The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW or BWCA) is a 1,090,000-acre (4,400 km2) wilderness area within the Superior National Forest in a northeastern part of Minnesota. A mixture of forests, glacial lakes, and streams, the BWCAW's preservation as a primitive wilderness began in the 1900s and culminated in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act of 1978. While a destination for canoeing, hiking, and fishing, it has also been a focus and debate for its resources in both the forest and mining industries.
Notable Minnesota figures tied to the BWCAW area include conservationist Sigurd Olson, resident Dorothy Molter ("Rootbeer Lady"), and outdoorswoman Justine Kerfoot.
April 22, 1977 - MPR’s Janet Carter reports on forum sponsored by the Lake Superior Basin Study Center at UMD addressing the issue of whether logging should be allowed in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
May 2, 1977 - MPR’s Neal St. Anthony reports on debate between U.S. Congressmen Jim Oberstar and Don Fraser over the merits of their competing BWCA legislative bills in Congress. Report includes excerpts of both speaking during debate.
May 12, 1977 - U.S. Representative Donald Fraser, of Minneapolis, took part in a seminar on the BWCA, sponsored by the Anoka-Ramsey Community College in Coon Rapids. Fraser spoke on his bill regarding future use of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in northeastern Minnesota. Fraser's bill would ban entirely any logging or use of motors from both the interior and exterior portions of the BWCA.
May 12, 1977 - Congressman Jim Oberstar, of the 8th district, took part in a seminar on the BWCA, sponsored by the Anoka-Ramsey Community College in Coon Rapids. Oberstar, who represents an area which includes the BWCA, spoke on his bill proposing legislation which would add more territory to the existing million acres of the BWCA and roughly split the land between a wilderness area for hiking and canoeing only, and a "recreational area" where motorboats, snowmobiles and some logging would be permitted.
July 7, 1977 - MPR’s Bob Potter presents public testimony excerpts regarding BWCA legislation given in St. Paul to the House Subcommittee on National Parks and Insular Affairs.
July 8, 1977 - MPR’s Alan Searle reports on public testimony regarding BWCA legislation given in Ely High School auditorium to the House Subcommittee on National Parks and Insular Affairs. Testimony from community was emotional and divided. Outside of hearing, a logging interest group hung effigies of two local environmentalists.
September 14, 1977 - MPR’s Greg Barron interviews Bruce, a resort owner in Gunflint Trail area, about the current proposals going through legislation. Bruce expresses his concerns on the potential negative impact to resort owners if motorized vehicles are restricted on some lakes in Boundary Waters.
April 5, 1978 - MPR’s Greg Barron reports on a compromise bill on the BWCA. Report includes an interview with U.S. Represenative Jim Oberstar aide, John O’Connor, who expresses concerns of local residents that this will expand federal control of lands.
April 28, 1978 - MPR’s Alan Searle reports on protest in Duluth against proposed restrictions on motorized vehicles in BWCA. Report includes speech excerpt of Minnesota State senator Doug Johnson and brief interview with a protester.
May 22, 1978 - As an MPR Special supplement to All Things Considered, a discussion with Joseph Alexander, incoming Department of Natural Resources commissioner on his plans for the DNR…including multiple use, BWCA, and conservation efforts.