Save the Boundary Waters

Banner Image credit: Jim Brandenburg

The watershed of the Boundary Waters remains threatened by toxic sulfide-ore copper mining.

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The Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters is leading the effort to permanently protect the Boundary Waters from the threat of toxic sulfide-ore copper mining. 

Over the past ten years, the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters built a movement that brought Minnesota's sulfide-ore copper mining threat, considered the most toxic industry by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), into the national spotlight.

Because of supporters like you, this year we achieved the most significant conservation measure to be implemented for the Boundary Waters in 45 years: a 20-year mining ban on federal lands within the watershed of the Boundary Waters. 

Unfortunately, this doesn't protect the entire watershed from foreign mining interests - it only covers federal lands. State land is at imminent risk. Franconia Minerals, a wholly owned subsidiary of Twin Metals Minnesota, was just granted approval for exploratory drilling near Birch Lake to promote a mine UNDER Birch Lake - a beloved lake that flows into the Wilderness. 

This proposal means that by next paddling season, noises of drilling, blasting, machinery, heavy traffic, and more will drown out the natural sounds of our Northwoods - eviscerating the quiet solitude that makes the Boundary Waters America's most visited Wilderness area.

Image credit: Jeff Anderson

Our work is not done until the Boundary Waters is protected forever.

With your support, Save the Boundary Waters will:

1. ADVOCATE FOR STATE LEGISLATION that bans copper mining on state lands in the headwaters of the Boundary Waters.  

2. DELIVER EXPERT SCIENTIFIC EVIDENCE that clearly shows copper mining in the watershed of the Boundary Waters is irresponsible and would seriously harm a priceless Wilderness. 

3. BE THE VOICE OF THE BOUNDARY WATERS IN WASHINGTON D.C. by working with our nation's capital to make Secretary Haaland's 20-year ban on copper mining on federal lands in the watershed permanent through legislation. 

Image credit: Katie Mumm

Our work is not done until the Boundary Waters is protected for future generations forever. Together, we can save this irreplaceable Wilderness.

Every donation and every voice, no matter how big or small, brings us one step closer to permanent protection. Join us and together we can save the Boundary Waters.