Forest Service reports 2020 Boundary Waters visitor numbers, signs point to another busy season
A significant increase in visitors last year showed value of wilderness, while posing some challenges.
Hot Topics
Parts of proposed PolyMet project’s mine permit rejected by state Supreme Court
Justices reverse state decisions about indefinite water treatment and tailings basin liner, while upholding other points.
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.
Brook trout found in Dunka River could be threatened by mining pollution
State assessment finds a coldwater stream with wild fish thriving — in the shadow of major mines.
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.
Boundary Waters named an endangered waterway
BWCAW is #3 on the list of America’s Most Endangered Rivers, threatened by pollution from proposed mine.
Forest Service changes Boundary Waters permit process to increase Leave No Trace awareness
Permit holders will be required to receive training this year to help prevent problems seen last summer.
Protecting public forests could help reduce climate change and fund Minnesota schools
Minnesota’s school trust lands could generate revenue for education from carbon offsets, studying an alternative to logging, mining.
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.
Quetico Portage Challenge – connect virtually with wilderness park
With international border still closed, foundation invites participants to carry a canoe the same distance as one of the park’s portages.
Federal officials pause both Twin Metals and PolyMet copper-nickel mine proposals
Government attorneys, engineers, and scientists hit the brakes on both proposed mines in Minnesota’s northwoods.
Superior National Forest picks projects for infrastructure investment funded by recent legislation
First phase of effort to catch up on maintenance backlog will make repairs and improvements possible.
More than 4,000 acres of timber company land protected for public in northern Minnesota
State funds effort to acquire lands and turn them over to county for management and public access.
Former Minnesota governor calls on Biden to protect Boundary Waters from mining pollution
Mark Dayton: “…the only acceptable goal is permanent protection from copper mining near the Boundary Waters.”
Virtual paddling festival features epic adventures, first time canoe trips
Annual paddle sports show in Madison will return with online seminars and interactive events.
Minnesota legislature deliberates wolf hunting after removal from Endangered Species List
Competing bills introduced to require or prohibit hunting season as state takes over management.
Quetico Provincial Park receives Dark Sky designation, joins BWCAW protecting and promoting starry skies
Third preserve in canoe country region gets international recognition for lack of light pollution.
Adventurer skiing 250 miles through Boundary Waters to support Lakota people
Expedition raises funds and awareness for Pine Ridge reservation with trek across Border Route Trail from Rainy Lake to Grand Portage.
Incredible journey of collared wolf that left Isle Royale
GPS collar let scientists see where a wolf that was brought to Isle Royale as part of reintroduction effort went after crossing ice back to mainland.
Superior Hiking Trail re-route will restore missing link — if county approves plan
Popular hiking trail proposed re-route will keep hikers in the highlands and away from busy roads