The Law and the Boundary Waters is an all-day CLE and legal seminar to be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the University of St. Thomas School of Law in Minneapolis. This event will cover past, current, and future issues that have impacted — and have the potential to impact — the Boundary Waters.

Schedule

Morning Sessions: History & Foundations

• An overview of the early factual, legislative, and legal issues surrounding the BWCA
• The formation of Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness in 1976
• The passage of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act of 1978
• Early efforts to ensure the Forest Service adhered to and enforced the Act

Morning Sessions: The Mining Threat

• The current existential threat to the BWCA — copper-nickel sulfide mining
• A historical and prospective overview of Twin Metals and PolyMet litigation

Lunch Hour: Theology of Ecology

• A moderated multifaith panel featuring leaders from the Jewish, Native, Christian, and Islamic faiths discussing their perspectives on the theology of ecology

Afternoon Sessions: Current & Future Issues

• Motorboat and towboat use in the Boundary Waters
• Native Nations and the 1854 Treaty Authority
• The impact of climate change on the Boundary Waters and how management can mitigate those impacts while adhering to federal laws and regulations

Evening Reception

• Appetizers, drinks, and an opportunity for guests and speakers to socialize