Silver Rapids Lodge owners have canceled their plans to expand the resort near the BWCAW. As a result, they “surrendered” their permit that the Lake County Planning Commission had approved this fall. The Minnesota DNR and citizen groups had filed lawsuits against the commission, citing multiple concerns about the proposed expansion near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The DNR would like the case to move forward.
State agencies continue to stock rainbow trout in retired mine pits in northern Minnesota, enhancing local fisheries and tourism. In the spring and fall of 2024, the Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) stocked area lakes with roughly 2,800 pounds of fish.
The USFS–Superior National Forest recently released their visitor use report. While numbers have returned to pre-Covid levels, cancellations continue to rise. Federal officials and local outfitters consider the possible reasons behind this trend.
The MN DNR recently announced it will suspend its review of the PolyMet copper-nickel sulfide permit until late next year. “This decision recognizes that PolyMet owes Minnesotans transparency and honesty instead of continuing to waste scarce resources and everyone’s time.” said JT Haines from MCEA.
The Forest Service anticipates budget cuts across the entire organization for 2025. The federal agency has requested $8.9 billion in funding but expects to receive significantly less. This reduction could negatively impact the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. As a result, visitors should prepare for potential changes.
The Minnesota DNR and citizen groups have filed separate lawsuits against the Lake County Planning Commission, raising concerns about expanding Silver Rapids Resort near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
A private land acquisition has expanded Voyageurs National Park by 51 acres. The National Park Service and Voyageurs Conservancy partnered with the Ramsey family over the past year to secure permanent protection for the property. Located on an island in Rainy Lake, the park service sees this as a significant milestone in its ongoing mission to protect natural habitats and parklands for outdoor enjoyment.
Advocates for clean water warn that a mining project near Lake Superior could harm human health and the environment in the long term.
As the election approaches, we look to key politicians’ historical positions on mining and conservation, impacting places like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Environmental groups urge voters to support lawmakers who advocate for continued protection.
Since 2021, the USFS Northern Research Station’s Mercury Sulfur Initiative Working Group has been studying mercury and sulfur pollution in the Upper Great Lakes region. They will be hosting a webinar series on reducing these harmful chemicals in water and soil. Innovative research includes using trees, plants and microbes to remediate pollution.
Update: public comment period extended. State and federal agencies are collaborating to transfer 80,000 acres within the BWCAW to the federal government. “School Trust Lands” originally aimed to provide long-term revenue for Minnesota’s public schools, but wilderness protection measures have limited their ability to generate sufficient income. Groups see the move as a win both for wilderness and for public schools.
Portage trails within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) are minimally maintained in keeping with the wilderness ethic. However, the USFS – Superior National Forest performs annual maintenance. This year’s heavy rains washed out parts of the portage trails and obliterated sections of roads leading to canoe entry points…
Project 2025, founded by a coalition of conservative organizations, urges the next Republican administration to overturn the 20-year ban on new mineral leasing near the BWCAW. Environmental advocates raise concerns about the risk of pollution and wilderness protection.
The Minnesota DNR, in collaboration with outside partners, recently acquired 25 acres in Cook County. The Icelandite Coastal Fen SNA safeguards rare species, vital wetlands, uncommon geological formations, and other significant elements of the state’s natural landscapes. The protected area is one of only two known fens along Lake Superior.
The Ely Economic Development Authority is constructing a new trailhead complex just west of Ely, Minnesota. The facility will serve as a trailhead hub for the Taconite Snowmobile Trail, Prospectors Loop ATV Trail, Mesabi Trail, and eventually, the North Country Scenic Trail.
Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness recently purchased 361 acres of land along the South Kawishiwi River. This scenic river borders the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and is considered one of America’s most endangered rivers.
Berry-picking season has arrived! You can find all kinds of berries and mushrooms within the Superior National Forest and BWCAW. Foraging wild edibles is a highlight of summer adventures, connecting people to the land while adding flavor to camp meals.
The historic storm that wiped out huge swaths of forest and injured visitors left a long-lasting mark on the wilderness.
A bill that could reverse the 20-year ban on mining leases near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) passed the U.S. House. It will soon move on to the Senate. Environmental advocates express concern over the reversal of mining leases that could impact watersheds in the region.
“Forests die fast and grow slowly,” says Lee Frelich, a forest ecologist with the University of Minnesota. In response to warming conditions, researchers in northern MN are planting trees normally suited for southern regions of the state. The USFS initiated an assisted migration plan to ensure the future of healthy forests.