Lawsuit seeks to prevent unintentional trapping of protected Canada lynx
Wildlife advocates claim state of Minnesota has not taken required steps to prevent accidental trapping of endangered species.
Environment/Ecology/Nature
Stars aligned: Voyageurs National Park receives prestigious Dark Sky designation
Northern Minnesota’s National Park follows Boundary Waters in being certified by international organization.
Keeping the skies clear in canoe country
Distant sources of air pollution affect visibility and ecology in the Boundary Waters and beyond — efforts are underway to help.
Researchers call for restoring human-forest connections in the Boundary Waters
New study shows how people shaped iconic canoe country forests with fire, authors say it’s time to get back to those roots.
Biggest jack pine in America discovered in Boundary Waters
Forest surveyors find massive specimen of the boreal tree species in remote area of wilderness.
Study: Wolves alter northern Minnesota wetlands by preying on beavers
New research shows how the hunting habits of this top predator affects the water cycle in Voyageurs National Park.
Federal government removes Endangered Species protection for gray wolves
Department of the Interior says iconic species has met recovery goals, while advocates say the decision is not justified, and pledge legal action.
Federal government rejects effort to protect moose with Endangered Species Act
Agency disagrees with environmental and tribal advocates who say that action is needed to save the massive mammals in canoe country.
Large swath of Superior National Forest lands protected from development
Private landowner and The Nature Conservancy protect 2,100 acres as a “gift to Minnesotans.” Undeveloped lakes and distinctive northwoods bog habitat….
Geologists mapping bedrock of northeastern Minnesota to understand groundwater
Major effort to document geology of the region underway, should help protect drinking water and other resources.
Seeking sustainable timber harvest: when loggers leave a few trees standing, birds can thrive
New research finds that letting a few trees remain in harvested stands can provide big benefits for wildlife.
Wolves reintroduced on Isle Royale are starting to settle in
Wolves that have been transported to Isle Royale National Park as part of a plan to restore ecological balance to the island in Lake Superior seem to be making themselves at home. They have begun to form packs, hunt moose — and even raise pups.
Forest management project will have noticeable impact on Gunflint Trail in years ahead
The Kimball Project will consist of logging, burning, and planting in popular areas along the scenic National Forest highway.
Wild rice season opens with worries about its future
The canoe country wild rice harvest opens, but the sacred grain is threatened by pollution and climate change…
Bountiful beavers may be key to moose survival in Voyageurs National Park
Researchers say a large beaver population may save a lot of moose calves in the wild northern Minnesota park.
Non-native worms in Boundary Waters connected to campsites, fires, entry points
New study details how earthworms are spread by people, and controlled by fire.
Federal funds will support fight against invasive plants in northern Minnesota
Grants to two organizations will support eradication and education to manage non-native species.
Baby dragonflies serve as sentinels for toxins in National Park waters
Citizens and scientists work together to collect larvae and measure mercury levels.
Boundary Waters bear troubles lead to campsite closures, calls for camper caution
Rangers report negative encounters between wilderness visitors and offer advice to prevent problems.
For the Love of Loons
“As twilight descended and the fire settled to glowing embers, the stillness of the night was shattered by the unmistakable tremolo of the common loon. Within moments, loons from other territories and adjacent lakes began to respond, and the air came to life with the reverberating echo that we long to hear…”