Traveling along Hwy 61, we often tune into North Shore Radio. Along with the required stops for smoked trout and sugar donuts, listening to community news in puts us in a laid back mood. Located in Grand Marais, WTIP Radio is featuring 26 audio stories about the Lake Superior region. Not only will the series cover culture, but it will also look at environmental issues, development, invasive species and continued preservation of these waters.

Starting January 6th the series will run throughout the year, with a new audio feature every other week. In the first part of the series, Voices from the Lake, individuals within the community talk about what the lake means to them—be it a source of income, recreation or a place to relax and listen to the waves. One way or another, the lake affects people.

Catch more of the series here.

It’s been a little while since last fall’s blaze, grabbed any headlines. And we’re more than okay with that; moving on is good.

All the same, we admire the moxie shown by Piragis Northwoods Company who, instead of skirting around burnout areas from Pagami, will be offering two guided canoe trips into the heart of them. We sought out Drew Brockett of their outfitting department, for some details.

“We’re embracing it as an opportunity for something new,” he says. The fully-outfitted trips will feature a very hands-on experience with the forest. Long-time guide and staff naturalist Steve Johnson will lead day hikes in areas otherwise inaccessible by foot, as a part of the package.

If you’ve never canoed through a forest in early regrowth stages, the experience is more enjoyable than you might guess. While tree cover is greatly diminished, their absence reveals a beautiful side of the landscape; one that lays hidden under normal conditions. Myriad boulders and dramatic granite faces cover the hillsides. In addition to the fresh greens of new growth, these open areas often yield more sightings of bear and moose. And fires in recent years have even uncovered archaeological sites.

Obviously, Brockett says, nobody can promise discoveries of ancient camps and such. But the idea is, you never know what you might find.

For more info, hit up Piragis’ outfitting department, here.

Photo: Ken Hupila.

The Great Lakes are the largest collection of freshwater, by surface, on the Earth. Skirted by 10,000 miles of shoreline, the lakes are flanked by wilderness, urban areas, sand beaches, cliffs and private homes. The countries of Canada and the United States share these important waterways for recreation and commerce. Working to capture the essence of these natural resources, photographer Ed Wargin is creating a volume of photographs on slide film, before digital mediums replace it completely. And perhaps, more importantly—capture the Great Lakes before they change, even if that change is subtle.

“I grew up in the Great Lakes, I’ve always felt the connection to it. Long ago, it became my goal to capture the grandeur of the entire Fresh Coast as an artistic, archival, and historical project…but along the way, the project became much more than this. There are historical repercussion to the loss of film. A piece of film is tangible, and provides an indisputable reference,” Wargin writes.

“I typically like to map out the areas that I would like to photograph first. I know once I am out on the road, I will invariably come upon locations that I had no idea even existed and that is when it really gets fun for me. I love the element of surprise. I know that I will be capturing the framework needed for my narrative and the locations that end up surprising me, will be the locations that fill out the rest of my story.”

Included in the photos of The Fresh Coast Project are the many moods of the Great Lakes. From pinkish, lightly rippled waters, to sea grass blanketing a wind-swept beach, it’s hard not to feel like the lakes are presenting their most intimate sides—the ones you see after the tourists have gone home.

Wargin hopes that the images will provide a baseline of understanding so that future generations will provide good stewardship and protection for these waterways. He anticipates that the project will wrap up by the end of 2012. After that, he intends to publish a volume of photographs about the project.

Here is a recently posted video documenting his project thus far.

The Great Lakes. from Ed Wargin on Vimeo.

Make some space in your calendar to attend Winterer’s Gathering, November 17-20, 2011. Winter enthusiasts will enjoy winter travel seminars, hands-on workshops and engaging films about arctic life.

We’ve put together some highlights that you won’t want to miss.

• Featured presenter and biologist, Rolf Peterson will provide account of his studies of wolf and moose throughout Isle Royal National Park.

• Filmmaker, George Desort spent four years following researchers, Rolf Peterson and John Vucetich, filming the delicate ecosystem of Isle Royal. His lovely images capture a unique environment which is providing a baseline for impacts, like global warming. We interviewed George earlier in the year about his experience at Isle Royal.

