Friends of the Boundary Waters
@bwca.bsky.social
Connecting people and protecting the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness since 1976.
Dan Cohen fell in love with the Boundary Waters on his first trip to Snowbank Lake in 1984. Over four decades he’s guided youth, shared family trips, led transformative wilderness adventures, and experienced unforgettable moments—like a cow and calf moose watching him on Tuscarora Portage.
January 20, 2026 at 12:30 AM
Dan Cohen fell in love with the Boundary Waters on his first trip to Snowbank Lake in 1984. Over four decades he’s guided youth, shared family trips, led transformative wilderness adventures, and experienced unforgettable moments—like a cow and calf moose watching him on Tuscarora Portage.
9 Ely students went dog sledding with White Wilderness Sled Dog Adventures—cold temps, big smiles, the dogs were good pals. Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources.
January 15, 2026 at 9:44 PM
9 Ely students went dog sledding with White Wilderness Sled Dog Adventures—cold temps, big smiles, the dogs were good pals. Funding for this project was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources.
Yesterday’s news → tonight’s action.
If you’re feeling fired up, this is where to channel it. Get grounded in what’s happening and learn how to make our voices count for clean water and public lands.
If you’re feeling fired up, this is where to channel it. Get grounded in what’s happening and learn how to make our voices count for clean water and public lands.
January 14, 2026 at 3:29 PM
Yesterday’s news → tonight’s action.
If you’re feeling fired up, this is where to channel it. Get grounded in what’s happening and learn how to make our voices count for clean water and public lands.
If you’re feeling fired up, this is where to channel it. Get grounded in what’s happening and learn how to make our voices count for clean water and public lands.
Congress is moving to strip protections from 225,000 acres near the BWCA.
MN Rep. Stauber introduced H.J. Res. 140, a giveaway to Chilean mining company Antofagasta that puts toxic mining next to our cleanest water.
We have 60 days. Contact Congress & vote NO: www.friends-bwca.org/get-involved...
MN Rep. Stauber introduced H.J. Res. 140, a giveaway to Chilean mining company Antofagasta that puts toxic mining next to our cleanest water.
We have 60 days. Contact Congress & vote NO: www.friends-bwca.org/get-involved...
January 13, 2026 at 3:48 PM
Congress is moving to strip protections from 225,000 acres near the BWCA.
MN Rep. Stauber introduced H.J. Res. 140, a giveaway to Chilean mining company Antofagasta that puts toxic mining next to our cleanest water.
We have 60 days. Contact Congress & vote NO: www.friends-bwca.org/get-involved...
MN Rep. Stauber introduced H.J. Res. 140, a giveaway to Chilean mining company Antofagasta that puts toxic mining next to our cleanest water.
We have 60 days. Contact Congress & vote NO: www.friends-bwca.org/get-involved...
BREAKING: Trump admin just started the process to strip protections from 225,000 acres near the Boundary Waters—exploiting a technicality to hand public land to foreign mining corps.
We've fought battles like this for 50 years. We've WON for 50 years.
They picked the wrong wilderness.
We've fought battles like this for 50 years. We've WON for 50 years.
They picked the wrong wilderness.
January 8, 2026 at 8:59 PM
BREAKING: Trump admin just started the process to strip protections from 225,000 acres near the Boundary Waters—exploiting a technicality to hand public land to foreign mining corps.
We've fought battles like this for 50 years. We've WON for 50 years.
They picked the wrong wilderness.
We've fought battles like this for 50 years. We've WON for 50 years.
They picked the wrong wilderness.
Meet Bob O'Hara. 67 consecutive summers in the BWCA. It began in 1959, 2 days after HS graduation, inspired by Sigurd Olson. Now 84, he has paddled tens of thousands of miles across the Canadian Arctic and still returns every year. His hope for the next 50 years? “That it is still a wilderness.”
January 5, 2026 at 11:17 PM
Meet Bob O'Hara. 67 consecutive summers in the BWCA. It began in 1959, 2 days after HS graduation, inspired by Sigurd Olson. Now 84, he has paddled tens of thousands of miles across the Canadian Arctic and still returns every year. His hope for the next 50 years? “That it is still a wilderness.”
