Save the Boundary Waters
@savetheboundarywaters.org
The Campaign to #SavetheBWCA is leading the effort to gain permanent protection for the Boundary Waters Wilderness from sulfide-ore copper mining.
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...
www.savetheboundarywaters.org/were-back-wa...
We’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.
www.savetheboundarywaters.org
December 22, 2025 at 11:03 PM
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...
www.savetheboundarywaters.org/were-back-wa...
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
December 17, 2025 at 8:48 PM
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
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
Read more: bit.ly/4q3OxPc
Exploratory drilling near Birch Lake highlights state-federal divide in Boundary Waters | WTIP
Exploratory 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...
bit.ly
December 12, 2025 at 7:43 PM
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
Read more: bit.ly/4q3OxPc
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
Read more: bit.ly/4rIBapp
In Response: Editorial brushed off mining's threat to BWCAW
From 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."
bit.ly
December 8, 2025 at 4:17 PM
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
Read more: bit.ly/4rIBapp
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
Read more: bit.ly/4iGCLrQ
Opinion | 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...
bit.ly
December 5, 2025 at 2:05 PM
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
Read more: bit.ly/4iGCLrQ
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
Read more: bit.ly/4rtcfWM
Minnesota nears deal to sell 80,000 acres of Boundary Waters land to Forest Service
The state has held on to the BWCA land for decades, hoping to trade with the Feds for timberland.
bit.ly
December 1, 2025 at 6:22 PM
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
Read more: bit.ly/4rtcfWM
“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
❄️Who else got out to enjoy the snow this weekend?
📷 Angleworm Trail, Jan 2025
December 1, 2025 at 3:41 PM
“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
❄️Who else got out to enjoy the snow this weekend?
📷 Angleworm Trail, Jan 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
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
November 25, 2025 at 2:29 PM
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
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
Yesterday was incredible. Thanks to more than 2,000 people who love the Boundary Waters, we raised over $526,000 for Give to the Max Day. ✨Your support gives us the strength to meet every challenge ahead — and we’re so grateful to have you with us. 🌲🛶
Thank you for showing up!
📷 Jeff Anderson
Thank you for showing up!
📷 Jeff Anderson
November 22, 2025 at 12:28 AM
Yesterday was incredible. Thanks to more than 2,000 people who love the Boundary Waters, we raised over $526,000 for Give to the Max Day. ✨Your support gives us the strength to meet every challenge ahead — and we’re so grateful to have you with us. 🌲🛶
Thank you for showing up!
📷 Jeff Anderson
Thank you for showing up!
📷 Jeff Anderson
UPDATE: Twin Metals Minnesota has just submitted a proposal to the Minnesota DNR to conduct exploratory drilling on state and private lands next to Birch Lake — a beloved recreation lake that flows directly into the Boundary Waters.
Learn more:
www.savetheboundarywaters.org/twin-metals-...
Learn more:
www.savetheboundarywaters.org/twin-metals-...
Twin Metals submits plan for exploratory drilling to pursue mining underneath Birch Lake just south of the Boundary Waters
www.savetheboundarywaters.org
November 14, 2025 at 7:10 PM
UPDATE: Twin Metals Minnesota has just submitted a proposal to the Minnesota DNR to conduct exploratory drilling on state and private lands next to Birch Lake — a beloved recreation lake that flows directly into the Boundary Waters.
Learn more:
www.savetheboundarywaters.org/twin-metals-...
Learn more:
www.savetheboundarywaters.org/twin-metals-...
Today, we honor all who have served our country.
Many veterans find peace and healing in wild places, including the Boundary Waters. Read the blog from veteran, sportsman, and author David Lien. www.savetheboundarywaters.org/veterans-day...
Many veterans find peace and healing in wild places, including the Boundary Waters. Read the blog from veteran, sportsman, and author David Lien. www.savetheboundarywaters.org/veterans-day...
