Mining project could have long-term impacts for the North Shore
Advocates for clean water warn that a mining project near Lake Superior could harm human health and the environment in the long term.
Legislation/Policy
Where do they stand on protecting the BWCA?
As the election approaches, we look to key politicians’ historical positions on mining and conservation, impacting places like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Environmental groups urge voters to support lawmakers who advocate for continued protection.
Remediating mercury and sulfur pollution in Upper Great Lakes
Since 2021, the USFS Northern Research Station’s Mercury Sulfur Initiative Working Group has been studying mercury and sulfur pollution in the Upper Great Lakes region. They will be hosting a webinar series on reducing these harmful chemicals in water and soil. Innovative research includes using trees, plants and microbes to remediate pollution.
USFS to purchase 80,000 acres from the DNR within the BWCAW
Update: public comment period extended. State and federal agencies are collaborating to transfer 80,000 acres within the BWCAW to the federal government. “School Trust Lands” originally aimed to provide long-term revenue for Minnesota’s public schools, but wilderness protection measures have limited their ability to generate sufficient income. Groups see the move as a win both for wilderness and for public schools.
Project 2025: Conservative proposal may overturn Boundary Waters mining ban
Project 2025, founded by a coalition of conservative organizations, urges the next Republican administration to overturn the 20-year ban on new mineral leasing near the BWCAW. Environmental advocates raise concerns about the risk of pollution and wilderness protection.
Proposed amendments aim to overturn the 20-year mining ban
Last week, Representative Pete Stauber attached five amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act. These aim to overturn the 20-year mining ban near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). While four of those amendments were defeated, one remains under review.
Should life jackets be required in the BWCA?
Recent incidents in the BWCAW have resurfaced a long debate about whether people should be required to wear personal flotation devices…
No longer “off the grid” – phone satellite coverage coming to BWCA
Full smartphone satellite coverage may be coming to the Boundary Waters sooner than you think. If made permanent, users would have the same level of connectivity that they experience daily. Wilderness areas like the BWCA could have full coverage by 2025. Search and rescue response expects to benefit…
Bill targets gray wolf endangered status
Lawmakers passed a bill titled “Trust the Science Act” which would delist gray wolves from the endangered species list. If the bill passes into law, management would shift from federal to state governance.
U.S. House backs Rep. Stauber’s effort to reverse 20-year mining ban
A bill that could reverse the 20-year ban on mining leases near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) passed the U.S. House. It will soon move on to the Senate. Environmental advocates express concern over the reversal of mining leases that could impact watersheds in the region.
Biden administration builds on historic efforts toward clean water
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).
How is the international border marked in the BWCA?
Along the northern edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) lies an invisible line. The international border stretches over 150 miles of water trail, following the shorelines of Quetico Provincial Park to the north and the BWCA to the south. Careful observers may notice the subtle demarcation of the international boundary as they paddle by. Short metal reference markers are punched firmly into hard granite rock.
Legislators seek to ban risky mining practices in BWCA wilderness watershed
New legislation has been announced at the Minnesota state capitol, seeking to strengthen protections of the Boundary Waters from mining pollution. Chief authors Sen. Kelly Morrison and Rep. Sandra Feist seek to put legal restrictions on four specific mining practices they say represent unacceptable risk upstream of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Biden administration proposes protecting old-growth federal forests
New management plans for all National Forests in the US seek to ensure mature and old-growth forests are maintained and even expanded.
Star Tribune series explores fighting fire with fire in the BWCA
Should fire be managed in the Boundary Waters? What have we learned from past mistakes? Experts discuss wildfire past and future in the BWCAW.
DNR considers BWCA mining buffer zone expansion
Minnesota DNR announces its undertaking rulemaking to protect the Boundary Waters wilderness from noise and light pollution related to mining.
Plan to restrict ATVs on frozen lakes at Voyageurs National Park gets pushback
Strong opposition emerges against effort to prohibit motor vehicles on large swaths of ice.
Rep. Stauber seeks to overturn Boundary Waters mining ban, hosts field hearing
Northern Minnesota Congressman introduces legislation that would end 20-year ban recently announced by Biden administration.
New legislation to block mining in Boundary Waters watershed
If passed, copper-nickel mining would not be allowed anywhere where water flows toward wilderness.
What is the Boundary Waters worth? Counties and Forest Service disagree
Ongoing conflict focuses on financial value of wilderness and federal payments to compensate local governments for missed taxes.