We won: No copper mining in the Boundary Waters because Governor Walz just issued an order to block all mining in it
We won: No copper mining in the Boundary Waters
- Tue, Aug 18 2026 at 10:20 AM
Mark,
Breaking news: Governor Walz just issued an order to block all mining in the Boundary Waters.1
Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area is our nation's most-visited wilderness area -- an otherworldly labyrinth of forests, wetlands, lakes and rivers that provide habitat for creatures like gray wolves, the Canadian lynx and more.2
Yet this beloved landscape has been under threat of toxic pollution since Congress lifted a 20-year ban on mining in the area this spring.3
The moment that threat arose, it was clear people like you weren't just going to stand by. Over the past several months, we've delivered thousands of messages to legislators with a simple message: This lush, beautiful wilderness is worth so much more than the materials we can extract from it.
Now, I'm thrilled to share that our voices were heard. Governor Walz's executive order will delay any prospect of nickel and copper mining in the Boundary Waters.
Moments like this make it clear why we do the work we do. Not only does this victory demonstrate just how many people are willing to defend a place as special as the Boundary Waters -- but it shows that when we come together to make our voices heard, we can win.
This is a major step in the right direction -- but we're not stopping here. We'll keep working until the Boundary Waters are fully and permanently protected under the law.
Thank you for celebrating this victory with us,
Lisa Frank
Executive Director
1. Beret Leone, "Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz issuing executive order to block mining in Boundary Waters," CBS News, August 18, 2026.
2. Sophie Larratt, "Toxic copper mining could threaten Boundary Waters wildlife," Environment Minnesota, August 11, 2026.
3. Katelynn Rolfes, "STATEMENT: Congress overturns 20-year mining ban near Boundary Waters," Environment Minnesota, April 16, 2026.
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