Voyageurs National Park celebrates 50 years

Voyageurs National Park is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Minnesota’s only national park was established in 1975. It’s a water-dominated landscape that borders the northern part of the state and Canada. People have traveled through and lived within the region for thousands of years. The park will celebrate its history, people, and landscape throughout the year and open a new visitor center this summer.

Trump’s executive order could impact copper-nickel mining plans near BWCA

President Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at increasing mineral production within the United States, focusing on minerals such as copper-nickel. Though the order does not specifically target regions, it could impact areas near the BWCAW, potentially challenging land protections established by the previous administration.

Women who shaped Minnesota’s early conservation movement

For Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting women conservationists and environmental stewards who have contributed to preserving forests, wilderness areas, and cultural history in Northern Minnesota. Their efforts and activism helped shape the modern conservation movement and led the way for sustainable practices.

Behind the mechanical portages of the BWCAW

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has approximately 1,500 portage trails across the landscape. Some of these trails use mechanized transport, including rails and trolleys, to help users move heavy gear and fishing boats between lakes. These mechanical workhorses have a long history, dating back to the days of logging and early resort development.

Wildfire plan proceeds for the Fernberg Corridor near the BWCAW

The Kawishiwi Ranger District is developing a forest plan to reduce the risk of wildfires near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and surrounding communities. The goal is to support a diverse and healthy forest, reducing combustible fuel, and to assist wildland firefighters in managing forest fires more effectively.

Reintroduced bills leave BWCAW protection in the balance

Two bills have been reintroduced to the legislature to address wilderness protection and mining practices near the BWCAW. Supporters of mining highlight its positive impact on local revenue and economic growth. However, opponents continue to advocate for protecting the wilderness and surrounding areas, noting that they contain some of the cleanest waters on Earth.

Minnesota DNR urged to reconsider environmental review for Mile Post 7 tailings project

The Minnesota Court of Appeals sided with an environmental group over a mining expansion project along the North Shore. They ruled that the MNDNR must reconsider whether an EIS is necessary for the proposed expansion of the Mile Post 7 tailings pond. Northshore Mining is working to fulfill a permit to expand the basin just 3 miles from Lake Superior.

MN elk

The Fond du Lac Band and DNR partner to restore elk on native land

A plan is in place to return elk to some of their native range as early as 2026. The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, in partnership with the Minnesota DNR, plans to move 100-150 elk from northwestern MN to the Tribe’s reservation and surrounding areas in Carlton and southern St. Louis counties.

Twin Metals headquarters in Ely.

Twin Metals Minnesota appeals sulfide mining leases in court

Multiple environmental groups traveled to Washington D.C., recently for the latest appeal by Twin Metals Minnesota. The Chilean-owned mining company has been seeking to reinstate two mineral leases near the BWCAW and other critical watersheds. The company appealed to a panel of judges, aiming to reinstate two preferential rights applications that would allow the company to build a mine south of Ely.

New cross-country ski trailhead in northern Minnesota is open

The USFS – Superior National Forest, in partnership with the Friends of the Flathorn-Gegoka, recently completed a new trailhead and parking lot. The area is a cross-country skier’s haven, featuring over 29 km of classic trails through the woods. Heavy flooding last summer pushed the project forward when bridges along part of the trail were damaged.

Grand Portage Band builds new Isle Royale ferry terminal and cultural exhibit

The Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, along with various partners, has built a new ferry terminal and permanent exhibit for Isle Royale National Park. Each season, visitors begin their journey to Isle Royale at Hat Point Marina. The new site will permanently display cultural and traditional stories through immersive multimedia.

Winter camping in the BWCAW: 3 scenic routes

Winter camping in the BWCAW is a magical way to embrace the season’s silence. It’s a great time to explore the region by snowshoe or skis. We’re highlighting three winter camping routes for all interests and experience levels. Plus, we’ll share a few helpful resources to get you started.

Updated bridge in northern Minnesota improves trout fishery

A new bridge along the Baptism River opens access to 156 miles of trout habitat. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, in partnership with conservation groups, recently completed the bridge redesign. This improvement allows fish to migrate between habitats and shoreline restoration supports changing climate conditions.

Superior National Forest recreational fees increase

The USFS recently increased recreational fees throughout the forest. This was due to rising maintenance and operational costs. In the summer of 2023, the Forest Service invited public comment on the fee change proposal. An advisory committee representing multiple outdoor interests recently approved the proposal.

Silver Rapids Lodge abandons expansion plans near the BWCAW

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.

Trout stocking program reclaims Minnesota mine pits

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.

Minnesota DNR suspends review of PolyMet mine project

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.