• Interested in winter camping but you’ve never tried it? Winter camping expert, Garrett Connover will take a small group to an inland lake to winter camp. He will cover the basics of winter camping and provide many hand-on opportunities to increase your skills. Sleep under starry skies, warmed by a wood stove and canvas-sided tent. Sounds like good fun to us.

• Make your own traditional, moosehide and canvas Mukluks. Don’t worry if you can’t sew. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll be guided through the process of pattern making, cutting and stitching your own pair of Mukluks.

• Do you bring along a stash of jerky when you snowshoe? Learn how to cure, freeze, smoke, can or dry your own selection of meats naturally. North House Folk School Instructors, Craig and Dianne Peterson will provide their expertise, recipes and equipment for you to cure your meat with. Your next trip will be a whole lot tastier.

• Kids will enjoy attending a reading by author/illustrator Lauren Stringer writer of Winter is the Warmest Season. Afterwards, they can make their own glittery snowflake ornament and share stories about winter. Families will have fun outdoors learning about winter survival with their kids, building primitive shelters and starting fires with flint.

• Catch fresh fish in the BWCA when its 20° out. Walleye, lake and stream trout are all available to the winter traveler. In his seminar, fishing expert, Lindsay Lee will offer his knowledge on how and where to catch fresh fish.

Interested in attending? Find out more here.

Photos: North House Folk School

As of Sunday evening, the fire was 71% contained, with a little over 92,000 acres still burning. Crews put forth extra effort this past weekend as temperatures in the coming week are expected to be unseasonably warm and windy. One of the challenges with the fire is accessibility. Much of the area can only be reached by canoe or plane and crews are utilizing both options. For current road, entry point closures and campfire restrictions, see here.

Via WDIO and Duluth News Tribune.
Photo: Duluth News Tribune

The Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness hailed a victory Wednesday, as District Judge Philip Bush barred construction of the proposed structure by AT&T. In his decision, Bush wrote that the tower “would adversely, materially and significantly impair the scenic view and aesthetic resources” of the Boundary Waters.”

“The affected natural resource, broad scenic views with no visible signs of man, is not replaceable.” he added.

Instead, AT&T will be permitted to build an unlit, smaller tower (measuring 199 ft) in the same location. It was deemed that a unit of this size would provide similar coverage to the Ely area – despite the defendants’ contentions that it would not.

The conservation group sued the telecom giant last year, after repeatedly urging them to consider alternatives that would not infringe upon the experiences of those in the wilderness.

We’d have to agree with Friends’ executive director Paul Danicic, in that the real victory goes to “the hundreds of thousands of people who visit the Boundary Waters every year, and for the wilderness’s scenic vistas and wildlife.”

Image: Flickr user frozenchipmunk

Via:  Mark Kortum

Protection for these areas is important and could affect us all. Benefits to wildlife and forest are incalculable.  Lands bordering such areas as Hegman Lakes and the Kawishiwi River (which could eventually become a part of the wilderness,) would be lost if the bill is passed through.

Via: Friends of the Boundary Waters

Since last Friday’s closure of all state parks, “dozens” of incidents involving vandalism and theft have been reported, says Jim Konrad, head of enforcement for the MN-DNR.

The worst case so far took place early Monday morning in Afton. A person walking their dog called authorities after seeing several cars suspiciously parked near the park gates.

Responding to the call, the Washington County Sheriff’s office apprehended 12 people (a 13th is still being sought) for burglary and vandalism.

Ransacking the admin building, the suspects stole a DVR, a bullhorn and other items. Two newer camper cabins were damaged, and one of them was spray painted with the words, “We broke in for free!”

Other parks have seen trouble too, from illegal entries to gates being pulled out of their concrete moorings.

Even a statue of Smokey the Bear was spraypainted with ‘a body part.’

Which brings us to the classless, shameless individuals who did these acts [assumedly] independent of one another, barring the 13 suspects caught at Afton.

For me, Why here? was the first question.

How could this happen in Minnesota? Here, where we boast of our bike freeways and endless trails, our 10,000-plus lakes, our pristine wilderness areas? Recognizing my own biases, it’s perhaps easier to imagine something like this in another state, where things aren’t as ‘special’ as what we have. And certainly mixed with my own confusion are feelings of anger, indignation, revulsion.

