Dear John,

Last week brought hope and optimism to our cause. We believe that 2021 will prove to be a turning point in our fight to permanently protect the Boundary Waters. With the election of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, we now have hope for a federal path to permanent protection. There are high-ranking officials now in office that have been our allies in the past, including President Biden, Tom Vilsack the nominee for Agriculture Secretary, and Deb Haaland as nominee for Interior Secretary. These are decision-makers who listen to science, follow the law, and welcome public involvement.

Our path to permanent protection includes re-initiating a federal mineral withdrawal - an administrative process that will use science to decide if sulfide-ore copper mining is acceptable in the watershed of the Boundary Waters. If the federal government decides it is not acceptable, as it did in 2016, no federal mineral leases could be granted for 20 years. Not long enough, for sure, but it removes the immediate threat posed by Twin Metals and allows us time to push a bill through Congress to grant permanent protection.

We will continue to work on many fronts to stop the proposed mine, including our ongoing litigation, passing a state bill in the Minnesota legislature, and revising the state's rules regulating mining.

I hope you will join the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters team this Friday, January 29 at 10:30 am CT for a webinar to learn more about the federal Path to Permanent Protection of the Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National Park. RSVP HERE.

Thank you for your ongoing support and belief in us and the cause. We believe we have finally turned the corner.

- Tom Landwehr, Executive Director
Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters 

Minnesotans: contact your state legislators

MN State Reps Kelly Morrison and Jim Davnie, and state Senator Steve Cwodzinski are authoring a state Boundary Waters Permanent Protection Bill. This bill would permanently ban sulfide-ore copper mining on the edge of the Boundary Waters. Take action to urge your MN Rep and MN Senator to support and work to pass this important bill. (Minnesota only)

In the news: “Twin Metals opponents hopeful in wake of political changes:” The Timberjay, January 15, 2021

With the new federal administration, we're hopeful that decision-makers will listen to the majority of Minnesotans and businesses that oppose this mine on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Northeastern Minnesota needs the Wilderness protected for a sustainable economy.

Boundary Waters permits available this week! 
This Wednesday, January 27, permit reservations will become available for overnight/multi-day trips in the Boundary Waters between May 1 and September 30. Read our blog for additional trip planning information. What questions do you have about planning trips to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness? Email [email protected].

Planning a BWCA trip with young kids?
Read a blog by Sam Chadwick, Deputy Campaign Manager at the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters, about taking her young kids to the Boundary Waters, and gain some insight and tips for traveling into the Wilderness with the children in your life this paddling season!

Saving the Boundary Waters is important to addressing the climate and extinction crisis

The Boundary Waters is an incredible landscape that is vital for people and for the planet. In particular, protecting this Wilderness is critical to addressing climate change. Read our recent blog to learn more about climate change and the Boundary Waters. 

Receive a copy of "One Summer Up North"
A wordless picture-book journey through the Boundary Waters, canoeing and camping with a family as they encounter the Northwoods Wilderness in all its spectacular beauty. Come along to a place of wordless wonder: the Wilderness of the Boundary Waters on the Minnesota-Canada border. Sign up below for a chance to win a copy.

Celebrating Wenonah Canoe
Wenonah is an iconic and beloved canoe company that has been manufacturing canoes on the banks of the Mississippi River, in Winona, Minnesota, for more than 50 years. Wenonah was among the founding allies of the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters, and they've donated multiple canoes that became petition-vessels for our adventure advocacy expeditions.

Take the 2021 pledge for the BWCA
Your love for the outdoors can save this wild place. Take the 2021 Boundary Waters pledge today to save the Boundary Waters and ask your friends and family to do the same. 

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Save the Boundary Waters
P.O. Box 625
Ely, MN 55731
United States