Wilderness Protection

Legislation fast-tracks mining leases near BWCAW

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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.

Trump’s executive order could impact copper-nickel mining plans near BWCA

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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.

Women who shaped Minnesota’s early conservation movement

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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.

All-women expedition from Lake Superior to Hudson Bay

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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.

Behind the mechanical portages of the BWCAW

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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.

Reintroduced bills leave BWCAW protection in the balance

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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.

Paddling BWCAW Tin Can Mike Lake

Where do they stand on protecting the BWCA?

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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.

Map of land protected near BWCA from mining interests

Advocacy group purchases land near the BWCAW

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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.

Proposed amendments aim to overturn the 20-year mining ban

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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.

Legislators seek to ban risky mining practices in BWCA wilderness watershed

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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.