Save the Boundary Waters

savetheboundarywaters.orgPlanning a Winter Camping trip to the Boundary WatersIt’s the silent season in the Boundary Waters. Is it time for a winter camping adventure? We've got everything you need to get started on one of the most memorable adventures.

We know it’s not winter yet, but who’s ready to go winter camping in the Boundary Waters? Check out our handy winter camping guide. We cover it all… from routes, gear, navigation, safety tips, and more. Learn more: www.savetheboundarywaters.org/planning-win...

It's Save the Boundary Waters day! Thank you Governor Tim Walz. We are so grateful for your leadership! This moment belongs to all of us. Thank you all for being a part of this community and for helping make today possible.

Governor Tim Walz@governorwalz.mn.gov

It’s officially Save the Boundary Waters Day in Minnesota 🛶

Thank you @governorwalz.mn.gov!

Governor Tim Walz@governorwalz.mn.gov

I’m using my executive authority to ban nonferrous mining in the Boundary Waters. As far as my administration is concerned, the fight for the future of the Boundary Waters is over. The verdict is in. The decision is made. We will protect this place.

startribune.comLive: Gov. Walz signs executive order to prevent mining near the Boundary WatersThe move comes months after Congress voted to end a ban on mining in the area, reviving prospects for a controversial copper-nickel mine.

Gov. Walz issued executive order to prevent toxic mining near the BWCAW. This sweeping executive action implements critical MN state protections for the Boundary Waters and calls for the passage of legislation that would permanently protect the Wilderness. www.startribune.com/live-gov-wal...

mprnews.orgWalz executive order moves to block copper mining near the Boundary WatersFour months after Congress reversed a ban on mining over about 350 square miles in the watershed of the northeastern Minnesota wilderness, Gov. Tim Walz has issued a state executive order to block cop...

BREAKING: Governor Walz takes sweeping executive action to protect the Boundary Waters from toxic sulfide-ore copper mining. www.mprnews.org/story/2026/0...

BREAKING NEWS 🚨: Governor Walz issues Executive Order, taking a monumental step for Boundary Waters protections. Read more: www.savetheboundarywaters.org/action-center

startribune.comBurcum: The rank hypocrisy of Trump's visit to Roosevelt LibraryFrom columnist Jill Burcum: The hypocrisy of celebrating Roosevelt’s legacy so soon after dealing a serious blow to the natural treasure that is the Boundary Waters is hard to miss — and even harder t...

2 July

Read this great piece from the Minnesota Star Tribune on the contradiction between celebrating conservation icon Theodore Roosevelt while rolling back protections for places like the Boundary Waters. www.startribune.com/trump-admini...

vox.comThe “clean energy” mine that could put one of America’s most pristine wilderness areas at riskThe climate transition needs more mining. But does it need this mine?

12 June

A new Vox article explores the proposed Twin Metals mine in the headwaters of the Boundary Waters and what's at stake. Sulfide-ore copper mining has never operated without pollution, and the Wilderness is not the place to find out what happens when a copper mine fails. www.vox.com/climate/4916...

duluthnewstribune.comIn Response: Stop pollution, mining that degrade the Boundary WatersFrom the column: "Mining companies do a poor job of predicting how much pollution mines will generate."

5 June

"How is it that the Boundary Waters is polluted despite the law’s antidegradation standard? For one thing, mining companies do a poor job of predicting how much pollution mines will generate." Read our Executive Director's op-ed in @duluthnews.bsky.social: www.duluthnewstribune.com/opinion/colu...

12 May

Join us at the starting line of the Twin Cities Marathon or TC 10 Miler and make your miles matter! Run with Save the Boundary Waters to help protect America’s most-visited Wilderness while taking on an incredible challenge. Learn more here: www.savetheboundarywaters.org/tc-marathon

nytimes.comImmaculate Wilderness, Uncertain Future: Paddling the Boundary Waters

27 Apr

The New York Times published a vivid and timely feature this week by journalist Stephanie Pearson, who recounts her firsthand experience in the Wilderness, policy implications, and the role of the state of Minnesota in protecting the Boundary Waters. Read more: www.nytimes.com/2026/04/27/t...

timberjay.comCongressional make-believe - The Timberjay“Congress should follow the law.” That statement by U.S. Sen. Tina Smith following the 50-49 Senate vote last week that purportedly overturned a 20-year sulfide mining ban on about 225,000 acres …

25 Apr

"'Congress should follow the law.' That statement by U.S. Sen. Tina Smith following the 50-49 Senate vote last week that purportedly overturned a 20-year sulfide mining ban on about 225,000 acres of the Superior National Forest, should be self-evident." Read more: timberjay.com/stories/cong...?

22 Apr

In honor of Earth Day and the recent vote to overturn the 20-year mining ban, a generous supporter (@colonelbrandon42 on Instagram) has put up $25,000 to match gifts to our Boundary Waters Defense Fund — please give today and double your impact. Give now: www.savetheboundarywaters.org/BWDF

startribune.comBurcum: Klobuchar and Smith left it all on the field in fight to save the Boundary WatersThe senators knew they faced long odds in preserving Boundary Waters protections. They fought on fiercely anyway, columnist Jill Burcum writes.

21 Apr

Last week, the Senate voted to pass H.J. Res. 140, which overturns the 20-year mining ban within the headwaters of the Boundary Waters. Thank you to Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar for using your voices to protect the BWCAW. www.startribune.com/minnesota-ca...

npr.orgNewly approved mining in Minnesota may threaten waterways of a beloved nature preserveBoundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota is filled with more than a thousand lakes and rivers. But a recent vote in congress to allow mining nearby could threaten the preserve's waterways.

20 Apr

Last week, the U.S. Senate passed a devastating bill that will undo protections for the Boundary Waters. Listen to this feature on NPR's All Things Considered featuring Explorers Amy and Dave Freemans and @smith.senate.gov discussing what this means for the wilderness. www.npr.org/2026/04/18/n...

savetheboundarywaters.orgHJ Res 140 passes in the Senate - here's what you need to know.

18 Apr

On Thursday, the U.S. Senate passed HJ Res 140, a devastating bill that will undo protections for the Boundary Waters. In our recent blog, we discuss what it means for the BWCAW and what comes next in the fight to defend this extraordinary Wilderness. www.savetheboundarywaters.org/hjr140-update

nytimes.comSenate Votes to Allow Mining Near Minnesota Wilderness

Today, the U.S. Senate passed legislation that unravels protections for the Boundary Waters watershed. The vote passed by 50-49. www.nytimes.com/2026/04/16/c...

nytimes.comSenate Votes to Allow Mining Near Minnesota Wilderness

Today, the U.S. Senate passed legislation that unravels protections for the Boundary Waters watershed. The vote passed by 50-49. www.nytimes.com/2026/04/16/c...

🚨 BREAKING: The Senate passed H.J. Res. 140, gutting Boundary Waters protections. This sets a dangerous precedent for public lands nationwide. We’re not done fighting. There are still paths to stop this mine. We'll keep you posted today about what this means and how you can get involved.

savetheboundarywaters.orgLive Updates from Senate

UPDATE: Senate is adjourned until 10:00 AM EST. At 11:00 AM, Thursday, April 16, the Senate will proceed to a roll call vote on the passage of HJ Res 140. We will continue our live updates tomorrow morning! www.savetheboundarywaters.org/live-updates...

savetheboundarywaters.orgLive Updates from Senate

LIVE: Senators will soon consider the Joint Resolution that threatens the Boundary Waters. We expect several hours of debate, followed by a final vote tonight or in the morning. If you want to follow along live update tonight, we’re posting updates here: www.savetheboundarywaters.org/live-updates...

startribune.comBurcum: Will the Senate betray the Boundary Waters?This is not a drill: The Senate is poised to blow up Boundary Waters mining protections, columnist Jill Burcum writes.

15 Apr

"The House has already passed a bill to roll back the 20-year mining moratorium, and wilderness advocates expect a Senate vote any day now." Read more: www.startribune.com/us-senate-up...

15 Apr

UPDATE: time is being held on the Senate floor tomorrow to vote on a resolution that would dismantle the 20-year mining protections for the Boundary Waters. Call your senators: (202) 224-3121 – tell them to vote no on HJ Resolution 140. Act now: www.savetheboundarywaters.org/action-center

7 Apr

Today is National Beaver Day! 🦫 To celebrate, we’re launching our brand new “Give a Dam!” sticker designed by Kimberly Boustead. 🛶 Get your sticker today: www.savetheboundarywaters.org/beaver-sticker

open.substack.comSigurd Olson: champion for Wilderness protectionSigurd Olson is a legend among conservationists, paddlers, and those who love Canoe Country. He was one of the most influential advocates for protecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

4 Apr

Today is Sigurd Olson's birthday. Sig is a legend among conservationists, paddlers, and those who love Canoe Country. 🛶 He was one of the most influential advocates for the designation and protection of the Boundary Waters. Learn more about Sigurd Olson's legacy: open.substack.com/pub/savetheb...

duluthnewstribune.comLocal View: Hunters, anglers, Roosevelt IV all defending the Boundary WatersFrom the column: "In Minnesota, U.S. Rep. Pete Stauber, R-Hermantown, is leading the charge to turn public lands over to a foreign mining company owned by a billionaire from Chile."

