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.
Hot Topics
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.
Federal officials revoke key Twin Metals mining leases near Boundary Waters
Biden administration revokes Twin Metals mineral rights for proposed copper-nickel mine. Secretary Deb Haaland stated: “After a careful legal review, we found the leases were improperly renewed in violation of applicable statutes and regulations, and we are taking action to cancel them.”
Rock snot: harmful algae sneaks into North Shore rivers
Scientists study Didymosphenia geminata, a nuisance species of algae called “rock snot,” in Lake Superior and North Shore rivers and streams.
Invasive plant species encroach on canoe country
Scientists, citizens, land managers, and others track sightings of non-native plant species in a joint database. The near real-time sharing of observations can help prevent the spread and manage infestations.
Study: Beaver behavior provides broad benefits for North Shore streams
Innovative research reveals return of aquatic rodents changed water and ecology in ways never before understood.
Partners study how to manage northern forests for moose and a changing climate
The participants are trying to answer the question, “What actions can forest managers take to improve moose habitat in the near-term, while also planning for future forest conditions?”
MPCA stands by PolyMet air permit despite concern of “sham permitting”
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has affirmed a permit issued to PolyMet, ignoring possible planned expansion of mine after permitting.
Creature feature: Rare lemmings in Northwoods bogs
Little-known peatland rodents could soon be listed as federally endangered.
Mining ban near the Boundary Waters? The public is asked to weigh in.
Discussions will cover proposed plan to prohibit new mining activities in locations that threaten BWCAW, if successful, the prohibition would effectively block the proposed Twin Metals mine.
“We badly need good fire” New film: Oshkigin Spirit of Fire
A new short film produced by the University of Minnesota and partners including tribal fire specialists, seeks to regenerate respect for the positive impacts of fire on northern Minnesota’s ecosystem. In …
Forest Service reducing Boundary Waters permits next year to combat crowding
Agency seeks to restore wilderness experience by cutting quotas on 24 entry points to address congestion, violations, and wilderness degradation.
New tribal liaison helps Superior National Forest respect treaty rights
A new staff member with the U.S. Forest Service will provide dedicated communication and coordination with tribes and tribal entities in northern Minnesota.
Warm summers mean more ticks on moose
Researchers use two decades of moose observations to understand how climate and harmful parasites interact.
Sigurd Olson’s wilderness retreat featured in new video
“I named this place Listening Point because only when one comes to listen, only when one is aware and still, can things be seen and heard.” Stunning new footage of Listening Point is narrated with the influential essay…
Forest Service proposes logging portions of Greenwood Fire area
Burned trees on Superior National Forest may be opened to loggers. Plan focuses on one percent of the area burned by this summer’s biggest fire in northeastern Minnesota.
Rare October tornado reported in Boundary Waters
Unusual autumn twister leaves four-mile path of downed trees across popular BWCA wilderness lakes.
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.