Authorities warn flooding is beginning along international border lakes
Water levels on Crane, Rainy, Namakan, and other border lakes are already high, and expected to keep climbing with late thaw, ice floes causing hazards.
Hot Topics
EPA says PolyMet permit threatens waters with mercury pollution
Federal agency declares mine would cause pollution unacceptable to Fond du Lac Band.
All eyes on the ice: Canoe country still frozen as permit season starts
Spring has been slow to arrive in northern Minnesota this year, and it’s keeping the region cold.
Voyageurs National Park launches effort to contain zebra mussels
Portages out of infested Rainy Lake will require precautions to prevent spread of invasive species.
Reports say Rainy River Watersheds healthy, public comments invited
Rainy River drainages are in good shape, and officials want to keep it that way.
Minnesota Supreme Court to review proposed PolyMet mine water permit
The highest court in Minnesota announced this week that it will hear a challenge to a key permit for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine in northeastern Minnesota. It will consider the mine’s water pollution permit, and controversy…
Adventurer Emily Ford faced slush, wind, ice in 200-mile Boundary Waters crossing
Ford says she’d cross a thousand miles of wilderness to help more kids experience the outdoors, and her fundraising will make sure some do.
Film about running across Boundary Waters nominated for international award
“Boundary Waters Traverse” follows Alex Falconer on long-distance run to raise awareness for wilderness.
Signs of hope for Minnesota’s moose population
Annual report says moose decline of past decade may have leveled off for now.
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.
Ten years after Pagami Creek Fire, groups share lessons learned
In just a few days, it burned 93,000 acres of wilderness, and threatened the lives of Forest Service personnel and visitors. A series of events based in Ely covers forest management, the fire’s aftermath, and wildland firefighting.
Study: Wolves help moose by preventing spread of deer parasite
“We might be able to keep moose in Minnesota.” Scientists find wolves reduce risk of deadly brainworm carried by whitetail deer.
Proposal would add more of Quetico-Superior to prestigious Canadian Heritage Rivers
A coalition of groups is seeking national designation for the historic canoe routes near the Minnesota-Ontario border.
Creature feature: Black-backed woodpeckers need forest fires for their survival
Uncommon and unique birds depend on forest fires for food and habitat.
Beautiful beginner snowshoe route – George Washington Pines
“George Washington Pines is the best trail I know of for beginner snowshoers. At two and a half miles, it’s short and easy to complete in about an hour. The trail itself is flat, so other than making your way over the banks created by snowplows, there are no challenging hills or obstacles to maneuver.”
Lessons from the Wilderness: K-12 students learn from Isle Royale wolf reintroduction
New materials help teachers share challenges and hopes of restoring wolves to unique National Park in Lake Superior.
Experts report on Greenwood Fire: minor ecological impacts, significant public safety threats
A specialized Forest Service team quickly examined fire’s effects and recommended most urgent steps.
Voyageurs National Park launching new tour boat on Kabetogama Lake
The 42-foot craft will be based at the Kabetogama Visitors Center and provide access to popular parts of the park that are only accessible by water.
Federal judge puts Minnesota’s wolves back on Endangered Species list
Gray wolves in Minnesota have been a topic of controversy for years. In 2021, they were removed from the Endangered Species Act, but this decision was recently reversed, once again granting them protection. Learn more about the history and current status of gray wolves in Minnesota and other states.
Environmental groups sue to stop PolyMet over endangered species
A coalition of northern Minnesota environmental groups has sued the federal government citing a failure to protect critical habitat for endangered Canada lynx and the northern long-eared bat.