New year, new ways to protect the BWCA! 🌲
The MN legislative session starts this month. Show up, speak up, and make your voice heard. Find an event near you: https://www.friends-bwca.org/get-involved/attend-an-event/
The MN legislative session starts this month. Show up, speak up, and make your voice heard. Find an event near you: https://www.friends-bwca.org/get-involved/attend-an-event/
January 2, 2026 at 3:01 PM
New year, new ways to protect the BWCA! 🌲
The MN legislative session starts this month. Show up, speak up, and make your voice heard. Find an event near you: https://www.friends-bwca.org/get-involved/attend-an-event/
The MN legislative session starts this month. Show up, speak up, and make your voice heard. Find an event near you: https://www.friends-bwca.org/get-involved/attend-an-event/
2026 resolution: paddle more, worry less. 😎🤗
Permits drop 1/28/26.
Plan your BWCA route with our expert resources.
Your next great trip starts here → https://www.friends-bwca.org/explore/plan-a-trip/
Canoe, camp, explore and help us keep mining out of these waters.
Permits drop 1/28/26.
Plan your BWCA route with our expert resources.
Your next great trip starts here → https://www.friends-bwca.org/explore/plan-a-trip/
Canoe, camp, explore and help us keep mining out of these waters.
January 1, 2026 at 2:04 PM
2026 resolution: paddle more, worry less. 😎🤗
Permits drop 1/28/26.
Plan your BWCA route with our expert resources.
Your next great trip starts here → https://www.friends-bwca.org/explore/plan-a-trip/
Canoe, camp, explore and help us keep mining out of these waters.
Permits drop 1/28/26.
Plan your BWCA route with our expert resources.
Your next great trip starts here → https://www.friends-bwca.org/explore/plan-a-trip/
Canoe, camp, explore and help us keep mining out of these waters.
This decision moves mining closer to the Boundary Waters. One of our country’s most treasured wild places is at risk. We can’t let this go unanswered. We need to stand up for these places now. Link in bio.
#BoundaryWaters #ProtectWildPlaces #MiningThreat #CleanWater
#BoundaryWaters #ProtectWildPlaces #MiningThreat #CleanWater
December 30, 2025 at 10:08 PM
This decision moves mining closer to the Boundary Waters. One of our country’s most treasured wild places is at risk. We can’t let this go unanswered. We need to stand up for these places now. Link in bio.
#BoundaryWaters #ProtectWildPlaces #MiningThreat #CleanWater
#BoundaryWaters #ProtectWildPlaces #MiningThreat #CleanWater
Minnesota DNR approved a Chilean mining company to drill at the Boundary Waters’ edge.
The Walz administration could have stopped it. They didn’t.
The Boundary Waters and our public lands deserve better.
Support the fight: www.friends-bwca.org/donate
#BoundaryWaters #ProtectPublicLands #NoMining
The Walz administration could have stopped it. They didn’t.
The Boundary Waters and our public lands deserve better.
Support the fight: www.friends-bwca.org/donate
#BoundaryWaters #ProtectPublicLands #NoMining
December 29, 2025 at 11:12 PM
Minnesota DNR approved a Chilean mining company to drill at the Boundary Waters’ edge.
The Walz administration could have stopped it. They didn’t.
The Boundary Waters and our public lands deserve better.
Support the fight: www.friends-bwca.org/donate
#BoundaryWaters #ProtectPublicLands #NoMining
The Walz administration could have stopped it. They didn’t.
The Boundary Waters and our public lands deserve better.
Support the fight: www.friends-bwca.org/donate
#BoundaryWaters #ProtectPublicLands #NoMining
This article offers broader context on public lands management in the U.S., including how national policies can affect protected places like the Boundary Waters. Worth a read.
🔗 https://steadystate.org/public-lands-sellout-under-trump/
🔗 https://steadystate.org/public-lands-sellout-under-trump/
December 29, 2025 at 1:44 PM
This article offers broader context on public lands management in the U.S., including how national policies can affect protected places like the Boundary Waters. Worth a read.
🔗 https://steadystate.org/public-lands-sellout-under-trump/
🔗 https://steadystate.org/public-lands-sellout-under-trump/
Wishing everyone a happy holiday! As the year wraps up, we’re reflecting on how thankful we are for this community. These five BWCA wins from 2025 belong to all of us. Thanks for being part of it.
Read the full list of wins: https://www.friends-bwca.org/blog/5-wins-for-the-boundary-waters-in-2025/
Read the full list of wins: https://www.friends-bwca.org/blog/5-wins-for-the-boundary-waters-in-2025/
December 25, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Wishing everyone a happy holiday! As the year wraps up, we’re reflecting on how thankful we are for this community. These five BWCA wins from 2025 belong to all of us. Thanks for being part of it.