Along with of all you who feel the same way, I yearn all the more for resolution to the budget crisis. But I also pray that many will see these reckless, disrespectful acts as a wake-up call. And for that matter, an object lesson.

These vandals were not the only ones who seem to have forgotten what a treasure our natural resources are in Minnesota. There are others who would gain temporarily from putting our most precious wild places at risk; places that should forever be a legacy that gains more value over time. Yet I’ve still been rather underwhelmed by how few Minnesotans seem to be willing to challenge any potential threat.

If we overlook the fact that these areas exist today because they were fought over and protected by ordinary people who loved our Minnesota… If we forget they still need defending… we’re just like those ‘Park Closed’ signs that seem to give vandals some sense of entitlement.

I applaud the dog walker’s vigilance. For their part, they took on the responsibility to watch over ‘their’ park. May we all learn from their example. And my sympathies to the DNR staffers whose hands are likely tied in the midst of having to deal with all this.

Stop by any Superior National Forest district office to register and find out where you can pick cones. Offices are located in the towns of Aurora, Cook, Ely, Grand Marais and Tofte.  They are accepting cone collections until July 1, but could need additional help later in the summer.  Contact the main office in Duluth at 218-626-4300 for further information.

Via Duluth News Tribune

A tributary of the Mississippi River, this scenic river flows about 164 miles before converging with the ‘sippi.  Paddle surrounded by woodlands and bluffs.  Watch for numerous waterfowl that make their home along the banks and trees.

The journey will begin in Solon Springs, WI and terminate in Prescott, WI.  Communities enroute will welcome paddlers with events and celebrations. Vehicle shuttles, camping and lodging will be available. You provide the boat and appropriate gear.

Celebrate the St Croix River Association’s 100th Anniversary and commitment to conserving this beautiful river.

More info and registration here.
Photo:  NPS

The current standard is 10 parts per million. It was set by a renown state biologist in the 70′s who concluded that wild rice will not tolerate high levels of sulfate. Minnesota, the primary grower of wild rice, is the only state with this standard. Indian tribes and environmentalists are concerned.  They feel that the current standard is reliable and that it should not be changed unless research proves otherwise.

Rep. Tom Rukavina, DFL-Virginia introduced a bill that would raise the standard to 250 parts per million, but the House environmental committee changed it to 50 parts per million, much higher than the current standard. The bill also advises the Pollution Control Agency to continue the research necessary to finalize a standard.

Unwilling to wait for further research and guidelines, advocates state that the current standard will encumber business as well as waste-water treatment facilities. Mining groups argue that the standard will cripple their industry as well as waste-water treatment facilities.

Via Star Tribune.
Photo: Minnesota Historical Society

Register here.
Can’t attend? You can donate your part of the forest here.

Photo: USFS

But we suspect he’d still rather have been in Ontario’s Quetico Provincial Park, where Uttech considers his ‘spiritual home’ to be.

The wildlife, forests and lakes of the region are the focus of his paintings. But don’t think for a moment that any of them are ‘sitting subjects.’ Everything – clouds, boulders, withered jackpines – seems to be or resemble something very much alive or active. Moreover, animals often overcrowd the canvas in migrations of near-absurd proportions. In the midst of otherwise gorgeous classic boreal panoramas, the contrast of these massive exoduses seems to evoke unease. What is happening here? Is the wildlife simply going somewhere – or fleeing from something? All does not seem quite right.

Uttech’s concern for the environmental future of wild places is clear. Yet it manifests in ways that spoken and printed words cannot. And his art transcends the one-dimensional genre of pastoral landscape painting. From a recent interview:

“Paintings can be a way to show how wonderful things can be. Maybe it will make people interested in the environment and then grow to love it. That can lead to knowledge and then concern. This work is as useful as a direct criticism of polluters.”

“This work” needs to be seen a lot more in these parts. While Uttech has many followers in Milwaukee, we think the galleries of Minnesota’s Arrowhead region (and beyond) need to feature him a lot more.

Speaking of the paintings, not all of those pictured here, are necessarily from the exhibition. We took the liberty of showing you some additional ones… because they need to be seen.

“Boreal Conversations” continues through April 9th. Check out the deets here.