Overview
The Boundary Waters need your help. Last month, congressional Republicans voted to lift a 20-year ban on mining near Minnesota’s Boundary Waters, one of the most pristine and wild landscapes in America. The resolution, which has already passed out of the House, would overturn the current mining moratorium and prevent any future administration from ever proposing similar protections again. If the resolution passes the Senate, it would pave the way for Twin Metals, a Chilean-owned company, to build a copper mine on Birch Lake near the Boundary Waters with pollution flowing directly into the Boundary Waters and impacting Quetico Provincial Park and Voyageurs National Park.
Before the Senate votes on the resolution, make sure Senator Ron Johnson knows that Wisconsinites value clean water and pristine wilderness in Minnesota just like we do in Wisconsin.
Take Action
Contact Senator Ron Johnson
Write to Sen. Johnson using the form on this page OR call Sen. Johnson’s DC Office: (202) 224-7282
Tell Sen. Johnson you’re counting on him to vote NO on the proposal to remove protections for the Boundary Waters because:
- Removing protections that prohibit sulfide-ore copper mining in the surrounding area needlessly threatens a world-class fishing and hunting destination that attracts over 150,000 hikers, campers and canoeists annually.
- Toxic copper mining has never been done safely.
- The 2023 mining ban was based on years of extensive environmental study relying on science and public opinion.
- The Boundary Waters provide habitat for 230 species of wildlife and contains one-fifth of all fresh water in the National Forest Service system.
Environmental advocates have fought for over a decade to keep copper mining, which has a 100% track record of polluting water, out of the Boundary Waters watershed. Help us keep this national treasure protected for future generations.
