Hike the Marten Trail, along one of the world’s largest freshwater estuaries
Stroll Waabizheshikana—the Marten Trail in Duluth—where vibrant wildflowers meet cultural history and environmental restoration along a Lake Superior estuary.
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Enjoy a splendid summer day hiking, swimming, and paddling Flathorn Lake
“If you hike the trail out and back, as we did, the hike will be approximately three miles and take one to two hours… After our hike, it was time for the real reason we drove four hours north—to swim in a crisp, clean, north country lake.”
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.
Project 2025: Conservative proposal may overturn Boundary Waters mining ban
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.
Lutsen Mountains pauses expansion plans to confer with tribes
Company calls off plans to expand on public land so it can consult on treaty rights.
The Ely Winter Festival: winter magic at the edge of the BWCA
Discover the magic of winter at the edge of the Boundary Waters. The Ely Winter Festival is in full swing with snow sculptures, arts and activities set against an unforgettable northwoods landscape.
Isle Royale National Park launches wilderness planning process with request for public input
Proposal includes possibility of new campground, reduced group sizes, backcountry campsite reservations, public use in winter, and more.
Photo Essay: Nature’s Engineers
The distinct slap of a tail lets me know I am in special area. Beavers are here, which is an indication of newly formed wildlife habitat and changes in the landscape …
Unique North Shore wetland to preserve rare plants with public access
Rare wetland next to Lake Superior will be protected as new Scientific and Natural Area.
Brook trout found in Dunka River could be threatened by mining pollution
State assessment finds a coldwater stream with wild fish thriving — in the shadow of major mines.
Federal government will review mining exploration’s impacts on endangered species
Agency agrees to consider how copper prospecting near Boundary Waters could affect lynx and bats.
Sigurd Olson’s writing shack designated a historic site of national significance
His collection of rocks, duck decoys, snippets of writing, books, maps, personal photos, even his typewriter is still there. Its where he wrote most of his famous works about the Boundary Waters…
Clean Water Act rollback could make it difficult to protect BWCAW water from mining pollution
Proposal from federal government could block MN from protecting lakes and rivers in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Den boxes could help falling numbers of fishers in Minnesota’s north woods
Researchers are deploying dozens of artificial tree cavities across the region, hoping the secretive predators will find a suitable substitute for reduced natural habitat next spring.
Superior National Forest proposes new planning process for forest management
Long-term planning will allow more flexibility to adapt to rapidly-changing conditions across the Tofte Ranger District.
Court puts PolyMet mine on pause while investigating new information
Minnesota Court of Appeals orders halt on project after new questions arise about permits, risks, and responsibilities.
“The BWCA is at stake” says former supervisor of Superior National Forest
“We must stop the political do-over on the Twin Metals mine. Experience shows that pollution is probable. It may be catastrophic.”
Voyageurs National Park undertakes study of invasive cattails
Imagine boating in Voyageurs National Park and seeing what appears to be an island on the move. It is over six acres in size, composed primarily of cattails and pockmarked by shrubs and small trees. Unanchored, this vegetative mass moves freely—a navigational hazard, a danger to docks and property, and spreading invasive species.
Climate Change in the Northwoods Part III: What People Are Doing
In the last two issues of Wilderness News, we’ve taken a look at climate change in the northwoods. In this final installment, we look at some of the things people are doing to cope with and address climate change. In the Quetico-Superior Region, climate change is not something looming on the horizon.