Threats to the Boundary Waters – August 2025 Update
Once again, the Boundary Waters is at a turning point.
⚠️ RECENT UPDATE: A dangerous legal shift
In late July, the Department of the Interior issued a legal memo that does not reissue Twin Metals’ expired leases—but signals an attempt by the Administration to lay the legal groundwork to do exactly that.
Current Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Interior Department Kate MacGregor revoked the standing 2022 formal legal interpretation (called an M-Opinion) and reinstated a flawed legal decision from 2017 that argued that Twin Metals Minnesota had the right to a third renewal of their expired mineral leases in the headwaters of the Boundary Waters, and, that the Bureau of Land Management did not have the discretion to deny that renewal application, which they did in 2016.
No leases have been granted yet, but the threats are mounting.
In June, We celebrated a major win: a dangerous provision buried in the federal Reconciliation Bill was removed—one that would have handed mining leases to a foreign-owned company. But we didn’t get to celebrate for long. The very next day, the Trump administration callously announced plans, via a tweet, to overturn the 20-year mining ban that protects 225,000 acres in the Boundary Waters watershed. This rollback would gut hard-won protections for America’s most-visited Wilderness.
Right now, there is a dangerous and coordinated effort to open the Boundary Waters to toxic sulfide-ore copper mining in its headwaters—handing over America’s public lands to a foreign mining giant. All while 70% of Minnesotans—Democrats, Republicans, and Independents alike—support permanent protection for the Boundary Waters.
More updates from 2025 :
⚠️ The administration’s attempt to unravel the 20-Year mining ban
Despite the tweet’s claim of “extensive public input,” no new public comments or meetings have been held. In fact, the most recent public comment period in 2023 generated 675,000 comments supporting the mining ban. Polling shows that 70% of Minnesotans want the Boundary Waters permanently protected.
As a reminder, the 20-year mining ban was the most protective measure granted for the Boundary Waters in 45 years. It was based on:
- A multi-year environmental review by the U.S. Forest Service
- Over 675,000 public comments
- Clear scientific evidence showing mining here risks irreparable harm to the Wilderness
Despite this overwhelming record, the Trump administration has chosen to side with a foreign mining company—over science, over public input, and over the will of the American people.
2025 Federal/Congressional Update
This spring brought both celebration and alarm in the fight to protect the Boundary Waters. Thanks to intense advocacy from Wilderness defenders across the country, we removed Section 80131 from the federal Reconciliation Bill—a dangerous provision that would have:
- Opened the door to sulfide-ore copper mining in the Boundary Waters watershed
- Stripped federal protections
- Handed irrevocable mineral leases to foreign mining giant Antofagasta
- Eliminated any opportunity for public challenge or judicial review
A major victory—but it didn’t last long.
2025 State Legislative Update
From January through May, our team was on the ground at the State Capitol in St. Paul nearly every day—fighting for strong bills, defending the Boundary Waters, and ensuring that state leaders stand up for the environmental regulations that protect this place.
That’s why we continue to advocate for long-term, lasting protections that preserve the Boundary Waters for future generations. Despite an unpredictable session, we won important victories and stopped several harmful bills in their tracks.
Read the full recap by Amanda Hefner →
“Minnesota Takes Action for the Boundary Waters” – Event Series
We held two successful events in Rochester and Mankato as part of our Minnesota Takes Action for the Boundary Waters series—a statewide effort to bring together everyone who loves the Wilderness.
Thank you to everyone who joined us! More events are on the way. Come hear the latest updates from our team, including Executive Director Ingrid Lyons, and learn how you can take immediate action. Meet fellow outdoor enthusiasts, engage in hands-on advocacy, and grab some free merchandise and stickers.
What YOU can do right now:
Take Action – Tell your lawmakers to stand strong for the Boundary Waters
Donate – Help fund the legal, legislative, and grassroots work ahead
Volunteer & Share – Join our community and spread the word
Questions? Email us anytime at info@savetheboundarywaters.org
This fight is far from over—but we’re not backing down.
Together, we can protect the Boundary Waters. Permanently.
Summer Events
