Voyageurs National Park encompasses 200,000 acres, including 4 massive border lakes just west of the BWCAW along the Minnesota-Canada border
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Bob DeGross retires as Voyageurs National Park Superintendent
After more than three decades of service, Superintendent Bob DeGross retired from Voyageurs National Park. He joined Minnesota’s only national park in 2016, inspired by early conservationists Sigurd Olson and Aldo Leopold. As he steps into retirement, he reflects on the challenges facing the National Park Service and emphasizes the vital role the park plays for both visitors and surrounding communities.
Legislation fast-tracks mining leases near BWCAW
The House Natural Resources Committee passed legislation seeking to reverse the ban on mineral leases for copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Mining interests praise the bill as a step toward restoring domestic production. Environmentalists, however, warn that a mine near the wilderness will inevitably pollute the watershed. The House of Representatives will now review the bill for consideration and hold a vote on it.
Dark Sky Week emphasizes more stars, less light pollution
Experience Minnesota’s dark skies during International Dark Sky Week, April 21-28. Minnesota is home to two certified dark-sky sanctuaries – the BWCAW and Voyageurs National Park.
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.
Voyageurs National Park celebrates 50 years
Voyageurs National Park is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Minnesota’s only national park was established in 1975. It’s a water-dominated landscape that borders the northern part of the state and Canada. People have traveled through and lived within the region for thousands of years. The park will celebrate its history, people, and landscape throughout the year and open a new visitor center this summer.
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.
All-women expedition from Lake Superior to Hudson Bay
A four-person paddling crew will tackle 1,200 miles of historic routes between Minnesota and Canada. Their journey will take them from Grand Portage on Lake Superior to York Factory on Hudson Bay this summer and is expected to take 85 days. Through their journey, they aim to inspire young women and girls while advocating for gender equality in paddlesports.
Increased owl sightings draw birdwatchers to northern Minnesota
Northern Minnesota is experiencing an influx of owls this winter due to an “irruption,” a phenomenon where food availability in their usual habitat declines. This forces them to expand their range. Environmental factors, such as deep snow or limited cover, can also play a role. We’ve listed some of the top locations for spotting these quiet raptors.
Twin Metals Minnesota appeals sulfide mining leases in court
Multiple environmental groups traveled to Washington D.C., recently for the latest appeal by Twin Metals Minnesota. The Chilean-owned mining company has been seeking to reinstate two mineral leases near the BWCAW and other critical watersheds. The company appealed to a panel of judges, aiming to reinstate two preferential rights applications that would allow the company to build a mine south of Ely.
Voyageurs National Park expands to protect habitat
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.