WASHINGTON, D.C. October 20,
2021 ---- The Izaak Walton League praises the Biden administration for
announcing steps today to protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
from a proposed copper-sulfide mining operation just upstream from the
wilderness.
Comment from Scott Kovarovics,
executive director of the Izaak Walton League of America
“We welcome this important step
to prevent water pollution from a dangerous form of mining near this canoeing
and fishing paradise. The League has been working to protect the Boundary
Waters region for nearly 100 years, and we were instrumental in securing the
Boundary Waters as one of the original wilderness areas protected under the
1964 Wilderness Act. While we applaud the Biden administration’s steps
today, the time has come for permanent protections for the entire watershed
that feeds the Boundary Waters. We cannot spend the next 100 years fighting to
keep dirty mining practices out of this unique and pristine landscape that
sustains so much of our outdoor legacy. Congress can take a tangible step toward permanent protection by passing the Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection and
Pollution Prevention Act, H.R. 2794, introduced by Rep. Betty McCollum
(D-Minn.)."
Pollution from the sulfide
mining operation in this watershed would harm this pristine system of waterways
and forest that compose the wilderness area. By proposing a 20-year pause on
mining activity for the national forest land upstream from area, the
administration aims to protect the fragile natural resources, ecological
integrity and wilderness values in the Rainy River Watershed and the Boundary
Waters.
As our nation’s most visited
wilderness area, the Boundary Waters is an economic, ecological and cultural
engine for northeastern Minnesota. The Boundary Waters and associated outdoor
recreation economy is responsible for 17,000 jobs and $900 million in annual
economic activity for the region. The surrounding Superior National Forest
contains 20 percent of the freshwater in the entire National Forest System and
supports one of North America’s great fisheries.
For nearly 100
years, the Izaak Walton League has fought for clean air and water, healthy fish
and wildlife habitat and conserving natural resources for future generations.
Today, the League plays a unique role in supporting local community-based
conservation and shaping national policy. Visit www.iwla.org
Contact:
Michael Reinemer, Communications Director
Mreinemer@iwla.org;
301-548-0150
3x 220
703-966-9574