- Sulfide-Ore Copper Mining can be Toxic to Watersheds
- Mineral Leases Have Been Granted, Industrial Proposals are Underway
- Ecosystems, Streams, Lakes, Forests, Fish, Wildlife and PEOPLE will be Threatened
- Conservation Group is ASKING FOR YOUR HELP
By Forrest Fisher
Did you know that the Boundary Waters Wilderness is America’s most-visited wilderness? It is, yet this pristine area of more than one million acres located in northeast Minnesota in under threat. While it includes a watershed of backwoods streams, lakes and lush forests, the watershed and habitat is under imminent, toxic threat of Sulfide-ore copper mining. Sulfide-ore copper mining has never before been permitted in this pristine Minnesota watershed, yet it appears that mining is imminent. Mineral leases have been granted. Industrial proposals are underway. Locals are asking for help, asking for others in the outdoor media and worldwide conservation media to let the public to know. Many say we need an immediate public outcry.
According to experts, the short science to understand is this: sulfide-ore copper mining threatens aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems of the South Kawishiwi River area, Mining Protection Area, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and other parts of the Superior National Forest including the Withdrawal Study Area, Voyageurs National Park and Boundary Water Region of Quetico Provincial Park.
Local protection and conservation groups are no longer local and have formed a nationwide coalition. “Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters” is a coalition of hunters and anglers joined by campers, hikers and conservationists from Minnesota communities and America, working together to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). The coalition was formed in 2015 to speak up and has grown to include major conservation, outdoors and sporting partners, all committed to the common goal of permanently protecting the habitat for fish and game, nature, and people, in the Boundary Waters Wilderness, and protecting the stable economies of the wilderness edge communities that reside nearby.
Opposition to copper mining partners include American Fly Fishing Trade Association AFTA, Backcountry Hunters and Anglers, International Federation of Fly Fishers – Upper Midwest Council, Izaak Walton League of America, Minnesota Conservation Federation, Minnesota Kayak Fishing Association, National Wildlife Federation, Orion – the Hunter’s Institution, Pope and Young Club and Wildlife Forever, American Sportfishing Association, Bear Trust International and others. Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters also has a growing list of business supporters, including the world’s largest fishing lure company, Rapala.
How can you help? Take Action Right Now.
Sulfide-ore mining on the edge of America’s most visited Wilderness threatens clean air and water, and the local economy of thousands of people. 
As hunters, anglers and conservationists, it seems common sense and vital to take a stand to oppose the practice of mining that can alter the future and change undisturbed nature so much. This is a national issue that requires congressional action. Let your elected officials know, wherever you live, that you oppose sulfide-ore mining near the Boundary Waters Wilderness. Get educated and spread the word. Let your friends and family know about the issue, then please follow us on social media.
Visit SportsmenfortheBoundaryWaters.org. How much support is there to oppose this mining action? Visit us Facebook to learn that and so much more, and know that we need you and all of your friends too. Please pass the word.