Read the full list of wins: https://www.friends-bwca.org/blog/5-wins-for-the-boundary-waters-in-2025/
Read the full list of wins: https://www.friends-bwca.org/blog/5-wins-for-the-boundary-waters-in-2025/
✨ Boreal Stargazing Week is back! Feb 9–15, 2026—free winter adventures under Minnesota’s dark skies. Snowshoe, ski, stargaze, enjoy hands-on art, and K–12 virtual programs. Community events statewide. Full schedule in our link in bio.
December 23, 2025 at 2:25 PM
✨ Boreal Stargazing Week is back! Feb 9–15, 2026—free winter adventures under Minnesota’s dark skies. Snowshoe, ski, stargaze, enjoy hands-on art, and K–12 virtual programs. Community events statewide. Full schedule in our link in bio.
BWCA Trivia is at Dual Citizen Brewing Company! 🌲🍻 Join Dan Pauly, BWCA author, for a fun night of trivia. Free, no team needed, prizes for top three. Come for the trivia, stay for cozy vibes and great brews. RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/share/17cGX9226k/
December 21, 2025 at 3:00 PM
BWCA Trivia is at Dual Citizen Brewing Company! 🌲🍻 Join Dan Pauly, BWCA author, for a fun night of trivia. Free, no team needed, prizes for top three. Come for the trivia, stay for cozy vibes and great brews. RSVP: https://www.facebook.com/share/17cGX9226k/
We are looking for Seasonal Education and Outreach Facilitators in St. Paul, Ely, and Grand Marais, plus an Office Host in Ely for the summer season.
Applications are open through January 31.
Full details → www.friends-bwca.org/careers/
Applications are open through January 31.
Full details → www.friends-bwca.org/careers/
December 18, 2025 at 3:52 PM
We are looking for Seasonal Education and Outreach Facilitators in St. Paul, Ely, and Grand Marais, plus an Office Host in Ely for the summer season.
Applications are open through January 31.
Full details → www.friends-bwca.org/careers/
Applications are open through January 31.
Full details → www.friends-bwca.org/careers/
How do you paddle the Boundary Waters when you can’t see a thing? Kelly Carver has been doing it for decades, navigating lakes, trails, and campsites while legally blind. His story will change how you think about wilderness.
🎧 Listen to the full episode: https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast
🎧 Listen to the full episode: https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast
December 11, 2025 at 5:59 PM
How do you paddle the Boundary Waters when you can’t see a thing? Kelly Carver has been doing it for decades, navigating lakes, trails, and campsites while legally blind. His story will change how you think about wilderness.
🎧 Listen to the full episode: https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast
🎧 Listen to the full episode: https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast
The Ely Chamber of Commerce hosted a magical day at Grand Ely Lodge! 🎄 Kids visited Santa, tried crafts from local groups, and rolled their own cedar firestarters at our station. Over 160 little makers left with cozy creations for wood stoves or gifts for grandpa! 💝
December 8, 2025 at 4:41 PM
The Ely Chamber of Commerce hosted a magical day at Grand Ely Lodge! 🎄 Kids visited Santa, tried crafts from local groups, and rolled their own cedar firestarters at our station. Over 160 little makers left with cozy creations for wood stoves or gifts for grandpa! 💝
Twin Metals is back, trying to mine near the Boundary Waters. We beat them once, but they're relentless. With your support, we'll defend clean water, push for permanent protection, and keep the BWCA wild. Donate now and double your impact during Give to the Max.
www.givemn.org/bwcaw?referr...
www.givemn.org/bwcaw?referr...
November 20, 2025 at 4:29 PM
Twin Metals is back, trying to mine near the Boundary Waters. We beat them once, but they're relentless. With your support, we'll defend clean water, push for permanent protection, and keep the BWCA wild. Donate now and double your impact during Give to the Max.
www.givemn.org/bwcaw?referr...
www.givemn.org/bwcaw?referr...
New drilling plan alert: Twin Metals is pushing to explore near the Boundary Waters again. Their new drilling plan is moving fast, and so are we.
Your Give to the Max gift is matched.
Stand with us. Donate today → www.givemn.org/bwcaw?referr...
Your Give to the Max gift is matched.
Stand with us. Donate today → www.givemn.org/bwcaw?referr...
November 15, 2025 at 1:21 PM
New drilling plan alert: Twin Metals is pushing to explore near the Boundary Waters again. Their new drilling plan is moving fast, and so are we.
Your Give to the Max gift is matched.
