Rare October tornado reported in Boundary Waters
Unusual autumn twister leaves four-mile path of downed trees across popular BWCA wilderness lakes.
Hot Topics
Sowing seeds of a climate-resilient forest
Project seeks to connect farmers and foresters as they plan to increase reforestation efforts in northern Minnesota.
Budworm infestation blamed for forest fires
An outbreak of spruce budworms in northeastern Minnesota created conditions primed for ignition and likely fueled this summer’s wildfires.
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.
Harmful algae blooms in Voyageurs, Isle Royale focus of new study
Federal agencies conducting research to understand threat of toxins produced by cyanobacteria
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…
Minnesota DNR required to review mining issues
State agency will debate PolyMet tailings permit and evaluate overall regulations.
New mountain biking trails in northeastern Minnesota
Several new trail systems have opened in past 10 years, bringing thousands of riders to region.
DNR asks hunters to help study climate change effects on spruce grouse
Feathers from harvested birds can provide information that will help track population.
More skiing in the forest? Lutsen ski area seeks to expand on public land
Public input invited on significant expansion sought by popular resort. Considering increased opportunities for recreation and tourism with potential impact to old-growth forest.
Tracking change in the path of the Pagami Creek Fire 10 years later
Ten years after the biggest wildfire in a century, the forest is full of life, and reminders of the Boundary Waters inferno.
Report: water quality “pristine” in Boundary Waters watersheds needs protection
New reports detail pristine waters of northeastern Minnesota, threats to the health, and strategies to protect them.
Zebra mussels confirmed in Rainy Lake
Discovery of juvenile invasive mussels indicates population is reproducing in iconic border lake and potentially within Voyageurs National Park.
Fire FAQs: Critical context for canoe country wildfires
Questions and answers about the wildfires consuming parts of northern Minnesota. Where do the animals go? How much of the BWCA has burned?
Boundary Waters Wildfires 2021
Superior Hiking Trail closed, Boundary Waters closed due to fires. Updated maps, photos from fires in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Superior National Forest as official information is available. Greenwood Fire grows, Moose Lake Fire detected…
Greenwood Fire grows quickly, areas evacuated
Fire increases to over 19,000 acres creates a pyrocumulus cloud resulting in fire-created lightning, new evacuations but weather conditions could be more favorable soon.
Fires force full Boundary Waters closure for first time in 45 years
Forest Service shuts down wilderness area as large wildfires burn and drought continues, efforts to find visitors by canoe, float plane.
Voyageurs National Park removing invasive cattails and restoring ecosystem
Project seeks to manage a growing threat to the park’s wetlands.
Superior National Forest orders bear precautions
Rise in conflict between campers and bears has led Forest Service to require visitors keep their food safe.
Drought impacts northern Minnesota’s ecosystem
Low water levels, cyanobacteria, wildfires, stressed forests due to extremely dry conditions.