Clean Water Act rollback could make it difficult to protect BWCAW water from mining pollution
Proposal from federal government could block MN from protecting lakes and rivers in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Land and Resource Use
Prescribed fires on Superior National Forest cancelled to protect virus victims and firefighters
Federal agency calls off all spring burning plans as officials seek to reduce connected risks of fires and health.
Numerous lakes and streams in northeastern Minnesota available for citizen monitoring
Volunteers are vital to measure how clear lakes and streams are, providing valuable information to track long-term health.
Minnesota plan to increase annual timber harvest includes proposed logging in wildlife areas
DNR leaders will meet with conservation groups about logging in wildlife management areas, and potential harms to habitat.
Den boxes could help falling numbers of fishers in Minnesota’s north woods
Researchers are deploying dozens of artificial tree cavities across the region, hoping the secretive predators will find a suitable substitute for reduced natural habitat next spring.
Superior National Forest proposes new planning process for forest management
Long-term planning will allow more flexibility to adapt to rapidly-changing conditions across the Tofte Ranger District.
Prescribed fires planned this fall in the Boundary Waters to protect outside areas
Fires will reduce the amount of flammable forest materials in areas hit by the 1999 blowdown, and hopefully reduce the risk that a wildfire could escape the wilderness.
Superior National Forest announces successful prescribed fire season
Forest Service officials say significant swaths of public land have been burned this spring to accomplish a variety of management goals.
Forest Service finalizes plans to cut and burn 17,000 acres near the Echo Trail
Superior National Forest officials recently concluded the lengthy development of a plan to manage significant swaths of public land near and in the Boundary Waters.
Water Action Day brings Minnesotans to state capitol for education and advocacy
Hundreds of people gathered in St. Paul to call for protection of clean water, draw attention to water quality threats throughout the state, including the Boundary Waters region.
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.
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.