Minnesota Chapter of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers' Position Statement on Protecting the Boundary Waters Watershed
As the voice for wild public lands, waters, and wildlife, the Minnesota Chapter of Backcountry Hunters and Anglers is dedicated to conserving North America's wild places and ensuring access for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation. Since the formation of our chapter in 2010, Minnesota BHA has successfully fought for the 20-year protection of the Boundary Waters watershed and we will continue to fight for permanent protections through Congress. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is the most visited wilderness area in the United States and is known for its pristine lakes, streams, and forests that are critical to local and migratory wildlife populations. It is not only an iconic destination for outdoor enthusiasts but also a vital part of the natural heritage of our country. It is a place where clean water, wildlife, and the wilderness experience remain largely undisturbed, offering a haven for anglers, hunters, and adventurers alike.
The BWCAW watershed is a delicate and interconnected hydrological system, crucial to the health of countless species of fish, wildlife, and plant life. We recognize the importance of mining to Northern Minnesota and traditional iron-ore and taconite mining continue to be done in a responsible manner throughout Northern Minnesota. Proposed mining activities—specifically those related to sulfide-ore copper mining—pose an immediate and severe threat to this ecosystem. The long-term risks associated with this type of mining in this area, such as acid mine drainage and contamination of surrounding water sources, would result in irreversible damage to the wilderness, the wildlife that calls it home, and the outdoor recreationists who depend on its pristine waters. We vehemently oppose any legislation that advances dangerous mining activities within the BWCAW watershed, threatening its remarkable fish and wildlife habitat, and we strongly oppose any review of the administrative protections currently in place.
As hunters, anglers, and conservationists, we understand the importance of protecting wild places for future generations. The Boundary Waters must remain a place where wildlife thrives, where outdoor enthusiasts can pursue their passions, and where future generations can experience the natural world in its most pristine form. We stand united with other conservation organizations, local residents, and outdoor enthusiasts in urging Congress to enact permanent protections for this irreplaceable watershed and to reject shortsighted attempts to streamline sulfide-ore mining.
Take action here to support protections that will ensure a healthy future for the Boundary Waters.
About Minnesota BHA Chapter
Minnesota BHA seeks to ensure our North American heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting on wild, public lands and waters through education, advocacy, and boots on the ground work.