“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.
Spring thaw means roads and trails in northern MN may be muddy and more vulnerable to erosion. Visitors can follow Tread Lightly principles now and throughout the season while enjoying the outdoors.
The administration recently announced a goal to protect 30 percent of lands and waters throughout the United States by 2030. This includes protection from mining impacts near wilderness areas such as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA).
Boundary Waters Heritage Trails is a new non-profit with the expressed interest in promoting and preserving historic trails within the BWCAW.
Green Bridge Metals and Encampment Minerals are set to launch drilling exploration for copper-nickel and other metals near Lake Superior. Healthcare providers communicate concerns over the long-term impact of sulfide mining near the BWCA.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service report finds examples of MN DNR misusing federal funds to facilitate logging in Wildlife Management Areas. They say the effort to increase logging was detrimental to public lands and wildlife.
New management plans for all National Forests in the US seek to ensure mature and old-growth forests are maintained and even expanded.
Forest Service seek to create firewall between the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and help protect private property.
Agency kicks off review of commercial motor use with comment period on issues to consider.
New study says lakes near the 2021 Greenwood Fire saw significant and surprising impacts.
Superior National Forest upholds treaty rights and rejects request for new ski runs on public land.
Company calls off plans to expand on public land so it can consult on treaty rights.
Strong opposition emerges against effort to prohibit motor vehicles on large swaths of ice.
Historic move explains how Forest Service will respect treaty rights for northern Minnesota Ojibwe.
The National Park Service releases plans to manage ice roads and put rules in place for use.
The BWCAW’s lack of human noise is recognized as increasingly important. This award honors the quietest places in the world.
Project studies potential of converting excess fuel for forest fires to useful material for several purposes.
Ongoing conflict focuses on financial value of wilderness and federal payments to compensate local governments for missed taxes.
“Wake boats and wake surfing pose a threat to the lake by causing shoreline erosion, turbulent disruption of lake bottom sediment, increased risk of the introduction of aquatic invasion species…”
The Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, with reservations at Lake Vermilion, Nett Lake, and Deer Creek, purchased former timber company lands from national nonprofit The Conservation Fund.