Bill targets gray wolf endangered status
Lawmakers passed a bill titled “Trust the Science Act” which would delist gray wolves from the endangered species list. If the bill passes into law, management would shift from federal to state governance.
Parks & Regions
Everything you need to know about the new BWCA food storage order
The USFS has updated the regulations concerning food storage in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Hanging items in a tree or using approved bear-resistant containers has been a part of the regulations and rules, and now violations can bring penalties. Learn how to hang a food pack from a tree and travel safely through bear habitat.
Nan Onkka: inspired by Lake Superior and the Boundary Waters
Grand Marais printmaker Nan Onkka finds inspiration in the northwoods: “The beauty, the rawness, the timelessness of the wilderness is so totally different from agricultural landscapes or urban recreational areas. I think everyone deserves the chance to experience that, and I hope that we are able to continue to protect the waters and the woods of these wild places.”
U.S. House backs Rep. Stauber’s effort to reverse 20-year mining ban
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.
Tracking the Lynx: plan outlines habitat protection and monitoring for breeding populations
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently implemented a Draft Recovery Plan to strengthen habitat protection and support breeding populations of the Canada lynx. In Superior National Forest, the population has maintained healthy numbers for the past decade; however, it could change.
Future-proofing Minnesota’s forests: moving trees north in a warming climate
“Forests die fast and grow slowly,” says Lee Frelich, a forest ecologist with the University of Minnesota. In response to warming conditions, researchers in northern MN are planting trees normally suited for southern regions of the state. The USFS initiated an assisted migration plan to ensure the future of healthy forests.
After the Greenwood Fire: reseeding the forest
This spring, the USFS conducted aerial reseeding over hundreds of acres as part of ongoing efforts to restore a previously pristine area. The Greenwood Fire burned over 26,000 acres in the Superior National Forest (SNF) and earned the title of the most extreme wildfire event of 2021.
Tread lightly: reducing impact from hiking, biking, road and trail use
Spring thaw means roads and trails in northern MN may be muddy and more vulnerable to erosion. Visitors can follow Tread Lightly principles now and throughout the season while enjoying the outdoors.
Biden administration builds on historic efforts toward clean water
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).
Decarbonize the parks: National Parks on Lake Superior move towards net-zero emissions
National parks around Lake Superior have executed long-term, sustainable options against carbon emissions. Recently, the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (NPLSF), in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) took bold steps against climate issues. Grand Portage National Monument and Isle Royale National Park are two of the locations implementing changes.
How is the international border marked in the BWCA?
Along the northern edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) lies an invisible line. The international border stretches over 150 miles of water trail, following the shorelines of Quetico Provincial Park to the north and the BWCA to the south. Careful observers may notice the subtle demarcation of the international boundary as they paddle by. Short metal reference markers are punched firmly into hard granite rock.
Haven for birds and birders: Superior National Forest an Important Bird Area
Springtime marks the return of migratory birds to northern Minnesota. In 2003, the Superior National Forest was listed under the National Audubon Society’s Important Bird Area Program. Encompassing 3,900,000 acres, the forest shelters the largest number of nesting birds of any national forest.
New Voyageurs education program reaches students of all ages far beyond park borders
Its a new era at Voyageurs National Park – reaching students of all ages with mobile classroom, virtual sessions, teen ambassadors. Young people can learn about the park from near and far, and throughout their educational careers.
Minnesota DNR survey indicates stable moose population
Minnesota’s moose population continues to be stable, according to a recent survey. Learn more about the findings from the MNDNR report and the ongoing conservation efforts in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
Advocates aim to save historic BWCA hiking trails
Boundary Waters Heritage Trails is a new non-profit with the expressed interest in promoting and preserving historic trails within the BWCAW.
Minnesota’s dry winter sparks concerns for spring wildfires
Wildfire is a normal part of healthy ecosystems in the Superior National Forest. However, USFS personnel are warning that this spring could see a higher incidence of wildfires due to low snow cover and precipitation. As a result, they encourage those who live and recreate in the Quetico Superior region to be watchful.
Mining interest set to launch drill program within the Duluth Complex
Green Bridge Metals and Encampment Minerals are set to launch drilling exploration for copper-nickel and other metals near Lake Superior. Healthcare providers communicate concerns over the long-term impact of sulfide mining near the BWCA.
The most unique hike in Duluth that you’ve probably never heard of
Beaches, lighthouses, sand dunes, rare plants, and an old-growth forest make Minnesota Point Pine Forest SNA one of the state’s most unique hikes.
Book Review: Gunflint Falling by Cary J. Griffith
On July 4, 1999, the sky fell. Or so it seemed. On that day the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness was hit by a historic storm unlike anyone had ever seen.
New podcasts highlight northern Minnesota
Two new podcasts explore hot topics from Superior National Forest, the Boundary Waters and Quetico. In-depth interviews and key experts talk about everything from the challenges of wind and wilderness tripping, to this year’s ‘go-live’ day for BWCA permits.