Our award-winning advocacy is protecting the BWCAW.
Friends works to protect the BWCAW from threats like sulfide mining and to ensure that future generations of paddlers have the opportunity to enjoy its wild landscapes.
The Boundary Waters is the most popular wilderness area in the country, hosting more than 250,000 paddlers and adventurers each year.
Friends works to prevent sulfide mining in the heart of Minnesota's northern landscape by nurturing a network of diverse and connected wilderness advocates.
Friends' Thomas Flint Canoe Trip program sponsors youth, to participate in unique leadership and wilderness experiences in the Boundary Waters.
Friends collaborates with other organizations, community groups, businesses, and individuals to build a base of spirited, wilderness advocacy in Minnesota.
The BWCAW is the only large, lake-land wilderness in the country and encompasses 1,175 lakes, 1,200 miles of canoe routes, 419 miles of hiking trails and portages.
Friends' wilderness volunteers maintained more than 100 miles of portage trails, 1,300 campsites, and 160 latrines in 2015.
By partnering with local businesses and community groups on events, Friends forges creative relationships and inspires new advocates for the BWCAW.
Your donation helps support our work to preserve the health and vitality of the Boundary Waters region.
Working to protect, preserve, and restore the Boundary Waters Wilderness and Quetico-Superior ecosystem.
When you contribute to the Friends, you support our work to keep the BWCAW wild for generations to come.
- Research into issues that affect the Boundary Waters, including sulfide mining, climate change, and invasive species
- Advocacy with federal and state agencies and lawmakers to ensure the highest levels of protection for the wilderness
- Education for the public about the Boundary Waters, the threats to its wilderness character, and how they can help
- Developing the next generation of wilderness stewards through youth engagement programs
- Collaboration with agencies, organizations, and communities neighboring the BWCAW to support sustainable economies that respect and support wilderness landscapes
- Expert analysis into plans and proposals for developments that would harm wilderness character and the health of the BWCAW ecosystem
- Substantive input through formal comments and frequent communication with relevant agencies to give voice to the wilderness and its users
- Communication online and in print with our members and the public, celebrating the wilderness and driving grassroots engagement on issues that affect it
- Science updates to engage members and the public in current research related to wildlife, ecology, and visitor use
- Media outreach to help journalists understand and accurately cover issues affecting the wilderness
- Internships and fellowships to support students in pursuing conservation and non-profit careers
- Sponsored canoe trips to introduce youth to the joys of wilderness and inspire them to help protect it
- Organizing and funding volunteers to give back to wilderness and provide campsite and portage maintenance
