would reverse Forest Service proposal to block mines upstream of the wilderness.
North House Folk School: Crafting a Lifestyle and Community Along the North Shore of Lake Superior
In Grand Marais, Minnesota, gateway to the Gunflint Trail and canoe country, there is a place where the traditional crafts of the north are celebrated. From timber framing and boat building, to basketry and knitting, craftsmen and women gather to share their knowledge and skills—often using traditional resources like birch bark.