Dear John,
Minnesota and the world watched as the guilty verdict was reached for former police officer Derek Chauvin for the murder of George Floyd, the same week that Daunte Wright was killed by police in nearby Brooklyn Center. It has been a painful time for those of us that call Minnesota home, and our hearts go out to the families and communities most impacted.
We believe that wilderness and the pursuit of its protection should be made welcoming and accessible to all. Protecting Wilderness relies upon public engagement, which cannot be expected when people are disenfranchised, unwelcome, hurt, tokenized, or threatened because of their identity. Our Board of Directors has created a Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) Committee to help ensure Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness, and the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters, work to foster a Wilderness that is a welcome sanctuary for all.
Your love for the Boundary Waters and commitment to protecting it makes a huge difference as the Wilderness faces serious threats, and we are so grateful for your continued support for this special place. We are very hopeful and optimistic that we will see some real successes in the upcoming year. Read our latest updates below.
- The Team at the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters
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SpringForwardMN starts on Saturday
This year’s Give MN spring giving holiday takes place from May 1 to May 11. You can look forward to an artisans silent auction, donor perks, webinars, a match opportunity, and more! We hope you’ll join us. Early giving has already begun.
We will also be hosting an auction starting May 4. Want to get ahead of the game? Make an account with the silent auction site today!
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Rep. Betty McCollum Introduces Boundary Waters Bill!
U.S. Congresswoman Betty McCollum introduced a bill in Congress last Thursday, April 22, to permanently protect the Boundary Waters! The Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act, H.R. 2794, will remove the threat of sulfide-ore copper mining from the watershed of the Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National Park permanently so that all generations can enjoy these spectacular places.
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STAR TRIBUNE: Timely leadership by Tina Smith on BWCA
This week, Minnesota's major newspaper, the Star Tribune, published an editorial praising U.S. Senator Tina Smith for her leadership in calling for a re-initiation of a mining ban process for federal lands near the Boundary Waters. Good leadership is noteworthy and praiseworthy.
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THANK YOU, Senator Smith
Will you help us say THANK YOU to Senator Tina Smith for urging the Biden Administration to take a critical step toward permanent protection for the Boundary Waters Wilderness? Send a thank you message to Sen. Smith below.
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Vice President Mondale will be deeply missed
Last week, we lost Boundary Waters Champion and Minnesota legend - former Vice President Walter Mondale. He was among the first and most steadfast Boundary Waters champions. He fought fiercely for the land he loved with wit, grace, foresight, and kindness. He will be deeply missed. Watch this reflection by Mondale on the need to preserve the Boundary Waters from the film "This Wild Land."
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April is National Volunteer Month
Thank you to our incredible volunteers across Minnesota and the country - we could not succeed in our fight to protect the Boundary Waters from the threat of sulfide-ore copper mining without your help. Thank you!
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Photo Credit Brian O'Keefe
Wilderness and Public Lands - unlimited access to nature
Our Economic & Community Development Task Force recently published a report on their critical economic development findings regarding the Wilderness-edge town of Ely, Minnesota.
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Photo Credit Jim Brandenburg
Visiting the Boundary Waters - for beginners
So, you’ve heard about the serenity of the Boundary Waters and now you want to check it out for yourself. Read our recent blog for some helpful tips for first time Boundary Waters users. Note that starting this Saturday, May 1, visitors taking an overnight paddle, motor or hiking trip, or a motorized day trip into the BWCA are required to obtain a quota permit.
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Join us for two webinars this week
- “Boundary Waters: Path to Permanent Protection” on Friday, April 30 at 6:00 p.m. CT with Save the Boundary Waters leaders Paul Schurke (polar explorer and Wintergreen Dogsled Lodge owner) and National Campaign Chair Becky Rom.
- “Running Across Canoe Country to Save the Boundary Waters” on Saturday, May 1 at 10:00 a.m. CT with Alex Falconer.
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Look for our new billboards on I-35 North
This summer you can see our new billboards if you drive on Interstate 35 between northern Minnesota and the Twin Cities.
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Photo credit Steve Piragis
Submit photos of spring in the Boundary Waters
Signs of spring in the Wilderness are unmistakable. Send us your favorite photos of the Boundary Waters in the spring and we might include them on social media or our website! Make sure to include the location and who to credit the photos. Email [email protected].
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You are receiving this e-mail because you have supported the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters - a project of Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness.
Save the Boundary Waters
P.O. Box 625
Ely, MN 55731
United States
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