Keep Study to Protect Boundary Waters Strong

The U.S. Forest Service announced plans to significantly downgrade its study on risks posed by sulfide-ore copper mining to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The agency is downgrading the promised Environmental Impact Statement to a less rigorous Environment Assessment.

We are working hard to gain permanent protection for the Boundary Waters. So we need your help in asking the U.S. Forest Service to prepare a full comprehensive study that examines the disastrous impacts of mining on the edge of America’s most visited wilderness.

A foreign mining company is looking to open permits for a $3 billion sulfide-ore copper-nickel mine along the edge of the Boundary Waters. And sulfide-ore copper mining is one of the most toxic industries in America. The toxic pollution from these mines would flow right into the Boundary Waters and pollute the pristine wilderness for generations.  

This prestine watershed should be off limits to this dangerous and toxic type of mining.

Because this area is too important to be put at risk, your action is needed now more than ever. The smell of pine coats the air, the call of the loon rings from across the clean pristine water. Every part of this northern wilderness region should have full protection. In the words of the environmentalist and Boundary Waters advocate Sigurd Olson: “Joys come from simple and natural things: mists over meadows, sunlight on leaves, the path of the moon over water.”

Your comment is needed by February 26th to protect this special space, and there is no time to waste. Help us protect the lakes, forests and wildlife of Boundary Waters by signing here to tell the U.S. Forest Service to take all actions to protect this beautiful area.

Also, please encourage your friends and family to do the sing the petition. And stay tuned for more ways to protect the special places we love.