Wilderness News Online

Minnesota DNR Looking for Loon Counters

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is looking for volunteers to count loons on lakes in Cook and Lake county. The one-day count by volunteers is part of the Minnesota Loon Monitoring Survey, now in its 15th year.

Sentence Upheld in BWCA Incident

A three-year prison sentence for Boundary Waters terrorizer Jay Andrew Olson was upheld by the Minnesota Court of Appeals this week. Olson was one of six men convicted of participating in a drunken shooting spree that frightened campers on Basswood Lake in the BWCA in August of 2007.

Namakan Sturgeon Study Enters Third Year

A study examining the health of the Namakan Reservoir's sturgeon population has entered its third year. The study, which could have an impact on proposed hydroelectric projects on Ontario's Namakan River, seeks to establish baseline information on health of the species of "special concern" in both Minnesota and Ontario.

State Wolf Population Declassified

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has assumed management responsibilities for the state's gray wolf population following the delisting of the wolf as a threatened species.

Loaded Guns to be Allowed in National Parks

A new bill will allow park visitors to carry loaded rifles, shotguns, and semi-automatic weapons in National Parks, including Voyageurs National Park in International Falls.

UMD Study Confirms Economic Impact of Mining in Minnesota

A recently released study of mining in Minnesota finds that its economic impact in the state is significant, tied to 34% of gross regional product and poised to grow.

Voyageurs National Park Association to Oppose Namakan River Dam

Voyageurs National Park Association is taking the lead in a cross-border effort to oppose a dam proposed by the Ojibway Power and Energy Group at High Falls on the Namakan River.

Spring Issue of Wilderness News

The Spring 2009 issue of Wilderness News, the sister publication of Wilderness News Online is available now. Read highlights and download your copy today.

Still Hope for State Park on Lake Vermilion?

A proposal to develop a new state park on property currently owned by U.S. Steel lost steam recently when the company and the State of Minnesota disagreed on the value of the land in question. Might a closer look at the numbers put the park back on track?

Gunflint Green Up Sprouts New Life In Forest – And Community

Hundreds of people descended upon the Gunflint Trail outside of Grand Marais last weekend to plant thousands of pine seedlings and green up the fire impacted forest. Wilderness News Online caught up with Quetico Superior Foundation board member and Gunflint Trail property owner Dyke Williams, who had the opportunity to join the annual event. Read our Q&A.