Veterans Day, Whitetails, And Public Lands
For many Veterans, public lands serve as a source of recreation, as well as a reminder of the great freedom our country represents. This is especially true for the Boundary Waters, one of the most tre...
www.savetheboundarywaters.org
November 11, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Today, we honor all who have served our country.
Many veterans find peace and healing in wild places, including the Boundary Waters. Read the blog from veteran, sportsman, and author David Lien. www.savetheboundarywaters.org/veterans-day...
Many veterans find peace and healing in wild places, including the Boundary Waters. Read the blog from veteran, sportsman, and author David Lien. www.savetheboundarywaters.org/veterans-day...
Our water quality monitoring team has been tracking sulfate pollution in Birch Lake for six years. In our latest blog, Conservation Biologist Andrew shares why this work is essential to protecting the Boundary Waters—and why it needs your support.
www.savetheboundarywaters.org/what-our-res...
www.savetheboundarywaters.org/what-our-res...
What our research is revealing in the Boundary Waters
Continued protection for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness depends on ongoing, science-based research led by a dedicated team of staff, interns, and volunteers. Andrew Gardon, Conservation Bio...
www.savetheboundarywaters.org
November 10, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Our water quality monitoring team has been tracking sulfate pollution in Birch Lake for six years. In our latest blog, Conservation Biologist Andrew shares why this work is essential to protecting the Boundary Waters—and why it needs your support.
www.savetheboundarywaters.org/what-our-res...
www.savetheboundarywaters.org/what-our-res...
Where do things stand in the fight to protect the Boundary Waters?
This year has brought a wave of new threats but also important victories. Read our latest update to learn what’s at stake, what’s been stopped, and how you can get involved.
www.savetheboundarywaters.org/threats-boun...
This year has brought a wave of new threats but also important victories. Read our latest update to learn what’s at stake, what’s been stopped, and how you can get involved.
www.savetheboundarywaters.org/threats-boun...
Threats to the Boundary Waters – November 2025 Update
www.savetheboundarywaters.org
November 6, 2025 at 10:04 PM
Where do things stand in the fight to protect the Boundary Waters?
This year has brought a wave of new threats but also important victories. Read our latest update to learn what’s at stake, what’s been stopped, and how you can get involved.
www.savetheboundarywaters.org/threats-boun...
This year has brought a wave of new threats but also important victories. Read our latest update to learn what’s at stake, what’s been stopped, and how you can get involved.
www.savetheboundarywaters.org/threats-boun...
In May, the Hudson Bay Girls embarked on a 1,300-mile canoe expedition 🛶 from Grand Portage to Hudson Bay! Through their journey, they emphasized the need for permanent protection of the BWCA.
Read more: www.savetheboundarywaters.org/paddling-pat...
Read more: www.savetheboundarywaters.org/paddling-pat...
Paddling the Path to Wilderness Protection
In May, the Hudson Bay Girls embarked on a 1,380-mile canoe expedition that began at Grand Portage, Minnesota, and ended in Hudson Bay, Canada. They paddled these pristine waters to show how easily mi...
www.savetheboundarywaters.org
November 6, 2025 at 5:30 PM
In May, the Hudson Bay Girls embarked on a 1,300-mile canoe expedition 🛶 from Grand Portage to Hudson Bay! Through their journey, they emphasized the need for permanent protection of the BWCA.
Read more: www.savetheboundarywaters.org/paddling-pat...
Read more: www.savetheboundarywaters.org/paddling-pat...
Early giving for Give to the Max Day is LIVE. Your gift to protect the Boundary Waters will be TRIPLED until Nov 20. Every dollar defends the Boundary Waters and its clean waters.
Give now. Give early:
bit.ly/gtmd25-bound...
Give now. Give early:
bit.ly/gtmd25-bound...
November 1, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Early giving for Give to the Max Day is LIVE. Your gift to protect the Boundary Waters will be TRIPLED until Nov 20. Every dollar defends the Boundary Waters and its clean waters.
Give now. Give early:
bit.ly/gtmd25-bound...
Give now. Give early:
bit.ly/gtmd25-bound...
