The Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) means a lot to me. I went to camp Widjiwagan for the first time last summer and had quite literally the best time! This summer I eagerly look forward to going back not once but twice! The tall trees and Cristal clear waters will forever be a part of me. What made me want to go back was the outstanding scenery, new friendships I made, and my overall camp experience! Even though the portages sometimes feel long and hard or the water is FREEZING cold I still managed to have fun. My trip was amongst one of the best things I have experienced in my entire life, and I urge you  to find a time to visit if you have the opportunity.

To help save the boundary waters we need to pass the Boundary waters protection pollution prevention act (H.R. 588) which would permanently ban toxic sulfide ore mining in the watershed. As of April 2026, the senate passed H.J. Res 140 to overturn the 20 year mining ban (PLO 7917) enacted in 2023. A new resolution/legislation is needed to reverse this, which permits mining leases for companies like twin metals. In addition, future laws must prohibit the use of the congressional review act (CRA) or “joint resolutions of approval” from being used to undo environmental protections on public lands. As of now, the legislative battle is heavily focused on using the CRA to dismantle the 20 year ban, making permanent congressional legislation which is the primary defense for wilderness area. 

However, the BWCA is under threat. The potential of oil and mineral drilling is at large. If we let this happen the BWCA could be forever damaged leading to polluted water, habitat destruction, and ecosystems could be disrupted. This isn’t just about protecting a beautiful place, it’s about ensuring the survival of countless species and safeguarding an irreplaceable ecosystem.

The BWCA is not just an ordinary place; it’s a refuge for wildlife, a sanctuary for the soul, and a critical watershed for the region. More than a million acres of wilderness that support over two thousand lakes and streams could be compromised, affecting everything from clean air to fresh water supplies for communities downstream.

Thankfully, there are actionable steps we can take. Lobbying against the issuance of new drilling and mining permits, supporting sustainable tourism, and advocating for legal protections are essential. We need to urge lawmakers to prioritize the preservation of these waters, possibly by expanding our designated wilderness areas and reinforcing existing conservation laws.

I encourage you to join me in this fight. By signing this petition, you're not just standing up for an iconic American wilderness, but also speaking for all who cherish such untouched beauty and depend on its preservation. Let's protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area for future generations to explore, love, and call their own. Please sign and share this petition today.