Stand with us. Donate today → www.givemn.org/bwcaw?referr...
Your Give to the Max gift is matched.
Stand with us. Donate today → www.givemn.org/bwcaw?referr...
Early giving starts now! Every dollar you give through Give to the Max will be matched up to $300,000, helping stop toxic mining and protect clean water. Together, we can do it again!
Double your impact today ➜
www.givemn.org/bwcaw?referr...
Photo: Bridget Erickson
Double your impact today ➜
www.givemn.org/bwcaw?referr...
Photo: Bridget Erickson
November 1, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Early giving starts now! Every dollar you give through Give to the Max will be matched up to $300,000, helping stop toxic mining and protect clean water. Together, we can do it again!
Double your impact today ➜
www.givemn.org/bwcaw?referr...
Photo: Bridget Erickson
Double your impact today ➜
www.givemn.org/bwcaw?referr...
Photo: Bridget Erickson
Today we continue "Paddles & Pines: Boundary Waters Adventure!" 🛶🌲 In "Water as Habitat" we explore how species interconnect in this ecosystem with the Wolf & Bear Centers. All ages welcome! YouTube at noon CST ⬇️
www.youtube.com/@Expeditions...
Photo: David Culver
www.youtube.com/@Expeditions...
Photo: David Culver
September 26, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Today we continue "Paddles & Pines: Boundary Waters Adventure!" 🛶🌲 In "Water as Habitat" we explore how species interconnect in this ecosystem with the Wolf & Bear Centers. All ages welcome! YouTube at noon CST ⬇️
www.youtube.com/@Expeditions...
Photo: David Culver
www.youtube.com/@Expeditions...
Photo: David Culver
H.R. 4090 would make Trump's fast-track mining orders permanent law, threatening the Boundary Waters.
But what's this REALLY about?
Profits over Public Lands!
@repstansbury.bsky.social
Contact your reps NOW to oppose H.R. 4090.
www.friends-bwca.org/get-involved...
But what's this REALLY about?
Profits over Public Lands!
@repstansbury.bsky.social
Contact your reps NOW to oppose H.R. 4090.
www.friends-bwca.org/get-involved...
September 18, 2025 at 3:48 PM
H.R. 4090 would make Trump's fast-track mining orders permanent law, threatening the Boundary Waters.
But what's this REALLY about?
Profits over Public Lands!
@repstansbury.bsky.social
Contact your reps NOW to oppose H.R. 4090.
www.friends-bwca.org/get-involved...
But what's this REALLY about?
Profits over Public Lands!
@repstansbury.bsky.social
Contact your reps NOW to oppose H.R. 4090.
www.friends-bwca.org/get-involved...
Thanks for stopping by our tent today @athenahollins.bsky.social and for your work to protect the Boundary Waters!
August 21, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Thanks for stopping by our tent today @athenahollins.bsky.social and for your work to protect the Boundary Waters!
The Minnesota State Fair is upon us🎡
How are we celebrating?
Come by our tent between bites of fried foods and delights.
We have sporks, merch, and a tent giveaway!
Located near the Eco Experience, about 2 blocks from our previous spot! 👉
www.friends-bwca.org/event/minnes...
How are we celebrating?
Come by our tent between bites of fried foods and delights.
We have sporks, merch, and a tent giveaway!
Located near the Eco Experience, about 2 blocks from our previous spot! 👉
www.friends-bwca.org/event/minnes...
August 21, 2025 at 6:05 PM
The Minnesota State Fair is upon us🎡
How are we celebrating?
Come by our tent between bites of fried foods and delights.
We have sporks, merch, and a tent giveaway!
Located near the Eco Experience, about 2 blocks from our previous spot! 👉
www.friends-bwca.org/event/minnes...
How are we celebrating?
Come by our tent between bites of fried foods and delights.
We have sporks, merch, and a tent giveaway!
Located near the Eco Experience, about 2 blocks from our previous spot! 👉
www.friends-bwca.org/event/minnes...
What a celebration! Our No Boundaries program brought 150+ students to the Boundary Waters this summer. Honored incredible Buoy Award winners & gathered families for canoeing, portaging & s'mores. Here's to more boundary-breaking adventures ahead! 🛶✨
August 19, 2025 at 1:20 PM
What a celebration! Our No Boundaries program brought 150+ students to the Boundary Waters this summer. Honored incredible Buoy Award winners & gathered families for canoeing, portaging & s'mores. Here's to more boundary-breaking adventures ahead! 🛶✨