Worried for the Wilderness

What follows here is but one more example of the disaster we refer to as the Trump administration.

For those of you who may not know, there is a bit of heaven in the "arrowhead" of northeast Minnesota. It is called the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and is a place wholly within the Superior National Forest and that shares an international border with Canada's Quetico Provincial Park. A myriad of lakes and forests, the BWCAW has been protected as a national Wilderness Area since 1964. Today, this precious place that means so much to me is seriously threatened because of the greed, ignorance, and disregard of the Trump administration and international business interests.

What is happening? A Chilean copper-mining giant, Antofagasta, is on the verge of being allowed to open toxic sulfide-ore copper mining operations on the edge of the BWCAW. These operations would be in the wilderness's headwaters and threaten to pollute the BWCAW for hundreds/thousands of years and damage it forever. In spite of claims to the contrary, Antofagasta does not have a sterling reputation when it comes to mitigating the impacts of its mining operations. Neither does the company treat well its employees or show honest concern for the environment. See here for more.

The Obama and prior administrations insured that the BWCAW would be preserved. However, the Trump administration has decided to cancel scientific studies that would inform decisions about the proposed mining operation and has decided to allow renewal of leases for mining. Is it at all surprising that Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have a real estate relationship with the Antofagasta CEO? (He rents them their home in Washington, DC.) Why is it that all of this "America first" rhetoric also allows for special interests outside the U.S.?

I understand that for some in northern Minnesota, a mining operation means jobs, but it is important to remember that jobs related to tourism are surely as important as jobs related to mining. The predominant opinion of Minnesotans is that this precious resource must be protected. None other than Minnestoan Walter Mondale has written an opinion piece that you can find here. Nationally, those who care about our national parks, monuments, and other protected areas are also very concerned. A recent New York Times op-ed in that regard can be found here as well as this one in the Washington Post.

Why does all of this matter to me? Since 1973, I have enjoyed trips into the BWCAW something like 30 or more times. I fell in love with its beauty and primitive nature. Moreover, I experienced a peacefulness of spirit there unlike anything I've ever felt or sensed anywhere else in the world. Add to that the many special interpersonal and shared experiences I had there with friends and family.

One enjoys this primitive area by carrying in all food, camping equipment, and transportation needed for the duration of a trip.

Kathie and I and Josey had a very special trip there some years ago with Mike and Jessica.

Many years ago, friend David and I took our boys there for a week-long trip.

During the 1980s, I guided student groups through the BWCAW at the end of each university spring semester.

Ancient native art can be found in a few places in this wilderness.

I had always wished I could work for one of the BWCAW outfitters, especially Sawbill Canoe Outfitters (SCO) near Tofte, MN. Will, in fact, achieved my dream, and in the course of the several years he worked there met Sandy, who was also employed by SCO. Years later, they were married at the edge of the wilderness they love so much. They still spend significant numbers of days each year in that area and now own property nearby.

The saddest thing is that unless something is done, this last of a few untouched places on the planet may be ruined forever. Like so many of the decisions (or lack of decisions) that the Trump administration (including Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and EPA Chief Scott Pruitt) is making, these things can not be undone once the damage occurs.

If you care at all about our environment and our natural resources, I urge you to support efforts to stop this potential damage and to inform your elected representatives about your concern. A good place to start is with the Save the Boundary Waters organization. Click here for more information.