Legislation/Policy

Forestry Center moves forward to return land to Fond du Lac Band

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The University of Minnesota recently reached an agreement in principle to return the Cloquet Forestry Center’s land holdings to the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in northern Minnesota. The state of Minnesota still owns some of the property, which means the legislature must approve the transfer to complete it. If finalized, Fond du Lac will own all 3,400 acres, but the Forestry Center will continue to provide education and research in collaboration with the Band.

Twin Metals submits plan for exploratory drilling near BWCAW

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Chilean company Franconia Minerals, a subsidiary of Twin Metals, recently submitted a proposal to the Minnesota DNR to begin exploratory drilling for metallic minerals near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Environmentalists and other groups oppose the plan. They argue it is an early step toward mining that would cause pollution and damage wilderness areas.

Border bill could reshape Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

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A new bill could permanently alter how the Boundary Waters’ border with Canada is patrolled. Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah recently introduced the Border Lands Conservation Act, which would allow the federal government to expand border patrol operations using tactical infrastructure and surveillance systems.

How would reversing the Roadless Rule affect the Superior National Forest?

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U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins recently announced plans to withdraw the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which protects 59 million acres of National Forest from new roads and timber harvests. In Minnesota, many of these areas border the BWCA. If implemented, the change could significantly affect how parts of the National Forest are managed.

New technology may fight sulfate pollution near BWCAW

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Near Birch Lake Reservoir, Jeff Hanson’s mobile lab is testing a potentially proven, cost-effective method to remove sulfate from watersheds flowing into the Boundary Waters. This pollution, a byproduct of taconite mining, harms humans and contributes to toxic mercury levels in fish.

Aircraft surveys aim to map critical minerals across northern Minnesota

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Small aircraft equipped with advanced mapping technology are flying over northern Minnesota to survey geology and update maps of critical minerals. Led by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Minnesota Geological Survey, the project aims to improve understanding of resources vital for clean energy and national security. Whether the findings will encourage new mining in the region remains unclear.

Should walleye limits be reduced on Minnesota lakes?

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The Minnesota DNR is looking for public comment on the possibility of reducing walleye limits in the state. They attribute this to changes in environmental and ecological conditions, combined with advancements in fishing methods. If the bag limit changes, the walleye possession would decrease from six to four fish.

Legislation fast-tracks mining leases near BWCAW

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June 11 Update: In a win for wilderness and conservation efforts, Congress is set to remove Section 80131 from the draft budget bill. This section would have directed officials to move forward with reinstating copper-nickel mining leases near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Towboat regulations for BWCAW are back in court

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Wilderness Watch, an advocacy group for the National Wilderness Preservation System, recently filed another lawsuit against the U.S. Forest Service—Superior National Forest—regarding towboat management in the BWCAW. In an ongoing dispute, they claim that the agency failed to enforce towboat rules and regulations in the wilderness.

Historic Boundary Waters legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate

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Earlier this week, Minnesota Senator Tina Smith introduced the Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection Act, a bill that would permanently safeguard the BWCAW. If passed, it would mark a major victory for those fighting to block sulfide-ore copper mining near the wilderness in northern Minnesota.

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

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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.