Less ice cover on Lake Superior could reduce key fish species
Ripple effect of climate change may make it harder for cisco to reproduce and survive, causing problems for lake trout and other species that depend on the cold-water fish.
Land and Resource Use
Young crews restore historic Forest Service ranger station near Ely
Open house on Feb. 2 will give visitors the chance to check out the Halfway Ranger Station and learn about a program to train young people in preserving such storied places.
Partners work to reduce impacts of government shutdown on Voyageurs National Park
Federal government funding lapse means no services at the park near International Falls, but nonprofit partners are providing financial support to provide limited staffing.
Historical documents related to Twin Metals mineral leases support Obama decision to reject renewal
Newly-found records show government fought against long-term leases and put caveats on the terms to ensure expedient mineral development.
Cook County celebrates its lack of light pollution at first-ever Dark Sky Festival
Events in Grand Marais will encourage attendees to enjoy and protect the starry skies that have made the region famous.
State of Minnesota issues permits for PolyMet mine proposal
DNR announces it is giving the copper-nickel mine proposal a green light after years of review and debate.
Native American burial ground on Rainy River to remain closed to public
Minnesota Historical Society decides to keep Grand Mound Historic Site closed out of respect for Native American communities.
Journalism professors call for clearer communication about Isle Royale wolf reintroduction
Minnesota and Michigan-based academics say the decision to transport new wolves to the Lake Superior site was based on incomplete information.
Wild rice on Rainy Lake hurt by water levels, climate change, and invasive species
Tribal agencies and an international organization are working together to restore natural conditions that could let the important plant thrive again.
Anglers asked for input on walleye limits in Voyageurs National Park and nearby lakes
With special regulations set to expire, future management of five popular lakes is open for discussion.
Trump administration re-opens Boundary Waters watershed to mining
Federal government decides to let mining companies acquire leases to explore and extract minerals…
Ely business-owners advocate for Boundary Waters during White House event
Wintergreen Northern Wear was invited to a “Made in America” showcase hosted by the Trump administration.
A new generation continues the tradition of Boundary Waters outfitting
Across canoe country, the next generation is taking over outfitting businesses or starting new ones. These outfitters offer a fresh take on what it means to introduce people to the wilderness today.
Federal government restores mineral leases in Boundary Waters watershed
Twin Metals is getting mineral leases back that it lost in 2016, as the Trump administration continues to reverse Obama-era decisions.
Significant step taken toward resolving state lands in the Boundary Waters
Group starts land exchange transferring school trust lands in wilderness to federal government.
Threat of mining pollution puts Boundary Waters on annual list of threatened rivers
American Rivers has named the wilderness waters to its list for a second time in five years as critical decisions loom.
Listen: Interview with Gunflint District Ranger about ShokoShoe forest management project
Major new logging and burning project will seek to diversify forest habitats for moose and other wildlife.
Public input invited on increasing timber harvest on Minnesota state lands
The state is currently taking comments on the possibility of a 25 percent increase in timber harvest across its lands.
Minnesota proposes new standard to protect wild rice from mining pollution
After years of debate, scientists recommend a complex equation to calculate how much sulfate is safe to discharge into waters where wild rice grows.
Proposal to log old-growth pines near Burntside Lake raises objections
About a third of the trees in a 62-acre parcel would be cut, but hikers and skiers oppose the project’s impact on popular recreation area.