“Not this mine. Not this location.” – Star Tribune editorial calls for halt to Twin Metals
Biggest newspaper in the state says the risks are too great for copper-nickel mining near waters that flow into the wilderness area.
Hot Topics
Minnesota will conduct own environmental review of Twin Metals mine proposal
DNR announces it will analyze the project on its own rather than in partnership with the federal government, unlike the PolyMet process.
Rainy River sturgeon spawning protected by dam operation agreement
Threat to endangered fish species spurs international action to monitor activity and modify dam operations.
Wilderness water and mining woes focus of mini-documentary
Revealing new report on the debate over Twin Metals mine proposal, features opinions in Ely and potential impacts on the Superior National Forest.
More water bodies in northeast Minnesota fail state pollution standards
State agency finds many lakes and streams are contaminated by pollutants across the Boundary Waters, northern Minnesota region.
Nonnative snail species found for first time in Voyageurs National Park
Chinese mysterysnails have been confirmed in Kabetogama Lake, raising concerns about harm to ecosystem, as officials urge compliance with prevention practices.
Experiment tracks long-term connections between climate change and Minnesota peatlands
Study seeks information about how warming affects peatlands, and how bogs could respond to climate change by releasing more carbon gasses, making the problem worse.
Den boxes could help falling numbers of fishers in Minnesota’s north woods
Researchers are deploying dozens of artificial tree cavities across the region, hoping the secretive predators will find a suitable substitute for reduced natural habitat next spring.
PolyMet opponents take case that mine permits are flawed to Court of Appeals
Hearing in St. Paul hosted arguments about numerous contested components of three permits issued to the company by the Department of Natural Resources.
Historic hotel and recreation area in Voyageurs National Park focus of new site plan
National Park Service invites input on preliminary plans for changes to lodging, day-use recreation, and other improvements to the popular part of the park.
Exhibit shows off Ernest Oberholtzer objects and celebrates historic conservationist
Exhibit at Minnesota History Center features large collection of historical materials connected to the famed early explorer and defender of the Quetico-Superior region.
Microplastics found in Boundary Waters may threaten wilderness wildlife
Researchers find plastic particles at numerous sites in the wilderness, confirming another way humans are affecting the wilderness and its ecosystem.
Michigan legislators propose moose hunting on Isle Royale
A group of four bipartisan legislators want the National Park Service to allow limited hunting, to restore ecological balance as wolf reintroduction continues.
Superior National Forest proposes new planning process for forest management
Long-term planning will allow more flexibility to adapt to rapidly-changing conditions across the Tofte Ranger District.
International ranger crew partners to improve flood-prone portage on Granite River
Quetico and Boundary Waters crews come together on the border of the U.S. and Canada to reduce hazards on portage and facilitate wilderness visitors.
What’s at stake with Twin Metals? Diving into Ely’s mining debate
In-depth report from ‘Almanac’ features interviews with Ely residents holding diverse perspectives on the Twin Metals proposal and what it might mean for the Boundary Waters.
Forest Service requests input on outfitters, resorts, and other commercial services
Federal officials are examining whether the supply of services meets the public needs, and how to manage contentious issues like crowding and motorized use.
Court puts PolyMet mine on pause while investigating new information
Minnesota Court of Appeals orders halt on project after new questions arise about permits, risks, and responsibilities.
Release of new EPA emails shows how officials suppressed PolyMet comments
EPA releases additional emails that show communication between state and federal government agencies about holding back official comments critical of the project’s water permit.
Wilderness advocate working on trail run across Boundary Waters
Wilderness advocate Alex Falconer has completed the first leg of an attempt to run from east to west through much of the BWCAW as a way to increase awareness of mining threats.