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.
May 31, 1978 - MPR’s Greg Barron reports on a potential compromise BWCA bill put forth by Minnesota’s U.S. Representative Bruce Vento and California’s U.S. Representative Phillip Burton. Bill would allow motorized vehicles in the Boundary Waters, with a timed phase out over a number of years.
June 1, 1978 - MPR’s Alan Searle reports on Boundary Waters Canoe Area Alliance reaction to U.S. Don Fraser’s amendment to Burton-Vento BWCA bill. Report includes commentary from Lenore Johnson, Boundary Waters Canoe Area Alliance’s president.
July 17, 1978 - MPR’s Alan Searle reports on U.S. senators visiting Ely and Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The senators heard from the differing views from Boundary Conservation Alliance and Friends of the Boundary Waters.
August 3, 1978 - MPR’s Alan Searle reports on press conference by Minneosta U.S. Senator Wendell Anderson regarding latest, and what he considered, final BWCA compromise bill. The Dayton-Walls proposal looks to protect both wilderness and user interests.
August 5, 1978 - MPR’s Alan Searle reports on Boundary Waters Canoe Area blockade initiated by Boundary Waters Conservation Alliance as an act of protest to the pending Dayton-Walls BWCA agreement going through Congress. Report includes various interviews with alliance members blocking BWCA entry points.
October 18, 1978 - Bruce Vento, Minnesota representative from the 4th District (DFL); Ed Zabinsky of the Boundary Waters Conservation Alliance; and Steve Payne of the Duluth Wilderness Society discuss the BWCA bill that passed the U.S. Congress, and the divergent views of the use and protection of BWCA.
April 26, 1979 - MPR’s Bob Potter reports on Minnesota State House Environment and Natural Resources Commitee hearing on bill to set up a BWCA Citizens Advisory Commitee. Before hearing could progress, the bill was laid over, followed by a walkout of Dave Battaglia and supporters.
December 26, 1979 - A Minnesota state lawsuit claims the officials at the U.S. Department of Agriculture have illegally enforced the 1978 BWCA Wilderness Act. Environmental activist groups are expected to intervene in the suit if motor restriction is eased in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
January 22, 1980 - MPR’s Lee Axdahl reports on U.S. Senator Dave Durenburger requesting Small Business Administartion (SBA) assist businesses near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The business owners say they are struggling since restrictions of the 1978 BWCA Wilderness Act.
June 18, 1981 - MPR’s Tom Meersman reports on lawsuits before the District Court of Appeals. The State of Minnesota case argues that the 1978 BWCA Wilderness Act gives the federal government too much power over waterways. Numerous landowner cases argue various property and land rights issues.