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.
Legislation/Policy
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.
Cook County approves request to ban wake boats on Caribou Lake
“Wake boats and wake surfing pose a threat to the lake by causing shoreline erosion, turbulent disruption of lake bottom sediment, increased risk of the introduction of aquatic invasion species…”
Rep. Stauber bill would shorten environmental review for mine proposals
Northern Minnesota member of Congress seeks to speed up approval of mine proposals like Twin Metals.
Congressional committee passes ban on copper mining near Boundary Waters
A bill sponsored by Rep. Betty McCollum to permanently prohibit mining copper and other sulfide ore in the watershed of the Boundary Waters wilderness cleared a key House committee this week…
Canada to resume remote area border crossing permits, allow travel between Boundary Waters and Quetico
Permits shut down due to pandemic will soon be available again to people paddling between U.S. and Canada.
MN DNR accepting comments on new wolf management plan
Minnesota DNR requests feedback on first changes to wolf management in 22 years. Public can submit input about goals and strategies for state’s population of gray wolves.
Forest Service says copper-nickel mining threatens Boundary Waters
“The environmental assessment released today provides a strong scientific foundation for a 20-year ban on copper mining near the Boundary Waters…”
Report: Minnesota’s water under threat, new policies need to protect lakes and rivers
The Minnesota Water Report looks at six major challenges to clean water in the state, including proposed copper-nickel mines, agricultural runoff, discharges from wastewater treatment facilities, water availability, wildlife habitat, and inadequate environmental rules and laws.
Mining ban near the Boundary Waters? The public is asked to weigh in.
Discussions will cover proposed plan to prohibit new mining activities in locations that threaten BWCAW, if successful, the prohibition would effectively block the proposed Twin Metals mine.
Feds consider mining ban upstream of Boundary Waters
Officials with the U.S. Forest Service have taken a decisive step toward long-term protection of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, resuming study, could lead to 20-year mining moratorium.
Survey says Minnesotans support strong mining protections
A new survey finds split opinions but strong desire to prevent pollution. 61 percent of respondents said they agree mining should be prohibited…
Courts decide key issues concerning mining near Boundary Waters
A series of rulings has offered wins and losses for both environmental groups and mining proponents.
Walter Mondale – a legacy of wilderness protection
An influential advocate for protecting northern Minnesota’s natural treasures, instrumental in Voyageurs National Park and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area we know today.
EPA says Minnesota can’t ignore wild rice problems caused by mining
Federal agency says state can’t leave lakes off impaired waters list simply because legislature won’t allow pollution enforcement.
Senator Smith calls for Biden appointees to finish mining study and consider 20-year prohibition
Letter requests new administration complete its analysis of whether mining can be done safely in Boundary Waters watershed.