Drought impacts northern Minnesota’s ecosystem
Low water levels, cyanobacteria, wildfires, stressed forests due to extremely dry conditions.
Environment/Ecology/Nature
Northern Minnesota’s warming winters possibly affecting flying squirrels
The region may be losing its northern species as climate change makes it more suitable for southern species.
Wolf population around Voyageurs National Park steady despite smaller packs
New report tracks changes in numbers of wolves and the size of their packs and territories.
New film covers Isle Royale wolf reintroduction
Wolves, moose, climate change on Isle Royale. New documentary shows how wolf decline is interwoven with ice and exploding moose population, and the debate over what people should do about it.
EPA recognizes PolyMet mine could pollute tribal waters
In significant decision, federal agency says pollution from the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine “may affect” downstream lakes and rivers under the jurisdiction of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
Tofte forest management proposal would affect 333,000 acres adjacent to BWCAW
Public comments invited on plans for timber harvest and prescribed burning in eastern Superior National Forest.
Researchers to track human impacts on Isle Royale wildlife
Citizen science opportunity lets hikers share data that will help scientists understand how people affect animals.
Program to protect private lands, keep rivers cold and clean
The $1.8 million project seeks to purchase conservation easements that will help keep North Shore rivers cold and healthy.
EPA identifies Minnesota wild rice waters affected by mine waste, sets up legal battle
Federal agency overrules state’s efforts to ignore sulfate pollution.
Brook trout found in Dunka River could be threatened by mining pollution
State assessment finds a coldwater stream with wild fish thriving — in the shadow of major mines.
Protecting public forests could help reduce climate change and fund Minnesota schools
Minnesota’s school trust lands could generate revenue for education from carbon offsets, studying an alternative to logging, mining.
Senator Smith calls for Biden appointees to finish mining study and consider 20-year prohibition
Letter requests new administration complete its analysis of whether mining can be done safely in Boundary Waters watershed.
More than 4,000 acres of timber company land protected for public in northern Minnesota
State funds effort to acquire lands and turn them over to county for management and public access.
Minnesota legislature deliberates wolf hunting after removal from Endangered Species List
Competing bills introduced to require or prohibit hunting season as state takes over management.
Quetico Provincial Park receives Dark Sky designation, joins BWCAW protecting and promoting starry skies
Third preserve in canoe country region gets international recognition for lack of light pollution.
Adventurer skiing 250 miles through Boundary Waters to support Lakota people
Expedition raises funds and awareness for Pine Ridge reservation with trek across Border Route Trail from Rainy Lake to Grand Portage.
Incredible journey of collared wolf that left Isle Royale
GPS collar let scientists see where a wolf that was brought to Isle Royale as part of reintroduction effort went after crossing ice back to mainland.
Scientists: Northern Minnesota’s wolves have developed sophisticated methods to hunt beavers
New paper describes detailed ways that wolves use their prey’s sensory abilities against them — with unique research that required extensive exploration of boreal ecosystem.
Falling fisher numbers raise fears about future of enigmatic predator
Population appears to have be declining, as logging and other factors affect their ability to survive and reproduce.
Planting trees to protect North Shore trout
Conservationists are driven by a sense of urgency to restore forests along Lake Superior tributaries degraded by deforestation and climate change.