UpNorthica

Some day, our children will enjoy clear, haze-free views of the Boundary Waters.. Or at least their kids might?
Per the Clean Air Act, state and federal agencies are beginning the first steps in reducing air pollutants which, specifically in Minnesota, cause hazy skies over the Boundary Waters at least 20% of the time.
While cleanup [...]

Last week finally saw the public release of the PolyMet environmental impact statement. Anxious to hear how the proposed mining operation could affect the neighboring BWCA, interest groups are still poring over the 1,500-page reading assignment.
The Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness have already been busy doing their own homework. Next Wednesday, they’ll premiere “Precious [...]

A proposed mining operation that could drain sulphuric acid into neighboring federally-protected waterways (that would mean the BWCA.) Wow, that’s an even brighter idea than building an open-air ball park, next door to a municipal garbage incinerator!
Next week, PolyMet Mining will release their environmental impact statement (EIS) regarding a copper-nickel mine they’d like to hollow [...]

With snow falling already, (sheesh!) holiday shopping can’t be far behind. So why not throw in your bid for this vintage portage pack from 1882? The “buy it now” price is a mere $100,00 American dollars.
While packs like this have never been cheap, this one’s value rests upon more than just how well-preserved it is. [...]

Raise your cans of Leinie’s and join us in toasting a victory for the BW: The former site of the Chainsaw Sisters Saloon is now federally-protected wilderness protected from the development of kajillion-dollar log cabins.
With the Mudro Lake entry point literally just out the back door, the rustic saloon became a favorite trailhead stop in [...]

In just two days, the waters of Quetico will be astir with twenty-plus canoes in a fervid, knuckles-down race — but not one to claim available campsites.
As the date of the Cross-Quetico Marathon Canoe Race now approaches ramming speed, the teams are undoubtedly coveting the first prize of $5000 cash money. You always have to [...]

Maybe it’s their close harmony with the boreal landscape, that attracts me. But Finland’s apparently thriving community of environmental artists, like Olavi Lanu, produces some truly beautiful works.
But how would you feel if you saw something like this in the Boundary Waters? Read on and join the conversation…

To the sounds of traditional dances and the firing of musket and cannon salutes, the Canoe the Heart Expedition has come to a close at Historic Fort William in Thunder Bay.
Its crew of Canadian and American park officials, forestry staffers and avid paddlers alike, pulled into port and was greeted by guests in costumes from [...]

“Canadians and Americans joining forces to fight invasive species and tackle climate change — two nations in one canoe, on a mission for Good in the heart of the continent.”
…Sound like a movie trailer? or one of those DC/Marvel comic book crossovers?
Maybe that’s on account of the heroic push the Canoe the Heart Expedition [...]

Next time you try to shoot a deer out of season you might be the one getting bagged.
Across the nation, poaching is a growing problem. It further endangers protected species and threatens the health of the overall animal population. The amount of illegally killed whitetail deer is estimated being equal to 25-30% of the annual [...]

Day-long hard paddling made bearable by frequent breaks, a little esprit de corps… and a lot of second helpings at supper time.
The first report from the Canoe the Heart Expedition sounds strikingly similar to a day in the life of the voyageurs. Minus, that is, the pipe-smoking at every break. Put nine people from Canada [...]

Tomorrow is the 10th anniversary of the July 4th, 1999 storm that caused so much devastation in the BWCA.
As in so many natural events, it seems difficult to resolve the violence with the idyllic beauty we expect. Thankfully though, if you’ve been up to the BWCA recently, you can see the evidence of the storm [...]

It’s the closest thing to a rock tour, ever to hit the Boundary Waters.
The Canoe the Heart Expedition begins today with the launch of a 24-foot voyageur canoe in Atikokan, Ontario. Paddling the tour bus-sized craft are rangers, parks staff and wilderness advocates from both sides of the border.

Tensions over copper sulfide mining near the Boundary Waters are mounting, as the Duluth News Tribune reports. Over 100 companies have vied for exploratory drilling permits in the last 2 years; 70 have been granted them.
Cause for alarm? Uh, just maybe — since all the rivers flowing through all of the proposed drilling sites, flow [...]

This week, President Obama proclaimed June “Great Outdoors Month,” and with good reason. There’s a slew of celebrations during the month, including National Trails Day, National Fishing and Boating Week, National Get Outdoors Day, and the Great American Backyard Campout.
But before you start Googling all those, check out our list of Five Free Things offered [...]