A few weeks after Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order halting nonferrous mineral leases near watersheds connected to the BWCAW, the Minnesota DNR issued a public notice canceling a Twin Metals mineral lease.
On the same day Gov. Walz signed an executive order intended to block copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced it would move to rescind the federal rule that has kept new roads and timber harvest out of the Superior National Forest’s remaining roadless country since 2001.
In a narrow 50-49 vote, the U.S. Senate passed H.J. Res. 140, effectively overturning a 20-year moratorium on mineral leasing in the Superior National Forest. The move clears a major federal hurdle for the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine.
Most people think of Quetico as a paddler’s paradise with over 1 million acres to explore. But the land has played an important role in the lives of the Anishinabeg people for thousands of years, as they lived, hunted, and travelled in the region, and continue to do so.
The Trump administration and Rep. Pete Stauber are using the Congressional Review Act in an unprecedented effort to undo a 20-year mineral leasing withdrawal in the Superior National Forest. Critics warn the move sets a dangerous precedent and threatens the Boundary Waters watershed.
Cinematographer Alex Horner captures the wild beauty of watersheds near the proposed Twin Metals mine, just south of the Boundary Waters. His short films document what could be lost if copper-nickel mining reshapes one of Minnesota’s most pristine regions.
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.