Nothing more spooky than emerging threats to the Boundary Waters. A new proposed bill would open all federal lands within 100 miles of the U.S. border to roads, buildings, and motorized access, encompassing the entirety of the Boundary Waters.
Learn more:
www.startribune.com/gop-bill-wou...
Learn more:
www.startribune.com/gop-bill-wou...
GOP bill would allow border patrol operations, infrastructure in the Boundary Waters
Democrats are pushing back on the effort by Republicans in Congress, saying it would overwrite protections for Minnesota’s wilderness area along the Canadian border.
www.startribune.com
October 31, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Nothing more spooky than emerging threats to the Boundary Waters. A new proposed bill would open all federal lands within 100 miles of the U.S. border to roads, buildings, and motorized access, encompassing the entirety of the Boundary Waters.
Learn more:
www.startribune.com/gop-bill-wou...
Learn more:
www.startribune.com/gop-bill-wou...
Sen. Mike Lee’s new bill would amend the Wilderness Act to allow roads, fences, and infrastructure within 100 miles of U.S. borders — affecting 9.5+ million acres of public land, including the BWCA, Superior National Forest, and reach as far as Duluth.
themeateater.com/conservation...
themeateater.com/conservation...
Mike Lee’s Latest Bill Targets Over 9.5 Million Acres of Wilderness in U.S. Borderlands
On October 2, Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) announced the Border Lands Conservation Act, a bill that would allow the Department of Homeland Security to enter into cooperative agreements with the Agriculture an...
themeateater.com
October 21, 2025 at 8:58 PM
Sen. Mike Lee’s new bill would amend the Wilderness Act to allow roads, fences, and infrastructure within 100 miles of U.S. borders — affecting 9.5+ million acres of public land, including the BWCA, Superior National Forest, and reach as far as Duluth.
themeateater.com/conservation...
themeateater.com/conservation...
ALERT 🚨 New bill would grant Homeland Security authority to cut roads, run motorboats, and install surveillance towers in wild, pristine places within 100 miles of the U.S. border. This encompasses the entirety of the BWCA and Superior National Forest.
www.outdoorlife.com/conservation...
www.outdoorlife.com/conservation...
Senator Lee Is Back with His Attack on Public Lands. This Time He Wants to Butcher the Wilderness Act Under the Guise of Border Security
Utah Sen. Mike Lee is back with his attacks on public lands. This time, he introduced an unfounded bill under the pretense of border security.
www.outdoorlife.com
October 8, 2025 at 8:17 PM
ALERT 🚨 New bill would grant Homeland Security authority to cut roads, run motorboats, and install surveillance towers in wild, pristine places within 100 miles of the U.S. border. This encompasses the entirety of the BWCA and Superior National Forest.
www.outdoorlife.com/conservation...
www.outdoorlife.com/conservation...
We’re excited that Outdoor Retailer is moving to Minnesota for 2026! This is a testament to the strong and growing outdoor economy in MN, driven by our beloved places like the Boundary Waters.
www.startribune.com/after-more-t...
www.startribune.com/after-more-t...
After more than 40 years out west, a major outdoors trade show is relocating to Minnesota
Some in Minnesota see validation in Outdoor Retailer’s move to state in 2026.
www.startribune.com
October 7, 2025 at 6:17 PM
We’re excited that Outdoor Retailer is moving to Minnesota for 2026! This is a testament to the strong and growing outdoor economy in MN, driven by our beloved places like the Boundary Waters.
www.startribune.com/after-more-t...
www.startribune.com/after-more-t...
Grandma’s Marathon registration opens Oct 1, and this year, you can be part of our Save the Boundary Waters charity team. Spots are limited, so if you’ve been dreaming of running Grandma’s in 2026, now’s your chance.
Learn more: savetheboundarywaters.org/charity-run
Learn more: savetheboundarywaters.org/charity-run
September 30, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Grandma’s Marathon registration opens Oct 1, and this year, you can be part of our Save the Boundary Waters charity team. Spots are limited, so if you’ve been dreaming of running Grandma’s in 2026, now’s your chance.
