Federal government removes Endangered Species protection for gray wolves
Department of the Interior says iconic species has met recovery goals, while advocates say the decision is not justified, and pledge legal action.
Hot Topics
Paddle route in St. Louis River estuary receives national trail designation
Unique ecosystem offers wide array of recreation, nature, and history in the heart of the Duluth region.
Canoe country curriculum: new educational effort connects students to the Boundary Waters
A new program seeks to reach thousands of Minnesota schoolchildren with lessons from and for the BWCA wilderness.
Federal government rejects effort to protect moose with Endangered Species Act
Agency disagrees with environmental and tribal advocates who say that action is needed to save the massive mammals in canoe country.
Large swath of Superior National Forest lands protected from development
Private landowner and The Nature Conservancy protect 2,100 acres as a “gift to Minnesotans.” Undeveloped lakes and distinctive northwoods bog habitat….
Geologists mapping bedrock of northeastern Minnesota to understand groundwater
Major effort to document geology of the region underway, should help protect drinking water and other resources.
Ancient Cedars trail in Tower lets hikers experience old-growth forest
Beautiful and slow-growing white cedars are one highlight of a new trail that was developed this summer on the edge of Tower, MN. Volunteers constructed a 500-foot boardwalk and a 1.5-mile loop…
Minnesotans asked to provide input on wolf management
DNR seeks public comments and participating in hearings as it revises state’s wolf plan.
Seeking sustainable timber harvest: when loggers leave a few trees standing, birds can thrive
New research finds that letting a few trees remain in harvested stands can provide big benefits for wildlife.
Wolves reintroduced on Isle Royale are starting to settle in
Wolves that have been transported to Isle Royale National Park as part of a plan to restore ecological balance to the island in Lake Superior seem to be making themselves at home. They have begun to form packs, hunt moose — and even raise pups.
Superfluous stars: Boundary Waters gets rare “Dark Sky” designation
BWCAW awarded prestigious Dark Sky status from international organization concerned with light pollution.
Voyageurs National Park finishes two-year restoration project at historic sculpture garden
Extensive improvements completed as popular visitor destination is brought back to its original glory.
Court rules that Minnesota pollution regulators obeyed law when working on PolyMet permit
Decision in lawsuit finds that agency tried to keep criticisms from public, but did not violate any statutes.
Lawsuit alleges pro-mining Congressmen pressured Forest Service on Twin Metals decisions
Environmental groups have added a new complaint to their lawsuit about how the federal government decided to renew mineral leases for Twin Metals. The groups say representatives exerted “undue influence” on Forest Service personnel.
Forest management project will have noticeable impact on Gunflint Trail in years ahead
The Kimball Project will consist of logging, burning, and planting in popular areas along the scenic National Forest highway.
‘A Northern Light’ Patagonia’s new short film featuring the Boundary Waters
Intimate and lyrical production follows activist through wilderness as he reflects on its value and the threat of mining.
Wild rice season opens with worries about its future
The canoe country wild rice harvest opens, but the sacred grain is threatened by pollution and climate change…
Honoring Janice Matichuk, legendary Quetico Ranger
On August 5, 2020 we lost a wilderness legend. An ambassador to the backcountry, a passionate voice for Quetico Provincial Park, a trailblazer, a source of knowledge, a true hero. “What …
Rainy River restored after decades of abuse
Once badly polluted, the river that drains much of the Quetico-Superior region now boasts clean water and good fishing.
Great American Outdoors Act could help Voyageurs, Isle Royale
Major legislation will direct billions of dollars toward catching up on maintenance at National Parks and other public lands.