Right now, the Boundary Waters is facing one of its most serious conservation threats in decades as efforts are underway to reverse a longstanding federal mining ban and open up lands in the Superior National Forest to copper-nickel sulfide mining. In January 2026, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to overturn a 20-year moratorium that had protected the headwaters flowing into the Boundary Waters from sulfide-ore mining—now headed to the Senate and potentially the President’s desk.

Proponents argue mining would supply critical minerals like copper, nickel, and cobalt and create jobs, but environmental groups like Save the Boundary Waters warn that sulfide mining has a long track record of acid mine drainage and heavy-metal pollution that could irreversibly contaminate the region’s pristine lakes, rivers, and groundwater, devastating wildlife, recreation, and local economies built on clean water and wilderness tourism.

In this episode, I speak with Ingrid Lyons, Executive Director of Save the Boundary Waters, about the historical, ecological, and economic significance of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota. We explore the history of the Boundary Waters, the ecosystem and wildlife, the importance of outdoor recreation to the regional economy, and the ongoing battle against proposed copper mining operations. She shares insights into the impact of potential mining on this incredible ecosystem and the broader implications for public lands nationwide.

https://www.savetheboundarywaters.org/call-senate-now

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02:10 Current Threats to the Boundary Waters

05:04 History and Significance of the Boundary Waters

08:04 Ingrid’s Personal Connection to the Boundary Waters

13:35 Unique Features and Wildlife of the Boundary Waters

19:34 The Mining Threat: History and Impact

26:40 Economic Importance of the Boundary Waters

29:22 Economic Impact of Proposed Mining Project

30:53 History and Legal Background of Mining Claims

31:18 Mineral Withdrawal Process and Challenges

36:05 Congressional Actions and Implications

41:21 Potential Consequences and Public Response

49:57 Final Thoughts and Call to Action

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