U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins recently announced plans to withdraw the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which protects 59 million acres of National Forest from new roads and timber harvests. In Minnesota, many of these areas border the BWCA. If implemented, the change could significantly affect how parts of the National Forest are managed.
Near Birch Lake Reservoir, Jeff Hanson’s mobile lab is testing a potentially proven, cost-effective method to remove sulfate from watersheds flowing into the Boundary Waters. This pollution, a byproduct of taconite mining, harms humans and contributes to toxic mercury levels in fish.
Legislation introduced in Congress would reinstate Twin Metals Minnesota’s federal mineral leases and reverse the 20-year mining moratorium near the BWCAW.
June 11 Update: In a win for wilderness and conservation efforts, Congress is set to remove Section 80131 from the draft budget bill. This section would have directed officials to move forward with reinstating copper-nickel mining leases near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
President Trump recently signed an executive order aimed at increasing mineral production within the United States, focusing on minerals such as copper-nickel. Though the order does not specifically target regions, it could impact areas near the BWCAW, potentially challenging land protections established by the previous administration.
For Women’s History Month, we’re spotlighting women conservationists and environmental stewards who have contributed to preserving forests, wilderness areas, and cultural history in Northern Minnesota. Their efforts and activism helped shape the modern conservation movement and led the way for sustainable practices.
A four-person paddling crew will tackle 1,200 miles of historic routes between Minnesota and Canada. Their journey will take them from Grand Portage on Lake Superior to York Factory on Hudson Bay this summer and is expected to take 85 days. Through their journey, they aim to inspire young women and girls while advocating for gender equality in paddlesports.
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has approximately 1,500 portage trails across the landscape. Some of these trails use mechanized transport, including rails and trolleys, to help users move heavy gear and fishing boats between lakes. These mechanical workhorses have a long history, dating back to the days of logging and early resort development.
Two bills have been reintroduced to the legislature to address wilderness protection and mining practices near the BWCAW. Supporters of mining highlight its positive impact on local revenue and economic growth. However, opponents continue to advocate for protecting the wilderness and surrounding areas, noting that they contain some of the cleanest waters on Earth.
The Superior Resource Advisory Committee is looking for members who will help guide the Forest Service on upcoming projects. Most projects focus on restoring and managing federal lands with a focus on benefit to surrounding communities.
The USFS–Superior National Forest recently released their visitor use report. While numbers have returned to pre-Covid levels, cancellations continue to rise. Federal officials and local outfitters consider the possible reasons behind this trend.
As the election approaches, we look to key politicians’ historical positions on mining and conservation, impacting places like the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Environmental groups urge voters to support lawmakers who advocate for continued protection.
Project 2025, founded by a coalition of conservative organizations, urges the next Republican administration to overturn the 20-year ban on new mineral leasing near the BWCAW. Environmental advocates raise concerns about the risk of pollution and wilderness protection.
Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness recently purchased 361 acres of land along the South Kawishiwi River. This scenic river borders the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and is considered one of America’s most endangered rivers.
The historic storm that wiped out huge swaths of forest and injured visitors left a long-lasting mark on the wilderness.
Last week, Representative Pete Stauber attached five amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act. These aim to overturn the 20-year mining ban near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). While four of those amendments were defeated, one remains under review.
A bill that could reverse the 20-year ban on mining leases near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) passed the U.S. House. It will soon move on to the Senate. Environmental advocates express concern over the reversal of mining leases that could impact watersheds in the region.
The administration recently announced a goal to protect 30 percent of lands and waters throughout the United States by 2030. This includes protection from mining impacts near wilderness areas such as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA).
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 management plans for all National Forests in the US seek to ensure mature and old-growth forests are maintained and even expanded.