FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 16, 2026
Contact:
media@backcountryhunters.org
Congress Undoes Boundary Waters Protections Despite Nationwide Public Opposition
A total of 43,864 messages urging a “no” vote sent to Congress through Backcountry Hunters & Anglers’ Action Center
MISSOULA, Mont.—Lawmakers voted today to overturn a 20-year mining moratorium protecting the watershed upstream of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, opening the door to sulfide-ore copper mining in one of the most ecologically sensitive and economically vital landscapes in the United States.
Despite growing national opposition from a broad coalition of advocates—including Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA), which activated its grassroots network across all 50 states—H.J. Res. 140 passed with a 50–49 vote.
The resolution drew criticism early for its unprecedented use of the Congressional Review Act (CRA)—a move the conservation community warns could weaken long-standing safeguards for public lands and waters nationwide.
“The Congressional Review Act was never intended to bypass public input, sound science, and long-term stewardship decisions,” said Ryan Callaghan, President and CEO of BHA. “Using it this way sets a dangerous precedent that puts other public lands and waters at risk across the country. While this is a disappointing outcome, plain and simple, this fight is not over. And neither is our commitment to the Boundary Waters or to the millions of Americans who value clean water, public access, and wild places.”
A Broad, Bipartisan Effort
BHA acknowledged and thanked the bipartisan group of lawmakers who opposed H.J. Res. 140 and stood up for the Boundary Waters, including those who broke ranks to defend the long-term interests of public lands and waters.
BHA also recognized the leadership of Martin Heinrich and Tina Smith, as well as the sustained advocacy of partners like Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters, Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, National Wildlife Federation, Trout Unlimited and a broad coalition of conservation organizations, outdoor businesses, and local stakeholders.
“This was never a partisan issue,” Callaghan said. “It was about providing the biggest benefit to the many, not the few. About whether we’re willing to gamble with one of our most treasured landscapes for short-term gain—another point widely accepted by both sides of the aisle. And while this ‘yay’ vote supports short term gain over long term renewable and sustainable economies, the public land community showed up. We made it clear that the Boundary Waters is too special to risk and lawmakers heard that message, even if not enough acted on it.”
Grassroots Momentum
In total, BHA mobilized a significant grassroots response in the lead-up to the vote, activating its nationwide network of hunters, anglers, and public land advocates to speak up on this issue. Most notably, in 2026 alone, BHA generated:
While today’s vote marks a setback, BHA emphasized that the level of engagement and awareness generated around the issue represents meaningful long-term progress.
“We haven’t just held the line, we’ve moved it,” Callaghan said. “It would’ve been easy to assume this thing was decided before it even started. Many told us not to even try. But that’s not who we are. You don’t find hope sitting on the sidelines, you find it by showing up. That notion is the core of every hunter and angler; we don’t accept foregone conclusions. And people across this country did just that. Because of our efforts, more folks are paying attention, and more lawmakers are being forced to acknowledge that public lands are not a minor part of the American consciousness.”
Backcountry Hunters & Anglers seeks to ensure North America’s outdoor heritage of hunting and fishing in a natural setting through education and work on behalf of wild public lands, waters, and wildlife. To learn more about issues important to BHA’s membership, visit https://www.backcountryhunters.org/get-involved/issues.
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