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.
Hot Topics
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.
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.
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.