Boundary Waters created out of conflict and compromise 40 years ago today
Watch an award-winning student film about how the BWCAW Act of 1978 came to pass, and learn more about the long road to wilderness protection.
Wilderness Protection
Boy Scouts and other Boundary Waters paddlers collect valuable information about wilderness water quality
Partnerships with state of Minnesota helps gather important information about the health of canoe country’s beloved clean lakes.
Wilderness rangers from Canada and U.S. collaborate to maintain portages on international border
Crews from Quetico and the Superior National Forest met up in August to work on maintaining portages along the border, share skills, and build relationships.
What is Wilderness? Examining tree rings, researchers reconsider the history of human influence in the Boundary Waters
“By examining annual growth rings in increment cores taken from tree trunks, we found that many pines at this site were more than 250 years old. Distinct injuries recorded within their rings denoted the passage of multiple low-severity surface fires that damaged but did not kill many of these trees…”
Trump administration re-opens Boundary Waters watershed to mining
Federal government decides to let mining companies acquire leases to explore and extract minerals…
Report: Boundary Waters has greater long-term economic potential than mining
Harvard economist issue report comparing twenty years of wilderness protection to permitting the Twin Metals mine over the same span.
Ely business-owners advocate for Boundary Waters during White House event
Wintergreen Northern Wear was invited to a “Made in America” showcase hosted by the Trump administration.
Filmmakers seek support to produce documentary about northern Minnesota mining conflict
‘7 Generations’ seeks to celebrate the Arrowhead’s natural wonders and call attention to the potential for water pollution from proposed copper mines.
Three lawsuits filed to defend rejection of mineral leases near the Boundary Waters
Boundary Waters businesses, environmental groups challenge the Trump administration’s effort to restore leases to Twin Metals which are critical for its mine proposal.
“Kids for the Boundary Waters” launched to amplify young wilderness advocates
New group will organize and support young people seeking to ensure sound stewardship of canoe country.
Businesses, sporting groups, and environmentalists call on federal officials to block mining near Boundary Waters
Letters to leaders of two government agencies seek completion of study of mining in the wilderness watershed before proposals move forward.
Federal government restores mineral leases in Boundary Waters watershed
Twin Metals is getting mineral leases back that it lost in 2016, as the Trump administration continues to reverse Obama-era decisions.
Freemans embark on bike ride to Washington, D.C. — with a canoe in tow
Married adventurers and advocates for mining protection are on their way to the capital to raise awareness of the Boundary Waters and its threats.
Threat of mining pollution puts Boundary Waters on annual list of threatened rivers
American Rivers has named the wilderness waters to its list for a second time in five years as critical decisions loom.
National Park Service proposes reintroducing wolves on Isle Royale
Managers respond to disappearance of wolves from the wild island in Lake Superior, letting moose population explode with
Listen: Interview with Gunflint District Ranger about ShokoShoe forest management project
Major new logging and burning project will seek to diversify forest habitats for moose and other wildlife.
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.
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.
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.