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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Senate votes to overturn mining ban near Boundary Waters—what happens next?
In a narrow 50-49 vote, the U.S. Senate passed H.J. Res. 140, effectively overturning a 20-year moratorium on mineral leasing in the Superior National Forest. The move clears a major federal hurdle for the proposed Twin Metals copper-nickel mine.
Dark Sky Week emphasizes more stars, less light pollution
Experience Minnesota’s dark skies during International Dark Sky Week, April 13-20. Minnesota is home to two certified dark-sky sanctuaries – the BWCAW and Voyageurs National Park.
When will ice be gone from northern Minnesota lakes? Updated tracker helps visitors plan
When the ice will be out on Boundary Waters lakes? Using scientific and historical data, an online thaw tracker provided by the Minnesota Sea Grant helps estimate when ice will disappear from Minnesota lakes.
A rare glimpse: Lynx kittens caught on camera in Voyageurs National Park
For decades, wildlife biologists assumed that because the snowshoe hare population was down in Voyageurs National Park, it was unlikely any lynx were reproducing in the area, until now. In trail cam footage, researchers spotted two lynx kittens being trailed by their mother. This sighting is encouraging as it means that the rarely seen animals are finding prey in the southernmost areas of their range.
New technology may fight sulfate pollution near BWCAW
Near Birch Lake Reservoir, Jeff Hanson’s mobile lab is testing a potentially proven, cost-effective method to remove sulfate from watersheds flowing into the Boundary Waters. This pollution, a byproduct of taconite mining, harms humans and contributes to toxic mercury levels in fish.
Mining activities increase mercury levels in Minnesota game fish, researchers say
The Northern Lakes Scientific Advisory Panel reports that walleye in Crane Lake, gateway to Voyageurs National Park, contain four times more mercury than those in nearby unimpaired lakes. Upstream sulfate pollution from taconite mines may be to blame.
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.
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.
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.