General Minnesota Canoe Association Statement on Proposed Mining Near the Boundary Waters

The Minnesota Canoe Association exists to support, promote, and protect canoeing and the waters that make it possible. Few places represent the heart of canoeing more than the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

For generations, paddlers have traveled these lakes and rivers seeking adventure, solitude, and connection to the natural world. The Boundary Waters is not only one of Minnesota’s greatest treasures, but one of the most important canoe wilderness areas on Earth.

The MCA believes that protecting the long-term health and integrity of the Boundary Waters watershed is essential. The interconnected nature of its lakes and rivers means that impacts in one area can affect the entire system for decades to come.

This landscape has shaped the lives of countless paddlers in our community. It is where many people take their first wilderness trip, develop lifelong skills, and build a lasting appreciation for wild places.

We encourage our members and the broader paddling community to stay informed, engage respectfully, and support the protection of the waters and wilderness that define canoeing in Minnesota.

The Minnesota Canoe Association remains committed to preserving the future of canoeing and the natural places that make it possible.