Forest Service proposes to cut compensation to Boundary Waters counties
Federal payments to local governments offset lost tax revenue from BWCAW lands, but the latest valuation of the Boundary Waters has resulted in a significant reduction.
Legislation/Policy
Stauber pressures Forest Service to reinstate Boundary Waters permit lottery
Eighth District representative proposes legislation to revert to previous system for entry point permits, saying changes have hurt local businesses, affected tourism.
Legislation initiates discussion of stricter laws for storing mine waste
Pair of Minnesota lawmakers propose following Montana’s lead in strengthening rules about the design and oversight of tailings dam, in response to recent catastrophes in other countries.
Lawsuits move forward against both major Minnesota copper mine proposals
Lawyers for environmental groups argued last week that Twin Metals’ mineral leases should never have been renewed, and that PolyMet’s land exchange was a bad deal for the public.
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.
Star Tribune editorial board calls for release of Forest Service mining study
Star Tribune says Trump officials should justify how they decided to cancel an environmental review and reopen the opportunity for a mining proposal near the Boundary Waters to proceed.
Prehistoric copper mines and long human history earns Isle Royale national historic designation
Designated the entire chain of islands recognizes thousands of years of indigenous connections and creates opportunity to tell new stories.
Interior Department plans to remove wolves from federal protection
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced plans yesterday to remove gray wolves from Endangered Species Act protections and move management responsibility to states
Young people invited to apply for Washington, D.C. trip to lobby for Boundary Waters protection
Youth organization that works to protect the Boundary Waters from copper-nickel mining pollution is organizing another event to provide high school and college students the chance to tell policymakers their stories and ask for stewardship.
U.S. Senate passes bill to make northeast Minnesota hiking routes part of national trail system
Effort to adjust original route to include state’s premier trails along Lake Superior and through the Boundary Waters takes biggest step in 10 years as Senate includes it in omnibus legislation.
New northern Minnesota representative in Congress pushes PolyMet land exchange
Rep. Pete Stauber introduces legislation to ensure PolyMet can hold onto National Forest land it has already acquired.
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.
Young Boundary Waters advocates go to Washington, D.C. to speak for the wilderness
Young advocates spend two days in the nation’s capital, sharing their stories and asking officials to protect the Boundary Waters.
Members of Congress request details on reopening Boundary Waters watershed to mining
Two key Democrats have sent a letter to administration officials seeking evidence to back up the September decision.
Former Forest Service leader calls for continued protection of Boundary Waters
Retired leader of agency who took steps to prevent mining pollution from harming the wilderness says continued protection is important.
Boundary Waters created out of conflict and compromise 40 years ago today
Watch an award-winning student film about how the BWCAW Act of 1978 came to pass, and learn more about the long road to wilderness protection.
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.
Trump administration re-opens Boundary Waters watershed to mining
Federal government decides to let mining companies acquire leases to explore and extract minerals…
Three lawsuits filed to defend rejection of mineral leases near the Boundary Waters
Boundary Waters businesses, environmental groups challenge the Trump administration’s effort to restore leases to Twin Metals which are critical for its mine proposal.
Businesses, sporting groups, and environmentalists call on federal officials to block mining near Boundary Waters
Letters to leaders of two government agencies seek completion of study of mining in the wilderness watershed before proposals move forward.