Silver Rapids Lodge owners have canceled their plans to expand the resort near the BWCAW. As a result, they “surrendered” their permit that the Lake County Planning Commission had approved this fall. The Minnesota DNR and citizen groups had filed lawsuits against the commission, citing multiple concerns about the proposed expansion near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The DNR would like the case to move forward.
State agencies continue to stock rainbow trout in retired mine pits in northern Minnesota, enhancing local fisheries and tourism. In the spring and fall of 2024, the Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation (IRRR) stocked area lakes with roughly 2,800 pounds of fish.
New kiosks are appearing in ranger stations, state parks, and local businesses along Minnesota’s North Shore, making it easier for visitors to connect with the region’s cultural, natural, and environmental history.
The Minnesota DNR and citizen groups have filed separate lawsuits against the Lake County Planning Commission, raising concerns about expanding Silver Rapids Resort near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
A private land acquisition has expanded Voyageurs National Park by 51 acres. The National Park Service and Voyageurs Conservancy partnered with the Ramsey family over the past year to secure permanent protection for the property. Located on an island in Rainy Lake, the park service sees this as a significant milestone in its ongoing mission to protect natural habitats and parklands for outdoor enjoyment.
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.
Portage trails within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) are minimally maintained in keeping with the wilderness ethic. However, the USFS – Superior National Forest performs annual maintenance. This year’s heavy rains washed out parts of the portage trails and obliterated sections of roads leading to canoe entry points…
Over the past year, state, federal, and environmental groups have partnered to plant millions of trees in northern Minnesota. The Nature Conservancy reports that the state’s forests have decreased from 31.5 million acres to 18 million acres since the 1800s. They aim to reverse this trend by boosting forest resiliency and diversity while adapting to long-term climate change.
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.
The Ely Economic Development Authority is constructing a new trailhead complex just west of Ely, Minnesota. The facility will serve as a trailhead hub for the Taconite Snowmobile Trail, Prospectors Loop ATV Trail, Mesabi Trail, and eventually, the North Country Scenic Trail.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Boundary Waters Heritage Trails is a new non-profit with the expressed interest in promoting and preserving historic trails within the BWCAW.
Each year the Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness receives thousands of submissions…
Program based near Ely has helped young people explore and experience canoe country since 1923.
Boundary Waters canoe trips can be life-changing, and foster lifelong conservation ethics, but out of reach for many young people.
State funds effort to acquire lands and turn them over to county for management and public access.
Winners of annual photo contest show the wide array of wonders to be found at the northern Minnesota park.