Senate Votes to Remove Safeguards for Wildlife, Water in Boundary Waters Area

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate's vote to remove protections from the area surrounding the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness risks polluting the headwaters of the Rainy River Watershed, threatening wildlife, drinking water, and a robust outdoor recreation economy.

"America's Boundary Waters are a national treasure that support vital habitat for moose, bears, otters, lynx, walleye, pike, and countless bird and aquatic species," said Collin O'Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. It simply defies logic to support a foreign mining operation in the headwaters of the Boundary Waters that places America's wildlife, clean water, and outdoor recreation jobs at risk. This is why an overwhelming majority of Minnesotans, local small business owners, and millions of hunters, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts vehemently oppose this specific project. It's simply the wrong mine in the wrong place."

"With the passage of HJ 140, the U.S. Senate has opened the door for copper sulfide mining to take place in the watershed of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, putting at risk the health of the landscape itself," said Brad Gausman, executive director of the Minnesota Wildlife Federation. "Utilizing the Congressional Review Act as a strategy to realize the desired ends of some individuals sets a precedent that could alter the management of other public lands across the country. The Minnesota Wildlife Federation will continue to work to help conserve our state's natural resources alongside our members and partner organizations."