Forest Service Announces Public Input Period for Twin Metals Leases

The U.S. Forest Service's Superior National Forest office just announced a 30-day public input period and a listening session to help the agency better understand public opinion on a lease renewal request for a proposed sulfide-ore copper mine project that lies within the watershed of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park. The federal leases, held by Twin Metals Minnesota, which is owned by the Antofagasta PLC, expired on December 31, 2013, and are up for renewal. The public input period runs from June 20 through July 20, 2016 and the listening session will be held July 13, 2016 at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center and will be live streamed on the internet. Read more in an article from the Star Tribune. 

VNPA is committed to ensuring that our National Park remains protected for its surrounding communities, park visitors and future generations. The effects of acid mine drainage leave the potential for permanent damage to the park’s delicate natural resources, particularly our waters and wildlife. Read our 2015 report and look for upcoming communications on how to participate with VNPA in the public input period.

Rainy Lake Recreation Trail Grand Opening

On Saturday, June 11, Voyageurs National Park celebrated the new Rainy Lake Recreation Trail and the National Park Service Centennial with a day of activities at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. Festivities began with a formal ribbon cutting ceremony. VNPA board member and outdoor recreation enthusiast, Burgess Eberhardt received the honor of cutting the ribbon thanks to the major role he played in advocating for the trail. There were plenty of activities for participants to engage in throughout the day including a trail walk with interpretive activities along the way, North Canoe rides, and tours of the Ethno-botanical Garden. Voyageurs National Park Association displayed new artwork by artist Mark Herman and provided a make-your-own trail mix station, give-aways from REI, giant Jenga and lawn games in partnership with the International Falls Community Wellness Action Council. Congrats to Myles Mason on winning the drawing for a Mark Herman Voyageurs art print! 

The new Rainy Lake Recreation Trail is a great trail for biking, walking, running, snowshoeing, and skiing in the area. This 1.7 mile, paved, multi-use trail goes from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center, paralleling County Road 96, then meets up with the International Falls Bike Trail at the intersection with Highway 11. The International Falls Bike Trail then takes you through lakeside residential areas and forested highlands for about 11 miles into International Falls.

Thank you to everyone who came out on Saturday and to everyone who helped make this recreation opportunity a reality! 

See photos from the Grand Opening event here.
 

AmeriCorps VISTA Position Available with VNPA

Voyageurs National Park Association is hiring a one-year AmeriCorps VISTA to join our Minneapolis office and support youth program development, including the National Park Teen Ambassador program, capacity building, fundraising, and community outreach efforts. Learn more about this role and how to apply here.

National Parks Night at Midwest Mountaineering

Thursday, June 16
5-7:30 PM
Midwest Mountaineering

Celebrate America's Best Idea with us this Thursday! The National Park Service turns 100 years old in 2016 and Midwest Mountaineering wants everyone to join the party! This Thursday, the store will have live music by Matt Yetter, special coupons and deals, and a collectible National Park Service Centennial Pint Glass for $6, half of which will benefit Voyageurs National Park Association! Voyageurs National Park Association will have park maps and materials on hand to help you navigate Minnesota's amazing National Park.

Environmental Education at Voyageurs

Voyageurs National Park is welcoming summer. The emerging leaves rustle in the breeze; loons yodel their return to the lake, and waves lap gently against the shoreline. These natural sounds are interspersed by young voices asking “What kind of tree is this?” “Where does this trail go?” and exclaiming “I found where the groundhog lives!” and “This is the same lake the voyageurs paddled on!” Each year, nearly 1,500 individuals engage in park education programs. Read more.

Support Voyageurs National Park Association

Thank you for your ongoing support of Voyageurs National Park Association. It is because of amazing people like you that we can count so many recent successes in partnership with Voyageurs National Park. From serving as a voice for the park to protect its amazing wild character and connecting the next generation of park stewards through programs like the National Park Teen Ambassador project, to raising special funds for park projects like the restoration of the Cruiser Lake Trail and the longterm restoration of park wetlands. If you haven't already done so this year, please consider renewing your membership support today. Thank you!

Upcoming Events

• June 16   National Parks Night at Midwest Mountaineering
• June 16   Leave No Trace event at Fjällräven St. Paul
• July 4   International Falls Independence Day Parade (to have National Park Service Centennial theme)
• July 3   Minneapolis Pops Orchestra 'America the Beautiful' Concert in honor of National Parks - Lake Harriet Bandshell 5:30-7 pm
• July 7-10   Voyageurs Days on Crane Lake (July events)
• July 8   Voyageurs Night at Fjällräven St. Paul
• August 12   Ranier Days
• September 16-17 - Save the Date for the Volunteer Rendezvous! Registration coming soon.

Links

• Wilderness News Magazine - Voyageurs featured in recent issue
• Rendezvous Visitor Guide - Ranger programs, boat tours, and directory of area services and businesses
• Campsite reservations - Click here to make your reservation