What’s the latest with the Boundary Waters?

Read our series breaking down the threats facing this iconic Wilderness.

Dear John, 

It can be hard to keep up with the latest developments in the work to protect the Boundary Waters but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. 

Read the recent installment in our series, which breaks down the current issues facing Canoe Country. This week, we’re laying out the status of current protections and the urgent threats to the Boundary Waters.

What’s protecting the Boundary Waters right now:

✅ Administrative action: Two years ago, the Biden Administration issued a historic decision to ban mining on 225,504 acres in the Boundary Waters headwaters, protecting the area for 20 years.

✅ Introduced Federal Bill: Representative Betty McCollum re-introduced her Boundary Waters protection legislation, which would make the above 20-year copper mining ban permanent.

✅ Introduced State Bill: Minnesota State Senator Steve Cwodzinski and State Representative Alex Falconer introduced a bill prohibiting copper mining operations on State lands in the watershed of the Boundary Waters permanently.

✅ The Wilderness Act: Passed in 1964, this landmark law protects the Boundary Waters from mining within the Wilderness area, but its surrounding watershed is not, putting the Wilderness at risk of pollution from nearby mining.

The current threats to the Boundary Waters:

⚠️ March 2025: The president is laser-focused on opening the Boundary Waters watershed up to mining. The White House issued an Executive Order on Thursday that put the Boundary Waters and America’s public lands at imminent risk. This was a big step toward dismantling critical protections for the Boundary Waters under the guise of national security.

⚠️ February 2025: U.S. Rep. Stauber continues to work against the will of his constituents. Rep. Stauber re-introduced his bill to overturn the Boundary Waters 20-year mining ban, force rushed mine review, prohibit legal review of relevant mineral leases, and silence public input.

⚠️ January 2025: Foreign mining giant won’t back down. Antofagasta, the Chilean mining conglomerate behind Twin Metals Minnesota, continues to advocate for a toxic copper mine next to the Boundary Waters. Our expert legal team presented oral arguments in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit to fight against unlawful claims by Twin Metals. 

⚠️ Ongoing: Critical Boundary Waters legislation hangs in the balance. All land in the watershed of the Boundary Waters remains at risk unless the state and federal bills become law.

Threats to the Wilderness are happening fast, but we’re ready. Along with being prepared to defend the Boundary Waters in court, we are poised to defend hard-won victories, confront new threats, and push for permanent protection.

If a copper mine is developed, pollution from mining on federal and/or state lands could flow directly into the Boundary Waters, due to its unique watershed that flows north, carrying water into Canada and Voyageurs National Park.

Stay with us in the fight: Make a gift today to help us protect the Boundary Waters and stop these attacks before it’s too late.

Your support fuels legal battles, advocacy, scientific research, and education—all critical in securing lasting protection. Without it, the future of this irreplaceable Wilderness is uncertain.

P.S. Get caught up on previous weeks breaking down the issues facing our favorite Wilderness here >>