Another new bill raises concerns about potential development in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Legislation passed by the U.S. House of Representatives waives environmental regulations on public land within 100 miles of international borders.
Land and Resource Use
New Bills Could Open Wilderness Areas to Hunting, Fishing, Motors
When the U.S. House passed the Sportsmen’s Heritage Act of 2012 two months ago, it didn’t get much attention. But after further analysis, the bill is increasingly seen as a real …
Appeals Court Overturns Cell-Tower Ruling
The Minnesota Court of Appeals reversed a lower court ruling barring construction of a 450-foot cell-tower atop a 150-foot ridge at the edge of the Boundary Waters Wilderness.
Spruce Road Copper Estimate Doubles
The world’s largest untapped copper deposit just got bigger. Twin Metals, Inc. now estimates its resource near Ely holds more than 8-billion pounds of copper.
Comments Sought on Lutsen Water Project
The Minnesota DNR is seeking public comment on an environmental assessment worksheet for a project to bring water from Lake Superior to Lutsen Mountain and other customers.
State Mineral Exploration Leases Approved
The Minnesota Executive Committee agreed to permit exploration for minerals on state lands and privately held land where the state owns the minerals rights.
Forest Service Okays Mineral Exploration Plan
The U.S. Forest Service has approved a plan for mining companies to expand the exploration for minerals in the Superior National Forest near Ely.
Groups Work to Restore North Shore Forest
A group of landowners and others concerned about North Shore forests are working to restore conifer forests to the Minnesota’s Lake Superior coast.
Cravaack Introduces BWCAW Land-swap Bill
Representative Chip Cravaack has introduced federal legislation to authorize an exchange of state lands within the Boundary Waters for federal land outside.
Judge Approves Superior ATV Routes
Superior National Forest administrators can move forward with plans to designate routes for use by ATVs and other off-road vehicles, District Court Judge Susan Richard Nelson has ruled.
Appeals Court Hears Cell Tower Case
An appeals court heard arguments on Tuesday over AT&T’s proposed 450-foot cell-phone tower at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness near Ely.
DNR Seeks Input on Ely Area Lakes
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public input on the management plans for 19 lakes and two streams near Ely.
Cravaack: PolyMet Review by October
Minnesota 8th District Representative Chip Cravaack expects the revised Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the PolyMet precious metal mine near Babbitt to be released by October.
BWCAW Visitors Older, More Educated
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness visitors have become older and more educated in the last 40 years, a new report reveals.
Dog Teams Carry Mining Petitions
Environmental advocates concerned about mining in northeastern Minnesota are using dog teams to carry petitions to the state capitol in St. Paul.
Minnesota Legislators Battle over Trust Lands
Minnesota state legislators are arguing over who should administer more than 2.5 million acres of school trust lands in the forests of northern Minnesota.
Rep. Chip Cravaak Speaks in Favor of Mining, Polymet Project
U.S. Rep. Chip Cravaak says that environmentally sound mining is a vital part of a healthy Minnesota economy.
Forest Service Reduces 2012 Summer Boundary Waters Permits
The Forest Service has lowered quotas for six entry points into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) as a result of damage caused by the Pagami Creek Wildfire.
St. Louis County Supports Nonferrous Mining
The St. Louis County board finished out the year by narrowly voting to support nonferrous mining.
DNR to Host Ely Fisheries Open House
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is hosting an open house on Monday, January 9, to hear from stakeholders about fisheries in the Ely area.