Book Review: Gunflint Falling by Cary J. Griffith
On July 4, 1999, the sky fell. Or so it seemed. On that day the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness was hit by a historic storm unlike anyone had ever seen.
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Millions of pines planted in northern Minnesota provide new possibilities
More than a century of lumbering in northern MN didn’t just remove trees, it upset an entire ecosystem. The Rajala Woods Foundation pledged to plant three million seedlings across 30,000 acres of land as a living memorial to Jack Rajala, longtime northern Minnesota lumberman and community leader.
Legislators seek to ban risky mining practices in BWCA wilderness watershed
New legislation has been announced at the Minnesota state capitol, seeking to strengthen protections of the Boundary Waters from mining pollution. Chief authors Sen. Kelly Morrison and Rep. Sandra Feist seek to put legal restrictions on four specific mining practices they say represent unacceptable risk upstream of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
New podcasts highlight northern Minnesota
Two new podcasts explore hot topics from Superior National Forest, the Boundary Waters and Quetico. In-depth interviews and key experts talk about everything from the challenges of wind and wilderness tripping, to this year’s ‘go-live’ day for BWCA permits.
Crews restoring historic cabin on Lake Vermilion island
Work is underway to ensure Wolf Island’s historic structures are preserved, while also providing a new recreation site.
Northern Lights set to peak in 2024
Projections for an active geomagnetic season mean it’s likely the aurora will be prominent in northern MN and Ontario this year. Learn where to go and when for the best chance to see the skies ablaze.
Federal officials criticize MN DNR for logging habitat areas
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service report finds examples of MN DNR misusing federal funds to facilitate logging in Wildlife Management Areas. They say the effort to increase logging was detrimental to public lands and wildlife.
Biden administration proposes protecting old-growth federal forests
New management plans for all National Forests in the US seek to ensure mature and old-growth forests are maintained and even expanded.
Boundary Waters outfitters propose new permit system
Concerned about problems with permit “hoarding” and other issues, business owners develop alternative ideas for BWCAW permit quota system.
Company exploring possible helium extraction near Boundary Waters
Gas deposit discovered a decade ago is target of new extraction efforts.
Feds release draft plan to protect lynx
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seeks to stabilize population in face of climate change and other threats.
Fernberg Road plan for logging, burning to reduce wildfire risk
Forest Service seek to create firewall between the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and help protect private property.
Birch Lake near BWCAW polluted by sulfate, advocates blame taconite mines
Extensive citizen science provides data showing existing mines are dumping sulfate into sensitive waters.
Forest Service seeks to keep up with climate change
Minnesota’s northern forests are changing with a warming climate, and Superior National Forest and partners have a plan to adapt.
New research reveals how humans enable wolf predation on deer
Logging, roads, and residences all affect where wolves look for favorite prey.
Spruce grouse study finds relatively stable population
Wildlife biologists say new research reveals important information about birds.
Superior National Forest invites public to open houses
Events will offer interested groups and individuals informal conversation with Forest Service leaders.
Forest Service taking input on BWCA towboat limits
Agency kicks off review of commercial motor use with comment period on issues to consider.
Twin Metals seeks minerals on state lands after feds block mine
Despite lawsuits, Twin Metals pursues copper-nickel mine near the South Kawishiwi River in northeastern MN. Mining project threatens popular lake in BWCAW watershed.
Researchers record groundbreaking video of a wolf attacking a beaver
Video captured in Voyageurs is only the second time that behavior has been filmed.