Moose have long inhabited Isle Royale, the largest island in Lake Superior. To better understand their life cycle and population, a group of researchers and volunteers will make observations and study their bones next summer. Moose are the island’s largest mammal, and their presence is an indicator of a healthy ecosystem.
Chilean company Franconia Minerals, a subsidiary of Twin Metals, recently submitted a proposal to the Minnesota DNR to begin exploratory drilling for metallic minerals near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Environmentalists and other groups oppose the plan. They argue it is an early step toward mining that would cause pollution and damage wilderness areas.
Cinematographer Alex Horner captures the wild beauty of watersheds near the proposed Twin Metals mine, just south of the Boundary Waters. His short films document what could be lost if copper-nickel mining reshapes one of Minnesota’s most pristine regions.
Hike to scenic vistas with fabulous foraging. Known as the Cove Point Loop, this six-mile lollipop loop section was built in 1996. While the trail begins across Highway 61 from the lodge, there’s no public parking on-site. Cove Point Lodge guests can walk across Highway 61 to access the trail. If you’re not staying at the lodge, consider these two alternative routes…
A new bill could permanently alter how the Boundary Waters’ border with Canada is patrolled. Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah recently introduced the Border Lands Conservation Act, which would allow the federal government to expand border patrol operations using tactical infrastructure and surveillance systems.
We recently contacted Canadian authorities for an update on the Remote Area Border Crossing Permit Program, which is still on pause. This impacts visitors traveling between the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Quetico Provincial Park.
Plastics continue to impact Minnesota lakes, including those in the Superior National Forest. Environment Minnesota recently surveyed lakes and found microplastics stemming from four different sources in all the locations they sampled. To combat the issue, the organization has developed a blueprint for state, federal, and community leaders.
Throughout the Superior National Forest, small microhabitats harbor rare plants that usually grow in other climates. Many thrive in the narrow margins created by the cool, moist climate of Lake Superior and the surrounding boreal landscape. We highlight ten hidden gems that face threat from human activities and environmental changes.
In an important move, The Nature Conservancy has purchased more than 12,000 acres of dense forest and wetland north of Two Harbors, marking its largest land acquisition in over 25 years. Conservation efforts will focus on sustainable management that supports the health of forests, wildlife, and clean water.
Just north of Lower Basswood Falls in the BWCA, a striking set of pictographs appears on a granite wall, one of at least forty sites scattered across the wilderness. These culturally significant images connect deeply to the history of the Anishinaabe people, who regard this land as sacred.
A federal judge has ruled in favor of the U.S. Forest Service in a lawsuit over motorized towboat use in the Boundary Waters, bringing a resolution to the legal challenge filed …
Sometimes the best adventures aren’t planned months in advance. On a whim, we secured a Boundary Waters permit and found ourselves paddling through Minnesota’s cliff-lined lakes. From calm waters and rugged portages to surprise sunsets and rainstorms, this last-minute trip reminded us that every BWCA journey holds its own unforgettable magic.
Does the government shutdown have you worried about your travel plans? If you’re heading to Minnesota’s North Shore and Boundary Waters region, you’re right to wonder how it might affect your trip.
High above Duluth, thousands of raptors soar past Hawk Ridge each year during migration season. From bald eagles to kestrels, this world-class birding destination offers unforgettable views, expert-led programs, and hiking trails surrounded by fall color. Here’s how to plan your visit to Hawk Ridge Bird Observatory.
Scientists and environmentalists regard estuaries as some of the most biologically diverse yet endangered ecosystems on Earth. A new film, Estuaries in the Balance: Freshwater Nurseries of Lake Superior, highlights both the human impact and ongoing restoration of North America’s largest freshwater estuary.
Think it’s too late to plan a Boundary Waters trip? Think again. With the right maps, resources, and a little flexibility, you can plan an unforgettable last-minute BWCA adventure. From securing permits to packing smart, here’s how to make it happen.
The USFS–Superior National Forest began prescribed burns on 3,600 acres across the forest in mid-September. The agency will continue burning through early winter in areas identified as high wildfire risk or near communities. These efforts support a healthy ecosystem while reducing wildfire danger.
U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke L. Rollins recently announced plans to withdraw the 2001 Roadless Area Conservation Rule, which protects 59 million acres of National Forest from new roads and timber harvests. In Minnesota, many of these areas border the BWCA. If implemented, the change could significantly affect how parts of the National Forest are managed.
South of Duluth, volunteers launched canoes and cast 4,200 pounds of wild rice seeds across the St. Louis River Estuary. The seeds will settle, sprout in spring, and help restore a plant that once dominated these waters.
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.