Dear John,

It’s not officially Summer in Minnesota yet, but it sure feels like it in the Boundary Waters! Explore the newsletter below to see how the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters is working to permanently protect this special place and how you can help win this fight. 

Successful Paddling Day of Action

We had a fabulous Save the Boundary Waters Paddling Day of Action on Saturday. We gathered in Ely, Minneapolis, Chicago, and in Central Minnesota to collectively raise awareness about the threat of sulfide-ore copper mining on the edge of the Boundary Waters.

State lawsuit decision

BIG NEWS - we won a SECOND legal challenge for the Boundary Waters in May. Our challenge to Minnesota’s current copper mining rules - which threaten the Boundary Waters - now moves to the next crucial stage. Last year, we sued, challenging Minnesota’s rules governing copper mining, which are inadequate to protect the Boundary Waters from pollution, impairment, and destruction. Twin Metals sought to have our lawsuit dismissed.

Feds must revisit prospecting permits issued near Boundary Waters Wilderness

On May 10, we settled a lawsuit over 13 disputed federal prospecting permits, covering 22 square miles, that were unlawfully extended for Twin Metals and could have allowed the foreign mining conglomerate to significantly expand its proposed sulfide-ore copper mine at the edge of the Boundary Waters.

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.

In the news: Star Tribune: "Minnesota DNR must revisit hard rock mining rules, judge says" (May 12, 2021)
Our challenge to Minnesota’s current copper mining rules - which threaten the Boundary Waters - moved to the next crucial stage.

Rep. Betty McCollum’s Boundary Waters Bill gains cosponsors

Support is growing in Washington, D.C. to permanently protect the 234,000 acres within the Superior National Forest from toxic sulfide-ore copper mining pollution! Thank you to the 40 House Representatives who have already signed on as cosponsors of the bill (H.R. 2794). Make sure your Rep is one of them. 

First known person to run 110 miles through the Boundary Waters

On May 23, Alex Falconer, Director of Government Relations and trail runner, completed a continuous, 38-hour, 110-mile run through the Boundary Waters to highlight the threat of mining in the watershed.

Outside Safe Space stickers: coming soon to our shop

Minneapolis-resident Mikah Meyer visited all 419 U.S. National Park Service sites in a continuous journey, including Voyageurs National Park, which is at risk from proposed copper mining near the Boundary Waters. He uses his adventure advocacy platform to spread a welcoming message for LGBTQ+ people in the outdoors. Mikah recently launched Outside Safe Space: a welcoming symbol you can display or wear on your adventures, supporting an inclusive outdoor community. Show your support by getting Outside Safe Space stickers while also supporting the protection of the Boundary Waters. Coming soon to our shop.

Save the Date for our Ely Garden Party 

Join the Campaign for our annual Garden Party Fundraiser on July 31 at the South Kawishiwi River Campground Pavilion to raise critical funds to permanently protect the Boundary Waters. After a year of gathering on Zoom and via phone, we look forward to seeing you in person! Message [email protected] to learn more.

Concert at Environmental Learning Center on June 12

Dave Simonett of the musical bands Trampled by Turtles and Dead Man Winter has produced Echoes from Iron Ore, a collaborative, independent roots music album recorded in March 2021 in a small cabin at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Listen to it in person at their launch concert on June 12 at Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center! This musical weekend features live music, an option to camp overnight, and other family-friendly fun.

We want to hear from you

Please take a few minutes to fill out our survey - the intended purpose is to help us learn better how to communicate with you about the issue, so don’t worry if the questions are tricky - it's all for the purpose of protecting the Boundary Waters! Thanks - plus, if you fill out the survey you will be entered to win a Boundary Waters Swag package.

There’s a lot of information out there about the Boundary Waters and the fight to permanently protect it from sulfide-ore copper mining. Check out our latest posts below.

• Artists of the Boundary Waters

  There are many artists and makers that support the permanent protection of the Boundary Waters and want to be a part of making sure it is protected for the next generations.

• Fishing in the Boundary Waters
  There are many reasons why the BWCA is an incredibly unique place to fish. There are over 1,200 lakes to fish on, most of which are lightly fished. Read our recent blog and watch a webinar with our staff about tips and tricks to fishing in the Boundary Waters.

• Wilderness healing
  Did you know that spending time in the Wilderness and other outdoor spaces benefits both our mental and physical well-being? Read more about the healing powers of the outdoors.

• Support Northern Business Coalition Outfitters
  As you plan your trip to the Boundary Waters this year, choose Northern MN Boundary Waters Business Coalition members to help you plan and outfit your canoe trips!

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

If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe.