Forest Service adjusts Boundary Waters permit process to improve Leave No Trace education
The Superior National Forest says it will try to educate visitors about responsible recreation when permits go on sale next week.
Hot Topics
Prove It First bill and a Path to Permanent Protection
Elected officials and environmental groups roll out plans for legislation and other actions to prevent contamination.
MN DNR seeks more specifics about Twin Metals mine proposal and possible impacts
New rounds of correspondence between DNR and mining company tries to nail down details needed for environmental review.
Planting trees to protect North Shore trout
Conservationists are driven by a sense of urgency to restore forests along Lake Superior tributaries degraded by deforestation and climate change.
Cell tower approved on Gunflint Trail, extending service into the Boundary Waters
County commissioners approve relatively short, unlighted tower primarily to serve emergency responders.
Snowshoes to Hok skis, exploring the Boundary Waters in winter
Snowshoes, boots or Hok skis? Enthusiasts share tips for heading off the beaten path so you can get the most out of canoe country in winter.
Legislators and advocates call for “Prove It First” copper-nickel mining law in Minnesota
Legislation would require high standard of evidence that a mine can be operated without polluting. “Before they put a shovel into the ground…”
Lawsuit seeks to prevent unintentional trapping of protected Canada lynx
Wildlife advocates claim state of Minnesota has not taken required steps to prevent accidental trapping of endangered species.
Federal government will review mining exploration’s impacts on endangered species
Agency agrees to consider how copper prospecting near Boundary Waters could affect lynx and bats.
Sigurd Olson’s writing shack designated a historic site of national significance
His collection of rocks, duck decoys, snippets of writing, books, maps, personal photos, even his typewriter is still there. Its where he wrote most of his famous works about the Boundary Waters…
Stars aligned: Voyageurs National Park receives prestigious Dark Sky designation
Northern Minnesota’s National Park follows Boundary Waters in being certified by international organization.
Keeping the skies clear in canoe country
Distant sources of air pollution affect visibility and ecology in the Boundary Waters and beyond — efforts are underway to help.
Researchers call for restoring human-forest connections in the Boundary Waters
New study shows how people shaped iconic canoe country forests with fire, authors say it’s time to get back to those roots.
Forest Service seeks input on infrastructure repairs to prioritize with Great American Outdoors Act
Agency asks for public comments on how to spend money from the Great American Outdoors Act recently signed into law to catch up on maintenance backlog.
DNR and wilderness advocates agree on review of state’s mining rules
Legal settlement requires DNR to determine if untested regulations are strong enough to protect Boundary Waters.
Biggest jack pine in America discovered in Boundary Waters
Forest surveyors find massive specimen of the boreal tree species in remote area of wilderness.
Study: Wolves alter northern Minnesota wetlands by preying on beavers
New research shows how the hunting habits of this top predator affects the water cycle in Voyageurs National Park.
Sixty-year-old seaplanes still serve in the Superior National Forest
Aircraft purchased by the Forest Service in the late 1950s work on everything from wildfire, search-and-rescue, to wildlife management.
Environmental lawyers argue at Supreme Court that PolyMet plans bigger mine than permitted
Groups allege company could triple size of project soon after start, violating the Clean Air Act.
Paddling through history: Canoe crew retraces historic Boundary Waters ‘Circle Tour’
A legendary BWCAW canoe route, almost 100 miles long, pioneered by early trappers and conservationists was nearly lost to time.