State report: Headwaters region in northern Minnesota has ‘exceptional’ water quality
Multi-year study finds the Boundary Waters and surrounding area have clean and healthy lakes and streams.
Hot Topics
Boundary Waters lake trout season opens this weekend
Anglers can start going after the coldwater fish in wilderness waters two weeks earlier than the rest of the state.
Trump administration renews mineral exploration near Boundary Waters
Twin Metals project gets new lease on life after Interior Department lawyer reverses policy and says government must allow access.
PolyMet and state agency disagree on mine proposal’s closure costs
Debate over ‘damage deposit’ ramps up with dueling reclamation estimates.
Meet Amy Freeman, Wilderness Guide
One winter day in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, an otter ran across the path of a dogsled team on Basswood Lake. Excited, the dogs picked up the pace, then Amy saw something else out on the ice: wolves…
Public input invited on increasing timber harvest on Minnesota state lands
The state is currently taking comments on the possibility of a 25 percent increase in timber harvest across its lands.
Congress considers opening wilderness areas to bicycles
Disagreement about the bill hinges on whether or not human-powered mechanized travel is allowed under the Wilderness Act.
Twin Metals legislation passes House, Senate support seems elusive
A bill restoring mineral rights near the Boundary Waters squeaked through the House of Representatives last week, but doesn’t yet have a Senate author.
Legislation making mining easier in northern Minnesota moves forward in Congress
Two bills seeking to speed up the Twin Metals and PolyMet mine proposals are being voted on this week in Washington, D.C.
Scientific research released on connections between mining pollution and wild rice
State-sponsored studies sought to improve understanding of the complex ways sulfate harms the iconic plant.
Minnesota’s Arrowhead region has notably dark night skies
Cook County encourages visitors to come see the Milky Way and the northern lights in its pitch black sky.
Scientists: Northern Minnesota’s rising deer population to blame for dwindling moose numbers
Extensive studies of moose mortality show parasites carried by whitetail deer are killing many of Minnesota’s remaining moose.
Wildlife managers worried as moose numbers decline in Ontario
The iconic animals appear to be following in the footsteps of Minnesota’s as their habitat is degraded and the climate warms.
Remote lakes on Isle Royale are turning toxic and we don’t know why — yet
Scientists recently discovered more harmful algae blooms at the National Park in Lake Superior, a surprising problem for pristine waters surrounded by unbroken forests.
Rising deer numbers in northern Minnesota mean more wolves
The latest estimate of the wolf population has increased significantly due to more and more whitetail deer living in wolf territory.
Paddling Into the Past on Rainy Lake
Editor’s Note: Whenever possible, Quetico Superior Wilderness News highlights partners committed to protecting or enhancing the wilderness character of the region. The following piece is reposted with permission by the Voyageurs …
Book: Beavers have big impact on boreal forests in Voyageurs National Park
The return of beavers to the Kabetogama Peninsula has altered water flows, changed the tree composition, and brought back other plants and animals.
Minnesota proposes new standard to protect wild rice from mining pollution
After years of debate, scientists recommend a complex equation to calculate how much sulfate is safe to discharge into waters where wild rice grows.
Veteran forester selected as new chief of U.S. Forest Service
Tom Tooke takes over the top job after a long career with the Forest Service, and with important issues facing National Forest lands in northern Minnesota.
Mondale calls for protection of Boundary Waters from mining
Lifelong statesman and environmentalist argues canoe country is too precious to risk polluting with mine runoff.