The US Forest Service is moving to recommend a 20-year mineral withdrawal on 225,378 acres of federal lands in the watershed of Voyageurs National Park and the BWCAW. This would stop future copper-sulfide mining operation in the Rainy River watershed, including Twin Metals.
The US Forest Service (USFS) today released a draft environmental assessment (EA) for a proposed 20-year ban on sulfide-ore copper mining, called a "mineral withdrawal," on 225,504 acres of federal lands and minerals within the Rainy River Watershed near the BWCAW. This mineral withdrawal was first proposed in 2016 before being canceled.
Voyageurs Conservancy is committed to ensuring that our National Park remains protected for its surrounding communities, park visitors and future generations. The effects of acid mine drainage from sulfide (copper-nickel) mining in our watershed leave the potential for permanent damage to Voyageurs National Park’s waters and wildlife.
In a recent Duluth News Tribune commentary, former US Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell, who recommended the 2016 withdrawal, called the withdrawal, "the most important," of the mineral withdrawals he oversaw during his tenure. In October of 2021 the Biden administration proposed a new mineral withdrawal for the watershed and the draft EA released today provides the scientific basis for that withdrawal to be completed.
A 20-year ban on sulfide-ore copper mining in the Rainy River watershed is rooted in peer-reviewed science, law, and established federal policy, and would protect the waters of Voyageurs National Park downstream, home to world-class fishing and water-based recreation,” said Christina Hausman Rhode, executive director of the Voyageurs Conservancy.
The release of the draft EA will be followed by a 30-day comment period. Following agency review of comments, the EA will be finalized and handed to the Bureau of Land Management, which will summarize and deliver it to the desk of Interior Secretary Deb Haaland for a decision.
Since 2016 there have been 397 days of public comment, 8 listening sessions, and over 500,000 written comments in favor of protecting the Boundary Waters region from the threat of copper mining.
In addition to providing the scientific basis for the 20-year mineral withdrawal, the maximum time allowed by administrative action, the EA provides the foundation for Rep. Betty McCollum's Boundary Waters Protection and Pollution Prevention Act, which would make the withdrawal permanent. According to the Star Tribune, U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar were waiting for the release of the study before committing to a Senate companion for Rep. McCollum's legislation.
In January, the Department of Interior terminated two federal mineral leases for Chilean mining conglomerate Antofagasta's Twin Metals project, after determining they had been unlawfully renewed. Antofagasta proposed a massive underground mine on the edge of the Boundary Waters along lakes and streams that flow directly into the Wilderness. Twin Metals and Antofagasta were widely criticized for providing misleading information during a hearing on Rep. McCollum's legislation last month.
Voyageurs National Park encompasses more than 84,000 acres of water. These waters are home to loons, snapping turtles and wood frogs, otters, and 53 species of fish, including lake sturgeon, walleye, and smallmouth bass. These native species rely on clean water to thrive. The 250,000 people who visit Voyageurs each year enjoy kayaking, swimming, boating, and world-class fishing. These visitors contribute more than $19 million to the local economy and support 301 jobs annually. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is the most heavily visited wilderness area in the United States, attracting more than 160,000 visitors from all over the world and is a major driver of the regional economy, supporting hundreds of businesses and thousands of jobs.
Nearly 70 percent of Minnesotans support permanent protection for the watershed.
Take action
Sign the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters’ petition to protect our waters here:
