“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.”
Wilderness Voices
Wilderness Voices: John Ratzloff
Photographer reveals the role of people in wilderness, from cliff-rimmed lakes in Quetico to ancient trees in the Boundary Waters…
Book Review: Hush Hush, Forest
Minnesota author and printmaker create a children’s book with the northern forest as backdrop. Seriously beautiful, reflecting their deep connection to the northwoods and inspiring …
Book Review: Iron and Water
Grant Merritt’s memoir tracks his life working to protect the lakes and land of Minnesota, describes the lows and highs of his many battles, recalls a pivotal period in Minnesota history, and reminds us why we must continue to fight to protect nature.
Painter captures forest regeneration after the Ham Lake Fire
“Painting that blackened landscape really taught me how to find beauty in an otherwise not so beautiful environment. The shiny silver patterns on a charred tree or stump against a green back ground were fascinating to me….”
Ely business-owners advocate for Boundary Waters during White House event
Wintergreen Northern Wear was invited to a “Made in America” showcase hosted by the Trump administration.
Honoring Veterans with a Boundary Waters wilderness experience
In July, five veterans of our US armed forces gathered to celebrate Independence Day in the BWCAW. The group had never met and most had never paddled before, but they were all ready to leave civilization behind to enjoy peace and serenity, and hopefully some good fishing.
A new generation continues the tradition of Boundary Waters outfitting
Across canoe country, the next generation is taking over outfitting businesses or starting new ones. These outfitters offer a fresh take on what it means to introduce people to the wilderness today.
Wilderness Voices: Layne Kennedy
“There are many reasons why this pristine wilderness along the shared border of Minnesota/Ontario is important. A close encounter with nature can turn into a tremendous learning experience. The fair price for wilderness travel is awareness…”
Sharing the wilderness with women—of any age
“There is a measurable amount of growth with every trip and every person I take out… And it really is empowering, especially for mature women who think that, physically, they aren’t capable anymore,” wilderness guide Peta Barrett says.
Teen heading to the “greatest place on earth” after winning Boundary Waters essay contest
This week, Ely Outfitting Company announced the winner of its first annual Boundary Waters Teen Essay Contest. Julia Ruelle, the 16-year-old winner, was one of more than 70 entries. Her prize? She and up to three teenage friends will go on a fully outfitted, self-guided trip—five days in the wilderness without parents and without a guide.
Meet Amy Freeman, Wilderness Guide
One winter day in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, an otter ran across the path of a dogsled team on Basswood Lake. Excited, the dogs picked up the pace, then Amy saw something else out on the ice: wolves…
Paddle to D.C. Ely Adventurers’ Latest Expedition Carries Concerns About Mining
This epic expedition was inspired by what the Freemans see as an existential threat to a national treasure: mining. “The Boundary Waters is our nation’s most popular wilderness area, it receives a quarter million visitors per year. Every year I guide people in the Boundary Waters from Texas and California and all across the country. We need to make sure people all across the country understand how special the Boundary Waters is and understand the threats it faces.
Paddling on Route 66
by Larry Christianson Paddling season arrived for me with great personal meaning as this is the time where I planned to catch up to my age in the sense of arriving …
Quetico Superior Foundation Board Member Profile: Dodd Cosgrove
Board member since… “It has been long enough that I have lost track. I would guess at least twenty years.” Please tell us what your involvement with the Quetico Superior …
Fostering Growth and Sparking Curiosity in Youth
By Adam Maxwell During the summer of 2013, I spent my time leading wilderness trips for Camp Lincoln in Brainerd, Minnesota. Camp Lincoln is one of the oldest traditional summer camps …
Celebrating 50 Years of the Wilderness Act
In the half century since the Boundary Waters was created, people have changed more than the wilderness itself.
Meet Board Member Nell Smith
Board member since 2007 Please tell us what your involvement with the Quetico Superior Foundation means to you: Taking care of our environment is critical to our and our children’s future. …
Meet Jake Ritchie
Quetico Superior Foundation Board member since 2011 Please tell us what your involvement with the Quetico Superior Foundation means to you. It is a privilege to work with a passionate group …
Reflecting on the Wilderness Act
By Alissa Johnson When I was a kid, paddling the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness with my family, I didn’t realize that the final word in its name had only been …