2023 was highlighted by the Biden Administration's decision to withdraw sensitive BWCA federal lands from mineral leasing for 20 years. SFBW is incredibly thankful to all who helped secure this landmark decision!
Updates
Winner Announcement: Kaarin Birch Wins “Raffle For The Boundary Waters” & Custom Sanborn Canoe
Congratulations to Kaarin Birch as the lucky winner of the custom Sanborn, Trampled by Turtles, and SFBW canoe raffle!
The Sportsman’s Pack: A Minnesota Collaboration
The partnership brings together three iconic Minnesota-based entities to create a functional and reliable pack that caters to outdoor enthusiasts and music lovers alike. Combining Frost River's expertise in crafting rugged and durable outdoor gear, SFBW's commitment to conservation, and Trampled By Turtles' passion for the great outdoors, the Sportsman’s Pack is a testament to the shared love for nature and adventure.
Minnesota DNR’s decision puts spotlight on action for BWCA state legislation
A decision by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources adds uncertainty to regulators’ role in deciding the future of copper-nickel mining in the watershed of the Boundary Waters. Now, the state legislature has the power to change the underlying laws that protect the BWCA.
Release: Historic Protections Announced For The Boundary Waters
Department of the Interior orders 20-year mineral withdrawal in the Rainy River Watershed of Northeast Minnesota
It’s time to double down for the BWCA
As federal agencies complete another environmental review of proposed actions in the watershed of the BWCA, it's more important now than ever that supporters of the Boundary Waters let their members of Congress know: Now is the time to permanently protect America's most visited Wilderness.
Release: Boundary Waters Conservation Advanced by Administration Action
Hunters and anglers applauded a proposal Thursday from federal agencies that would protect the nation’s most visited wilderness, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in northeastern Minnesota. A long-awaited analysis from the U.S. Forest Service shows that copper-nickel mining poses a major risk to the BWCA, and the USFS draft environmental assessment proposes a 20-year ban on copper-nickel mining on federal lands in the watershed.
Federal Agencies Release Environmental Assessment of BWCA Watershed – Comment Period Announced
On June 23, 2022, federal agencies announced a 30-day public comment period for an Environmental Assessment (EA), or a proposed study on the impacts of withdrawing hardrock mining leases upstream of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. In the newly released study, federal agencies proposed a moratorium on the development of any mineral leases in approximately 225,504 acres of Superior National Forest lands within the watershed of the Boundary Waters for up to 20 years.
Review announced to determine if Minnesota’s nonferrous mining rules fail to protect the Boundary Waters
The review will allow Minnesotans to submit comments on whether or not the state's current mining rules are adequate for protecting the BWCA, its watershed, and the surrounding lands from potential pollution from proposed copper-nickel mining in the wilderness area.
Federal Agencies Take Action To Protect The BWCA
On Oct. 20, 2021, federal agencies committed to complete a study of potential impacts of sulfide-ore copper mining in the Boundary Waters Watershed and paused new mineral leasing in the area while science and public input is gathered.