Clean Water Act rollback could make it difficult to protect BWCAW water from mining pollution
Proposal from federal government could block MN from protecting lakes and rivers in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
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Orchids of the Northwoods – Lady’s Slippers and beyond
“It all began by happenstance…The trail was overgrown, littered with fallen boles, when I noticed a glimmering iridescence unlike anything I had seen before. I had stumbled upon on one of Minnesota’s most common orchid species, the stemless (pink) lady’s slipper, glimmering with rain drops…”
Celebrating the night sky: lack of light pollution a valuable regional resource
The border region of Minnesota and Ontario offers dark nights perfect for seeing star-filled skies, northern lights, and other wonders.
Boundary Waters closed for all until May 4
Permit quota season will be delayed due to statewide stay-at-home order during pandemic. The Superior National Forest announced today that the BWCAW is closed…
Prescribed fires on Superior National Forest cancelled to protect virus victims and firefighters
Federal agency calls off all spring burning plans as officials seek to reduce connected risks of fires and health.
Feeling separated from canoe country? Ways to connect with wilderness from a safe distance.
Stay-at-home orders and social distancing recommendations mean that most of us can’t head ‘up north’ right now, and uncertainty hovers over the next few months. How do we stay connected ‘virtually’ to the places we love?
Flashback: A New Yorker tried to mine copper inside the Boundary Waters
George St. Clair’s efforts to exercise mineral rights he had inherited set off battles in the courts, the newspapers, and legislative bodies from St. Paul to Washington, D.C.
Numerous lakes and streams in northeastern Minnesota available for citizen monitoring
Volunteers are vital to measure how clear lakes and streams are, providing valuable information to track long-term health.
Coronavirus in canoe country: pandemic precautions affect public lands
While local residents follow social distancing outdoors in the wilderness, the public is asked to not travel to the Quetico-Superior region, as facilities close due to infection prevention measures.
Minnesota court rejects air permit for proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine
Judges order state to consider if PolyMet actually plans a much larger mine than the company told regulators when applying for an air pollution permit.
Federal court upholds Twin Metals mineral leases
Major blow to wilderness protection comes as judge rules in favor of reversal, restoring leases to company seeking to mine at edge of Boundary Waters.
‘No better, no worse’ – moose population in northeast Minnesota remains reduced, but steady
Annual DNR survey finds similar moose numbers to recent years, but still precariously low compared to 15 years ago.
Oil spill penalties will help protect Minnesota loons by promoting lead-free fishing tackle
Fines paid by BP for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill will help fund Minnesota’s expanded “Get the Lead Out” program to reduce loons deaths from lead poisoning.
Northern Minnesota mining reports from Trump administration met with criticism
Government agencies release confidential and redacted documents that fail to satisfy wilderness advocates who requested them.
Trip planning takes priority as summer season approaches
First-timers and experienced wilderness visitors can learn from several upcoming programs and events focused on safe and successful paddling and hiking trips.
Artists invited to spend time this summer living and creating in Quetico Provincial Park
Rustic residency program provides time and support to find inspiration in the Ontario wilderness.
Tribal group supports legislation to prevent mining near Boundary Waters
Coalition of Ojibwe bands calls on Congress to pass legislation blocking copper-nickel mines in the wilderness watershed.
An Obsession with Owls
Photojournalist Ben Olson is fascinated by the owls of northern Minnesota. “While having spent countless hours in the company of these birds of prey, I am always impressed by their ability of silent flight and mastery of camouflage. Boreal forests host an array of different owl species, some relatively common, others rare, and a single transient species that is highly coveted…”
Search-and-rescue crew recaps year of Boundary Waters emergencies
Respected northern Minnesota rescue squad responded to hundreds of calls last year, including almost 20 in the Boundary Waters wilderness.
DNR and PolyMet appeal order to conduct judicial review of controversial copper mine permits
State and mining company ask Supreme Court to review decision by Court of Appeals that requires a contested case hearing to consider facts affecting permits in front of a judge.