Big News for the Boundary Waters
On Thursday, December 15, 2016, federal agencies announced that Twin Metals mineral leases were denied and that an environmental review of the Boundary Waters watershed would commence. The Bureau of Land Management stated in its release, "Citing broad concerns from thousands of public comments and input about potential impacts of mining on the wilderness area’s watershed, fish and wildlife, and the nearly $45 million recreation economy, the agencies today took actions that denied an application for renewal of two hard rock mineral leases in the area, as well as initiated steps to withdraw key portions of the watershed from new mineral permits and leases.”
We're proud of our work, which led to these two decisions. But it couldn't happen without the help of all of our dedicated supporters and our amazing group of partners and the partners of Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters. Read our statement below then read on to hear from our partners, who support these critical steps in our effort to gain permanent protection for the Boundary Waters. Keep in mind, there's more work to be done. Stay tuned for an announcement of a 90-day comment period to determine whether the watershed of the BWCA is the wrong place for sulfide-ore copper mining and should be removed from the federal mining program altogether. And act now to urge Minnesota's senators to support permanent protection for this watershed.
“The Boundary Waters is a special place for Minnesotans who love hunting, fishing and recreation and who depend on thousands of jobs sustained by America’s most-popular wilderness. Science has clearly shown that copper mining would inflict devastating harm on this priceless wilderness. Today’s decision reflects strong support from a majority of Minnesotans who want to prioritize the wide-ranging value our communities gain from a healthy Boundary Waters, rather than open an industrial mining zone less than a mile from the wilderness edge. It’s a strong first step, but there is still a lot of work to do to ensure we can protect the BWCA for future generations. Our coalition keeps growing as sportsmen, veterans, businesses and other interests sign on to support our efforts.”
— Becky Rom, National Chair of the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters.
From Our Partners
“American Rivers named the Boundary Waters among America’s Most Endangered Rivers in 2013 because of the threat this mine posed to clean water and one of our nation’s natural treasures. Today’s announcement is a great victory for all of our partners and the tens of thousands of people across the country who took action to safeguard this special place. We applaud the Obama Administration for acting to protect the Boundary Waters and its pristine rivers, abundant fish and wildlife and world-class recreation opportunities for future generations.”
— Bob Irvin, President of American Rivers
"[The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness] has been a favorite destination for millions of Americans who marvel at its unique waterways and forests and is a vital component of Minnesota’s economy. For these reasons, the Boundary Waters must be protected for all time, and this decision by the Forest Service is a critical first step towards that goal.”
— Jamie Williams, President, The Wilderness Society
“The Boundary Waters are one of the nation’s most iconic landscapes. To even consider defiling this pristine watershed is ludicrous. We thank the Obama administration for taking bold action in support of the Boundary Waters, and we look forward to working with the Trump administration to conserve this irreplaceable region in perpetuity.”
— Land Tawney, President & CEO of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers
“The Obama administration has rightly recognized that toxic sulfide ore mining poses grave risks for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, America’s most-visited national wilderness. Today’s decision brings a welcome reprieve for the Boundary Waters’ 1,000 pristine lakes and streams, and validates the voices of thousands who have asked that its waters be protected from this threat. The tremendous public opposition to these mines demonstrates the incredible connection that Minnesotans and people from all over the country feel with this place and the deep-rooted desire to see it protected, not just today but into the future. We applaud this significant step forward and will continue to fight for permanent protection of the Boundary Waters.”
— Margaret Levin, State Director of Sierra Club’s North Star Chapter
“This is a tremendous victory for people, communities, and wildlife. We applaud Interior Secretary Jewell and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack for standing up for Minnesota’s fish and wildlife, jobs, and outdoor way of life and rejecting this risky mine. Some places are just too special to risk—and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is one of those places. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is one of the premier fishing destinations in the world. It offers over 1 million acres of wilderness, well over 1,000 lakes for fishing, canoeing, camping, hunting, and other activities, and northern pike, walleye, and possibly the best natural small mouth bass fishery in the country. The communities of northeastern Minnesota are dependent on clean water and the fishing and recreation that depend on it. Putting a stop to this risky mine will help ensure that this incredible wildlife haven can be enjoyed by people now and for generations to come.”
— Jason Dinsmore, regional representative for the National Wildlife Federation’s Great Lakes office
"As someone who has enjoyed fishing this area with my son, I was pleased to hear that recognized the significance of the area. Companies like Rapala rely on clean water and healthy fisheries to support world class fishing opportunities.”
— Gregg Wollner, Executive Vice President for Twin Cities-based fishing tackle maker Rapala & former Chairman of the Board for the American Sportfishing Association
“Our national parks are important to our economy and to who we are as a nation, and we must do all we can to protect them. Voyageurs National Park is one such place and that is why the decision to halt this mining operation is so critical. Pollution from this mine would have flowed downstream towards Voyageurs, threatening the park’s prized fishing and wildlife, water quality and the visitor experience. With contaminants like mercury already impairing park waters and requiring fish advisories, we cannot allow this type of mining to take place within the watershed. Today’s decision recognizes the need for us to take steps to permanently protect these important places, today and well into the future.”
— Theresa Pierno, President & CEO for National Parks Conservation Association
“These actions happened because tens of thousands of people spoke up against locating a sulfide mine on the edge of America’s most popular wilderness area. We thank the U.S. Forest Service for listening to their concerns and making a decision that protects the Boundary Waters from Twin Metals’ dangerous proposal. Now it’s critical that everybody who cares for the Boundary Waters join us and show the federal government how many people support permanently protecting the Boundary Waters from sulfide mining pollution.”
— Paul Danicic, Executive Director, Friends of the BWCAW
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