Learn more: savetheboundarywaters.org/charity-run
Learn more: savetheboundarywaters.org/charity-run
The @washingtonpost.com just published a strong piece on the mining threats facing the Boundary Waters. It highlights decades of advocacy for its protection and what’s at stake for this irreplaceable wilderness.
Read the full article:
bit.ly/42UDu1E
Read the full article:
bit.ly/42UDu1E
Will mining destroy America’s most-visited wilderness?
The Trump administration is moving rapidly to approve a mine next to the Boundary Waters that many fear will pollute the pristine wilderness area.
bit.ly
September 29, 2025 at 4:42 PM
The @washingtonpost.com just published a strong piece on the mining threats facing the Boundary Waters. It highlights decades of advocacy for its protection and what’s at stake for this irreplaceable wilderness.
Read the full article:
bit.ly/42UDu1E
Read the full article:
bit.ly/42UDu1E
Julia is celebrating her son’s 1st birthday in the Boundary Waters and turning her family’s story into action through peer-to-peer fundraising. By sharing your own Boundary Waters story, you can help protect this place for generations to come. Read more:
www.savetheboundarywaters.org/love-boundar...
www.savetheboundarywaters.org/love-boundar...
For the Love of the Boundary Waters: Julia’s Journey
www.savetheboundarywaters.org
September 24, 2025 at 5:53 PM
Julia is celebrating her son’s 1st birthday in the Boundary Waters and turning her family’s story into action through peer-to-peer fundraising. By sharing your own Boundary Waters story, you can help protect this place for generations to come. Read more:
www.savetheboundarywaters.org/love-boundar...
www.savetheboundarywaters.org/love-boundar...
The Roadless Rule protects millions of acres of national forest, including vital areas near the Boundary Waters. Weakening it would open the door to destruction that cannot be undone.
Read the full DNT editorial:
www.duluthnewstribune.com/opinion/edit...
Read the full DNT editorial:
www.duluthnewstribune.com/opinion/edit...
Other View: Retain Roadless Rule for America's priceless wildernesses
From the editorial: "Few ... walk through an ancient landscape — like the ... Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness — and complain that it wasn't clear-cut a century ago."
www.duluthnewstribune.com
September 15, 2025 at 6:41 PM
The Roadless Rule protects millions of acres of national forest, including vital areas near the Boundary Waters. Weakening it would open the door to destruction that cannot be undone.
Read the full DNT editorial:
www.duluthnewstribune.com/opinion/edit...
Read the full DNT editorial:
www.duluthnewstribune.com/opinion/edit...
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness's future is increasingly uncertain due to budget reductions, staffing shortages, and renewed mining threats. Now is a critical time to speak loudly for the permanent protection of America's most visited Wilderness. www.sierraclub.org/sierra/bound...
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Faces Uncertain Future Amid Budget Cuts
The Trump administration is also looking to revive mining in the popular wilderness area
www.sierraclub.org
September 3, 2025 at 5:39 PM
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness's future is increasingly uncertain due to budget reductions, staffing shortages, and renewed mining threats. Now is a critical time to speak loudly for the permanent protection of America's most visited Wilderness. www.sierraclub.org/sierra/bound...
Join us for our community event series to connect, learn, and take action to protect the Boundary Waters. Each event will feature speakers, hands-on activities, and chances to meet fellow advocates. Refreshments, stickers, and merch provided!
RSVP: www.savetheboundarywaters.org/actionevents...
RSVP: www.savetheboundarywaters.org/actionevents...
September 2, 2025 at 9:09 PM
Join us for our community event series to connect, learn, and take action to protect the Boundary Waters. Each event will feature speakers, hands-on activities, and chances to meet fellow advocates. Refreshments, stickers, and merch provided!
RSVP: www.savetheboundarywaters.org/actionevents...
RSVP: www.savetheboundarywaters.org/actionevents...