Baby dragonflies serve as sentinels for toxins in National Park waters
Citizens and scientists work together to collect larvae and measure mercury levels.
Parks & Regions
Boundary Waters bear troubles lead to campsite closures, calls for camper caution
Rangers report negative encounters between wilderness visitors and offer advice to prevent problems.
New video encourages low-impact camping in Voyageurs National Park
Watch the new production that seeks to inspire responsible recreation at boat-in campsites.
More visitors to Boundary Waters are breaking rules, damaging wilderness with trash, chemicals, cutting
Forest Service says many first-time visitors aren’t receiving Leave No Trace education, compounding problems caused by busy season.
Scientist to study effect of invasive species and climate change on fish growth in Quetico lakes
Canadian researcher seeks to improve understanding of how spiny water flea and global warming are affecting walleye and cisco.
Voyageurs National Park releases environmental analysis of Kettle Falls redevelopment proposal
The public is invited to submit comments on the environmental impacts of updates and upgrades to historic part of the park.
Small human-caused wildfire contained on Crooked Lake in Boundary Waters
Forest Service urges campfire caution as it fights another forest blaze ignited by Boundary Waters wilderness visitors.
Boundary Waters outfitters report high demand, take precautions to protect health
Many people are interested in visiting the wilderness area this summer, and local businesses are trying to meet their needs while staying safe.
Resources ready to help novices have a successful first trip to the Boundary Waters
A new guide helps visitors enjoy the BWCAW this summer with helpful information for any level of canoe camping experience.
Busy weekend in the Boundary Waters could also be dangerously dry
Wilderness permits are nearly sold out as the paddling season gets underway with high risk of wildfires.
Northeastern Minnesota environmental projects in jeopardy as state senate refuses to spend lottery funds
Republicans refuse to approve funds dedicated to science and conservation in a dispute over budget.
New lawsuit challenges how Twin Metals mineral leases were renewed without review
Numerous groups argue that federal government failed to follow law when issuing controversial leases to search for minerals on public land.
Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National Park closed to overnight visitors until May 17
Recreation areas allow local residents to take day trips, but camping is prohibited to prevent spread of coronavirus.
Poem: Rocky Shores
What Wilderness Means to Me Series Submission: “Rocky shores, lakes, rivers, and waterfalls, full moon paddles and islands alone, Boundary Waters you are my throne. Great wilderness of untold stories, nature is proof of your glory…”
Quetico Provincial Park closed until May 31
Ontario closes popular canoe park across from the Boundary Waters to prevent unnecessary travel and spread of coronavirus.
Boundary Waters closed for all until May 4
Permit quota season will be delayed due to statewide stay-at-home order during pandemic. The Superior National Forest announced today that the BWCAW is closed…
Feeling separated from canoe country? Ways to connect with wilderness from a safe distance.
Stay-at-home orders and social distancing recommendations mean that most of us can’t head ‘up north’ right now, and uncertainty hovers over the next few months. How do we stay connected ‘virtually’ to the places we love?
The Wilderness of Voyageurs and What it Means to Me
“When despair for the world grows in me and I wake in the night at the least sound in fear of what my life and my children’s lives may be, I go and lie down where the wood drake rests in his beauty on the water, and the great heron feeds…”
Coronavirus in canoe country: pandemic precautions affect public lands
While local residents follow social distancing outdoors in the wilderness, the public is asked to not travel to the Quetico-Superior region, as facilities close due to infection prevention measures.
Federal court upholds Twin Metals mineral leases
Major blow to wilderness protection comes as judge rules in favor of reversal, restoring leases to company seeking to mine at edge of Boundary Waters.