New office. New canoe. 🛶 Come see it (and the rest of our new space) at our open house on August 13! RSVP: https://www.friends-bwca.org/event/northwoods-social-open-house/
Friends of the Boundary Waters
@bwca.bsky.social
Connecting people and protecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness since 1976.
Want to better understand what’s happening with mining and the BWCA? A new episode of Ecocide breaks down the history behind H.J. Res. 140, the push to open the BWCA watershed to copper-nickel mining, and what comes next: https://ecocidepod.com/episodes/mining-in-the-boundary-waters-wilderness/
Mining in the Boundary Waters Wilderness | Episodes & Sources
About the Show | Ecocide Podcast
ecocidepod.com
Parts of the Boundary Waters have reopened! We hope more access returns soon. Support the communities that welcome visitors by joining our Community Bike Ride in Ely on Sept. 20. Learn more: https://www.friends-bwca.org/event/ely-bike-tour/
Today, PolyMet-NewRange notified the Minnesota DNR that it wants to change its proposed copper-sulfide mine — after spending two decades telling us the original plan was safe. 🧵
Celebrate another season of No Boundaries! Reconnect with alumni, meet our community, and learn more about the program that's helping young people connect with the outdoors. We hope to see you there! RSVP: https://www.friends-bwca.org/event/alumni2026/
We know there are a lot of questions regarding the wildfires affecting the BWCA. Please join us at noon today for a live conversation featuring Drew Stroberg, Acting Forest Supervisor, along with local outfitters and business owners. Register: www.friends-bwca.org/event/wildfi...
BWCA Wildfire Update & Ways to Help
Be part of the BWCA Wildfire Update webinar to understand the impacts of wildfires and how you can help local businesses.
friends-bwca.org
Multiple wildfires are burning across the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest. Join us for a live webinar with firsthand updates from those on the ground and expert insight into what's happening. Register: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_cLh7gopUQjqpmF6PM1qrfA
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is temporarily closed due to extreme weather and multiple wildfires burning in the Superior National Forest and BWCAW. Here's what you need to know. Thank you to everyone on the front lines!
Toxic sulfide mining threatens the BWCA but your gift can go twice as far. 💙 Thanks to the Johnson Ohana Foundation, donations are matched up to $2,500 through our partnership with Jack Johnson's 2026 Summer Tour. Double your impact: https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate-jack-johnson-match/
Summer is in full swing in Ely! ☀️ Thanks to everyone who joined us at recent community events. We love being out and about, connecting with our community, and celebrating the BWCA together. Next up is our 50th Anniversary Bike Tour on August 22. Learn more and sign up at the link in bio! 🚲
Our Climate and Conservation Manager, Sam Reed, joined WTIP to discuss climate impacts in the Boundary Waters, making research accessible, and how communities can prepare for a changing landscape. Listen: https://wtip.org/ecologist-encourages-action-hope-in-the-bwca-amid-climate-change/
Nature’s fireworks show 🌌 If you’re in the Boundary Waters this summer, take a peek at the night sky after the sun goes down… It’s one of the best places to see the Milky Way, meteor showers, and Northern Lights. 📸 Will Schultz • Ethan Allen • Mara Stewart • Mark Tade
You ever just think… I wish I was sitting on a rock in the Boundary Waters? Because we sure do. Thanks to Zak Rivers for this photo of the late Dan Cooke, legendary BWCA paddler and owner of Cooke Custom Sewing.
Attention birders: sound on 👀 Can you identify this bird call from the Boundary Waters (northern Minnesota)? Answer is in the clip 🔊
Students from Cook County Schools spent their final days of school in the BWCA through our “Boundary Waters Is Our Backyard” program. Hear more about the program and trip here: https://wtip.org/bwca-program-gives-cook-county-students-hands-on-outdoor-experience/ Thanks to WTIP for the conversation!
BWCA program gives Cook County students hands-on outdoor experience | WTIP
Eighth-grade and high school students from Cook County Schools spent their final two days of the school year outside the classroom and in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The program, called “Boundary Waters Is Our Backyard,” is part of the Friends of the Boundary Waters education program. Before the trip, Friends of the Boundary...
wtip.org
This view was worth the portage. Beth Lake, Boundary Waters
Views from the canoe in the Boundary Waters. Which one are you picking? #bwca #canoe #minnesotawilderness #canoetrips #publiclands #boundarywaters
Stunning moments from Danielle Armbruster BWCA views never disappoint!
If your nervous system also improved dramatically this weekend, you get it. 👏 The Boundary Waters is one of the last truly quiet places in America. And right now, it’s facing renewed political attacks from people trying to push mining near the wilderness. We’re not backing down!
The 2027 House spending bill includes two mineral leases for Twin Metals near the BWCA. It bypasses environmental review, public input, and judicial review. Tell Gov Walz to cancel a Twin Metals state mineral lease. https://www.friends-bwca.org/tell-mn-dnr-to-cancel-twin-metals-mineral-lease/
Colors of canoe country. Which is your favorite? These are the places we work to keep clean, wild, and connected.
Today at noon! Learn about Search and Rescue operations in Northeastern Minnesota, and hear firsthand what it takes to bring someone home safe. REGISTER--> www.friends-bwca.org/event/lunch-...
Lunch With Friends - Search and Rescue in the BWCA - friends-bwca.org
Learn about Search and Rescue operations in Northeastern Minnesota, and hear firsthand what it takes to bring someone home safe.
friends-bwca.org
UPDATE: Minnesota lawmakers voted last night to cut funding for our No Boundaries to the Boundary Waters program, which connects thousands of students to the wilderness each year. We are devastated by this decision, but we are not backing down. Thank you for standing with us.
MN lawmakers could cut funding that sends underserved kids into the BWCA. This impacts our program in the final Trust Fund bill. Thousands of students go each year. We need your voices. Tell your Legislator to support sending kids to the BWCA! https://secure.everyaction.com/J5FdAsZeoUikpqEOe__UgA2
“To those who have known the wilderness, there can be no other place like it.” — Sigurd F. Olson 📸 Dom Ricci
50 years. Still wild. Still fighting. Thank you for being part of this movement. Here's to 50 more. #BoundaryWaters #KeepItWild #BWCA #50Years #BoundaryWaters #KeepItWild #BWCA #50Years
We must protect the Boundary Waters pristine wilderness for generations to come. 💙🛶🌲 Help fuel the fight! https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/
Drilling plans are underway after HJR 140 removed BWCA protections. Encampment Minerals Inc. filed for exploratory drilling—an early step in copper-sulfide mining. Help us fight for permanent protection! Donations matched up to $300k for legal, organizing, and advocacy. www.friends-bwca.org/donate/
