Northeastern Minnesota environmental projects in jeopardy as state senate refuses to spend lottery funds
Republicans refuse to approve funds dedicated to science and conservation in a dispute over budget.
Legislation/Policy
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.
Flashback: A New Yorker tried to mine copper inside the Boundary Waters
George St. Clair’s efforts to exercise mineral rights he had inherited set off battles in the courts, the newspapers, and legislative bodies from St. Paul to Washington, D.C.
Oil spill penalties will help protect Minnesota loons by promoting lead-free fishing tackle
Fines paid by BP for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill will help fund Minnesota’s expanded “Get the Lead Out” program to reduce loons deaths from lead poisoning.
House committee holds hearing on McCollum bill to block mining in wilderness watershed
Members of Congress questioned witnesses who testified about the Boundary Waters, the economy, and past decisions to protect northeastern Minnesota’s lakes and rivers.
Boundary Waters counties get good news about federal reimbursement for wilderness
Local governments will continue to receive the same level of compensation from the Forest Service to make up for lost revenue, until a new appraisal is completed.
Michigan legislators propose moose hunting on Isle Royale
A group of four bipartisan legislators want the National Park Service to allow limited hunting, to restore ecological balance as wolf reintroduction continues.
Forest Service requests input on outfitters, resorts, and other commercial services
Federal officials are examining whether the supply of services meets the public needs, and how to manage contentious issues like crowding and motorized use.
Minnesota’s governor responds to questions about mine proposals
Tim Walz talks about PolyMet’s new owner and Twin Metals’ future in a new interview, after staying mostly silent on the subject so far.
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.
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.