America's favorite wilderness
Each year, more than 155,000 visitors from around the globe come to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to hike, camp, canoe and fish. With 1.1 million acres of pristine waters and old growth forests, the region is home to countless fish and wildlife species and more than 2,000 lakes, 2,000 campsites, 1,200 miles of canoe routes, and nearly 2,000 miles of hiking trails. It is also central to the cultures and economies of several tribal nations who have long-standing treaty rights to harvest rice, fish, hunt, and gather there.
This unparalleled region is threatened by proposed sulfide-ore copper mining that would forever harm its waters, wildlife and neighboring communities. The Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and Pollution Prevention Act would permanently protect 234,328 acres of federal land within this watershed from mining interests and ensure that future generations can enjoy its unique beauty. This critical bill needs more support in Congress to ensure the protection of this iconic region. That's where you come in.
For several years, REI Co-op has advocated for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness by joining the Boundary Water Business Coalition and by supporting Save the Boundary Waters, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness and others. Add your voice to their collective efforts to protect this special wilderness.