26 Mar

"As hunters, anglers, and conservationists, we stand on the shoulders of giants from past generations, like President Roosevelt. This is our opportunity to show future generations they, too, stand on the shoulders of giants from this generation." www.duluthnewstribune.com/opinion/colu...

Save the Boundary Waters reposted

Lauren in Saint Paul

@comobelladonna.bsky.social

24 Mar

The dogs in this household also advertise for @savetheboundarywaters.org

WeRateDogs@weratedogs.com

This is Stinky and Binky. Their human jokingly started offering ad space on their backs, but then people actually started buying spots. Good thing Binky is running a special. 14/10 for both (TT: toocutelabs)

savethebwca.substack.comHow can the State of Minnesota protect the Boundary Waters?To protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from toxic sulfide-ore copper mining, we need permanent protection at both the state and federal levels.

23 Mar

How can the state of Minnesota protect the Boundary Waters? The federal government is moving to roll back protections for the Boundary Waters, and the state of Minnesota has the ultimate power to stop a mine from being built next to the Wilderness. savethebwca.substack.com/p/how-can-th...

open.substack.comCan you drink straight from a Wilderness lake?To dip or not to dip? That is the question many people ask when venturing into the Boundary Waters.

20 Mar

Do you ever “dip” or do you treat your water while you’re in the Boundary Waters? While drinking straight from the lake comes with risks, here are some things for you to consider when treating water in the Boundary Waters! open.substack.com/pub/savetheb...

yellowstonian.orgThe Boundary Waters Backstory - YellowstonianOur interview with Minnesota conservationist Becky Rom frames the debate over a controversial copper and nickel mine proposed for the BWCAW. She mentions rejection of science, potential conflicts of ...

16 Mar

This recent piece features interviews with Theodore Roosevelt IV and our board chair, Becky Rom. The discussion draws parallels to the 1990s battle to stop a Canadian company from building a gold mine just outside Yellowstone National Park. Read more: yellowstonian.org/the-boundary...

nytimes.comTeddy Roosevelt’s Family Urges G.O.P. to Protect Public Lands

16 Feb

In a rare letter to Republican senators, four descendants of the former president oppose mining near a wilderness area in Minnesota. Read more: bit.ly/4rOgr2B

startribune.comBurcum: The House betrayed the BWCA. The Senate is next.Congress could hand over the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to the Trump administration, which has already shown its contempt for science and conservation.

10 Feb

Great editorial from Jill Burcum in the Star Tribune on why strong protections for the Boundary Waters matter now more than ever and why the Senate’s vote in the coming days is critical in the fight to protect the Wilderness. www.startribune.com/burcum-the-h...

6 Feb

🚨 URGENT: Senate vote next week. Your senators need to hear from you NOW! The bill to overturn the 20-year mining ban near the Boundary Waters is heading to the Senate floor next week. This is a make-or-break moment. Call your senators today: www.savetheboundarywaters.org/action-center

startribune.comOpinion | Don’t forget ― the Boundary Waters are still under threat"Behind the smoke bombs and tear gas and rubber bullets (and real bullets), another assault is happening, an assault on our public lands," Tony Jones writes.

5 Feb

A bill just passed the House that would undo the 20-year mining ban in the BWCAW watershed and could bring toxic copper mining right to its doorstep. Next, the bill moves to the Senate. Read this strong opinion piece from Tony Jones. www.startribune.com/bwca-copper-...

savetheboundarywaters.orgAnniversary of mining ban, Antofagasta fined for non-compliance

26 Jan

Today marks the third anniversary of the 20-year mining ban, which is under threat in Congress. ⚠️ Also, the Chilean mining giant Antofagasta was just fined about $775,000 for failing to comply with regulations in Chile. Call your senators now: www.savetheboundarywaters.org/anniversary-...

21 Jan

HJ 140 has passed the House and now heads to the Senate. This does not mean a mine will be built tomorrow, but it does mean we have even more important work ahead of us. Right now, we need you to take the next step and contact your Senators! www.savetheboundarywaters.org/SaveBWCA-Sen...

19 Jan

Thank you, @mccollum.house.gov, for your leadership and for being a Boundary Waters champion!

Congresswoman Betty McCollum@mccollum.house.gov

On Monday, Rep. Stauber introduced another attempt to overturn protections for the BWCA from toxic acid mine drainage. Yesterday, I met with experts to discuss how we can defeat this resolution and protect an American treasure from Trump's foreign mining friends.

