Officials lay more groundwork to reinstate mineral leases near BWCAW despite opposition
Legislation introduced in Congress would reinstate Twin Metals Minnesota’s federal mineral leases and reverse the 20-year mining moratorium near the BWCAW.
Superior National Forest
No permit required: Superior National Forest’s 13 hidden canoe routes
The BWCAW isn’t the only place for unforgettable canoe-camping adventures. We’ve selected thirteen routes in the Superior National Forest, outside the designated wilderness. These routes offer excellent paddling without the need for a permit. We include maps and key details to help you plan your trip.
Public weighs in at Forest Service open house on BWCAW fee increase
The USFS has proposed increasing BWCAW recreation fees. Members of the public weighed in at an open house at the Kawishiwi Ranger Station.
Collective focuses on long-term climate resilience for northern Minnesota communities
Local communities, Tribal Nations, state agencies, and multiple organizations have launched a partnership to develop a regional climate response plan in northern Minnesota. With a focus on climate issues, the newly formed Northland Climate Resilience Collective was funded through a grant from NOAA.
5 fun ways to entertain your family on your Northeast Minnesota camping trip
Dreaming of a family camping trip but want to ensure it’s fun for everyone? Check out these tips to make your next trip your best trip.
3 must-see beaches on Minnesota’s North Shore
There are no shortage of epic beaches and overlooks along Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior. Here are three that should not be missed.
Help count loons in Minnesota this summer
Volunteers are needed to count loons this summer. The Minnesota DNR is seeking people to observe and count the state bird between July 4-14 for their monitoring project. The information gathered will help protect and support the continued health of the birds. Current populations hover around 12,000, more than any other state besides Alaska.
Legislation fast-tracks mining leases near 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.
Closure order issued near the Horse River in the BWCAW
A lightning strike sparked a wildfire near the Horse River in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This comes after an active wildfire season has scorched nearly 30,000 acres in the Superior National Forest this year. The Forest Service has issued a closure order for the route along the Dog Sled Portage and has encouraged visitors to avoid the area.
Wildfires burn in the southern part of the Superior National Forest
Crews are battling three wildfires in St. Louis County, Minnesota. The fires, which are burning in a mixed forest, are partially contained. Ground and air support, along with suppression efforts, will continue in the Superior National Forest until further notice. We will continue to share updates.
Why you should plan a camping trip to Lake Jeanette this summer
Just 40 miles from Ely, Lake Jeanette offers opportunities for secluded camping, swimming, paddling, and fishing. The Astrid Trail is accessed from the campground, with more than seven miles of hiking and connects four smaller but equally gorgeous lakes.
Two magical forest hikes you’ve never heard of – Pine Ridges and Ancient Cedars Trails
Explore two stunning trails on the western end of Minnesota’s arrowhead region, first the two-mile Pine Ridges Trail in Tower, MN. Then a hike amongst towering cedars, which date to the 1800s and were spared from logging.
Trump administration prioritizes NorthMet mine in Northern Minnesota
President Trump recently signed an executive order directing federal agencies to accelerate domestic mineral production in northern MN, including the proposed NorthMet mine. Advocacy groups criticize the effort, saying the current administration is ignoring science.
Conservancy aims to obtain 12,000 acres north of Two Harbors
The Nature Conservancy is actively working to acquire 12,350 acres north of Two Harbors. It would be their largest land acquisition in over 20 years. This property lies near the Sand Lake/Seven Beavers Preserve and just north of the Finland State Forest. If it moves forward, it will connect with neighboring preserves, expanding a continuous ecosystem of protected forest and wetlands.
Prescribed burns begin in Superior National Forest
The Superior National Forest (SNF) will conduct multiple prescribed burns across the forest over the next month. They play a key role in supporting a healthy ecosystem by reducing overgrown vegetation while helping to protect nearby communities from wildfires.
Historic Boundary Waters legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate
Earlier this week, Minnesota Senator Tina Smith introduced the Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection Act, a bill that would permanently safeguard the BWCAW. If passed, it would mark a major victory for those fighting to block sulfide-ore copper mining near the wilderness in northern Minnesota.
Trump’s executive order could impact copper-nickel mining plans near BWCA
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.
Paddling and camping the Timber-Frear canoe route
The Timber-Frear is located about 15 miles northwest of Tofte in Superior National Forest. If you make the trek, consider extending your trip to explore additional camping, hiking, paddling, and fishing opportunities in the area. The route is about 10 miles long and can be explored as a day trip.
Women who shaped Minnesota’s early conservation movement
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.
Chief Randy Moore retires as jobs are cut within the Superior National Forest
Chief Randy Moore, who announced his retirement as head of the U.S. Forest Service yesterday, previously worked on the Land and Resource Management Plan for the Superior National Forest. He is stepping down at a time when the agency faces significant budget reductions and job cuts.