The Law and the Boundary Waters
The Law and the Boundary Waters is a free, 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 (9am – 10am)
- Early Legal and Legislative Issues – Establishing the Protections of the BWCA and the Formation of Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness
Morning Sessions: The Mining Threat (10am-11:45am)
- The current existential threat to the BWCA — copper-nickel sulfide mining
- A historical and prospective overview of Twin Metals and PolyMet litigation
- Q & A
Lunch Hour: Theology of Ecology Panel (11:45am -1:15pm)
- 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 (1:15pm – 4:30pm)
- Motorboat and towboat use in the Boundary Waters (1:15pm – 1:45pm)
- Native Nations and the 1854 Treaty Authority (1:45 – 2:30pm)
- Q&A / Break (2:30 – 2:45)
- The impact of climate change on the Boundary Waters (2:45pm – 3:15pm)
- How management can mitigate those impacts, a guardian approach vs. guardian-gardener approach (3:15pm – 4pm)
Evening Reception (4:30pm)
- Appetizers, drinks, and an opportunity for guests and speakers to socialize
