Your Wilderness
Your Moment

Celebrating 50 Years

In 1976, a group of ordinary people came together to create a grassroots movement that would pass the landmark legislation that made the Boundary Waters the protected wilderness it is today. Since then we’ve brought people together to stop toxic mining projects and defended these waters in courtrooms across the nation.

Now, the Trump administration and foreign mining conglomerates threaten this national treasure. But 50 years of victories have prepared us for this fight. With your support, we will protect the wilderness for another 50 years.

Stop Toxic Mining near the Boundary Waters

Two proposed copper-sulfide mines — NewRange-PolyMet and Twin Metals — risk contaminating some of the cleanest water on earth and permanently polluting the BWCA. If these mines open, they would produce acid mine drainage and cause irreparable harm to our beloved wilderness. Learn more about how we are beating back these toxic mines and how you can join a movement.

Plan Your Boundary
Waters Adventure

From a searchable route library with BWCA maps to information on permits, we have the resources you need to explore the Boundary Waters. With more than 1,100 lakes, 1,200 miles of canoe routes, a dozen rugged hiking trails and over 1.1 million acres, the BWCA offers endless opportunities for adventure.

Thriving Communities

The future of the BWCA is deeply tied to the economic prosperity and wellbeing of the communities that surround the Boundary Waters. We work with local businesses, organizations, and individuals on projects that build thriving communities to ensure people have a stable and viable livelihood.

Wilderness education that promotes equity in the wild

Young people who grow up in our hyper-connected, digital world need the wilderness more than ever. Through our No Boundaries to the Boundary Waters program, we introduce students from diverse backgrounds and underserved communities to the splendors of the wilderness, both in the classroom and through week-long trips into the BWCA.