19 Jan

Planning a Boundary Waters canoe trip? Permit day is almost here—quota permits open Jan 28! Have questions about entry points, permits, packing, or meals? Join our special webinars for expert tips and trip-planning insights. Registration and details: savetheboundarywaters.org/trips-webinars

16 Jan

🚨The Boundary Waters faces an urgent threat. 🚨 Congress is expected to vote NEXT WEEK on Rep. Stauber’s bill to overturn the 20-year mining ban that protects the Boundary Waters. Contact your representatives today and demand they VOTE NO on Joint Resolution 140. savetheboundarywaters.org/actnow26

savetheboundarywaters.orgBill introduced to overturn Mining ban near Boundary Waters

13 Jan

🚨URGENT: Rep Stauber introduced a bill to overturn the 20-year mining ban in the Boundary Waters watershed. If passed, it would reopen the door to copper mining near the Wilderness and block future administrations from using the same safeguards. ACT NOW: www.savetheboundarywaters.org/bill-introdu...

savetheboundarywaters.orgNew congressional plan to overturn Mining ban near Boundary Waters

8 Jan

Breaking: A congressional plan to overturn the 20-year mining ban near the BWCA emerges. This unprecedented step could trigger a fast-track congressional vote. We will keep you updated as we learn more: www.savetheboundarywaters.org/new-congress...

savetheboundarywaters.orgWe’re back in Washington, D.C.Save the Boundary Waters was in Washington, D.C., and met face-to-face with members of Congress and their staff to defend America’s most-visited Wilderness.

22 Dec 2025

Last week, our team visited Capitol Hill to meet in person with members of Congress and their staff to advocate for the Wilderness. @savetheboundarywaters.org serves as the voice for the Boundary Waters in Washington, D.C. Learn more: www.savetheboundarywaters.org/were-back-wa...

17 Dec 2025

We’re in Washington, DC! This week, we're meeting with lawmakers from both sides of the aisle to advocate for the protection of the Boundary Waters. The threats are real and escalating. Donate now to help us continue to fight to protect the Wilderness: savetheboundarywaters.org/donate2025

bit.lyExploratory drilling near Birch Lake highlights state-federal divide in Boundary Waters | WTIPExploratory drilling near Birch Lake has renewed attention on the differing policies governing state and federal lands in and around the Boundary Waters watershed. Franconia Metals, a subsidiary of Tw...

12 Dec 2025

Exploratory drilling near Birch Lake has brought renewed attention to mining policies near the Boundary Waters. While federal lands are currently off-limits, companies can still pursue projects on state land. Read more: bit.ly/4q3OxPc

bit.lyIn Response: Editorial brushed off mining's threat to BWCAWFrom the column: " Minnesotans support mining in general but agree that some places are too special, too unique, and too important for mining to be allowed."

8 Dec 2025

The Duluth News Tribune criticized a border bill from Sen. Mike Lee, which would include allowing permanent infrastructure in the BWCA. Becky Rom, chair of Save the Boundary Waters, said the editorial overlooked a more immediate threat: a nearby sulfide-ore copper mine. Read more: bit.ly/4rIBapp

bit.lyOpinion | Mind your wilderness. Because others definitely have designs on it.From Trampled by Turtles' Dave Simonett: "The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is the largest wilderness area east of the Mississippi River, the gem of the Midwest and under constant threat of ru...

5 Dec 2025

Dave Simonett, who lives in MN, is on the board of directors of Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters and is the singer of the band Trampled by Turtles. He recently shared this piece with the Strib. Read more: bit.ly/4iGCLrQ

bit.lyMinnesota nears deal to sell 80,000 acres of Boundary Waters land to Forest ServiceThe state has held on to the BWCA land for decades, hoping to trade with the Feds for timberland.

1 Dec 2025

Minnesota is working to sell and transfer 80,000 acres of state School Trust land in the Boundary Waters to the Federal Government to be managed, like the rest of the Boundary Waters, by the U.S. Forest Service-Superior National Forest. Read more: bit.ly/4rtcfWM

1 Dec 2025

“Suddenly the air is white with drifting flakes, and the tension is gone … Then almost magically the ground is no longer brown … Swiftly the whiteness spreads, then the earth is sealed and autumn is gone” — Sigurd Olson ❄️Who else got out to enjoy the snow this weekend? 📷 Angleworm Trail, Jan 2025

25 Nov 2025

One week left to apply! 🛶 Save the Boundary Waters' Wilderness Equity Initiative grants program is open for applications! We provide modest trip or project grants to individuals or groups to help overcome barriers to experiencing the outdoors. Application deadline: Dec 1, 2025 bit.ly/3LW48BW