THE BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA WILDERNESS is a federally protected area that comprises 1.1 million acres of roadless land and water spanning northern Minnesota. America’s most visited wilderness area, the BWCAW is beloved by many as an annual canoe pilgrimage and is a critical habitat for several endangered and threatened species.

ON DECEMBER 22, 2017, a critical decision was made by the Trump administration that puts the BWCAW region and watershed under an urgent threat. The U.S. Department of the Interior is reinstating two expired mineral leases first issued in 1966 that could allow Antofagasta, a Chilean mining company (and subsidiary, Twin Metals) to build a copper-nickel mine adjacent to the Boundary Waters and upstream from Voyageurs National Park. Sulfide-ore copper mines require a toxic mining practice that has never before been allowed in Minnesota. Supporters of the mine say it will create 650 jobs; however, it will also endanger 4,490 jobs in local tourism that depend on a clean Boundary Waters, including the Freeman’s work as dogsled and canoe guides. Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness plans to sue to challenge the decision.