Big Red Canoe - Friends of the Boundary Waters podcast

Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness

On Big Red Canoe, the podcast from Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, we introduce you to captivating people and intriguing stories from America's treasured wilderness, covering a wide range of recreational topics. The podcast features scientists, political figures, wilderness and outdoor recreation experts to help you experience new aspects of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the most visited wilderness in the United States. For over 45 years, Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness has connected people, communities and the wilderness. Our purpose is to inspire more people to connect with the pristine beauty of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and preserve this priceless place in perpetuity. The Friends work to protect the wilderness from toxic copper-sulfide mines, introduce a new generation to the wonders of canoe country and share recreational resources on canoeing, camping and hiking trips.

For more information, visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast

Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/

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From Boundary Waters to Bayou - Mississippi Journeys with Devin Brown & Cory Maria Dack

From Boundary Waters to Bayou - Mississippi Journeys with Devin Brown & Cory Maria Dack

On this episode of the Big Red Canoe podcast, we're joined by Devin Brown and Cory Maria Dack to discuss their remarkable paddling journeys down the Mississippi River.Devin Brown is preparing to become the first Black woman on record to solo kayak the entire length of the Mississippi River, from its source in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Her trip planned for 2024 is driven by a dream over a decade in the making - to find healing and connection for self, and to connect with African American history along the Missisippi.Cory Maria Dack might be Devin's biggest cheerleader. She has already accomplished the incredible feat of paddling the Mississippi River in a canoe in 2022. And she brings her experience of a relationship with the land, water, and people along the way while increasing representation of diverse identities on the river.As Devin and Cory share their powerful stories, we learn about their experiences as paddlers and the survival trips of navigating the river and its communal network of River Angels that will help make Devin's upcoming solo journey a success.Their conversation touches on themes of healing, nature connection, ancestral history, and being a role model for future generations.You'll leave this podcast knowing more about what it takes to travel on such a monumental paddle, the logistics and community support required, and the physical and emotional journeys represented by descending this iconic American river.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode, and https://www.gofundme.com/f/get-er-down-the-river to support Devin's upcoming trip.Website:https://www.friends-bwca.orgFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/BWCAWTwitter:https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAWInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/Donate:https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/

Episodes

From Boundary Waters to Bayou - Mississippi Journeys with Devin Brown & Cory Maria Dack

From Boundary Waters to Bayou - Mississippi Journeys with Devin Brown & Cory Maria Dack

On this episode of the Big Red Canoe podcast, we're joined by Devin Brown and Cory Maria Dack to discuss their remarkable paddling journeys down the Mississippi River.Devin Brown is preparing to become the first Black woman on record to solo kayak the entire length of the Mississippi River, from its source in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Her trip planned for 2024 is driven by a dream over a decade in the making - to find healing and connection for self, and to connect with African American history along the Missisippi.Cory Maria Dack might be Devin's biggest cheerleader. She has already accomplished the incredible feat of paddling the Mississippi River in a canoe in 2022. And she brings her experience of a relationship with the land, water, and people along the way while increasing representation of diverse identities on the river.As Devin and Cory share their powerful stories, we learn about their experiences as paddlers and the survival trips of navigating the river and its communal network of River Angels that will help make Devin's upcoming solo journey a success.Their conversation touches on themes of healing, nature connection, ancestral history, and being a role model for future generations.You'll leave this podcast knowing more about what it takes to travel on such a monumental paddle, the logistics and community support required, and the physical and emotional journeys represented by descending this iconic American river.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode, and https://www.gofundme.com/f/get-er-down-the-river to support Devin's upcoming trip.Website:https://www.friends-bwca.orgFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/BWCAWTwitter:https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAWInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/Donate:https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/

Gunflint Falling - Stories from the 1999 BWCA Blowdown

Gunflint Falling - Stories from the 1999 BWCA Blowdown

On July 4, 1999, in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), a bizarre confluence of meteorological events resulted in the most damaging blowdown in the region’s history. Originating over the Dakotas, the midsummer windstorm developed amid unusually high heat and water-saturated forests and moved steadily east, bearing down on Fargo, North Dakota, and damaging land as it crossed the Minnesota border.Author Cary Griffith joins us to talk about his book Gunflint Falling, the story of this devastating storm from the perspectives of those on the ground before, during, and after the catastrophic event—from first-time visitors to the north woods to returning paddlers to Forest Service Rangers. And host Dave Meier discusses the climate impacts that contributed to the blowdown and changing landscape of the Boundary Waters, while telling his own blowdown story.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode, and https://www.carygriffith.com for more information on his other books, and how to buy a copy of Gunflint Falling.Website:https://www.friends-bwca.orgFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/BWCAWTwitter:https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAWInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/Donate:https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/

Guardians of the Boundary Waters - The story of the 1978 BWCA Wilderness Act

Guardians of the Boundary Waters - The story of the 1978 BWCA Wilderness Act

We revisit the fascinating story of the legislative and political battles leading up to the Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection Act of 1978 by talking to three of the individuals who shaped it and fought for its passage: Chuck Dayton, Jan Green, and Kevin Proescholdt.In this look at a key chapter in Boundary Waters history, they share their insights and personal experiences that led to this important step for the BWCA Wilderness, and founding of the Friends of the Boundary Waters. They also reflect on how the lessons learned from that time period can be applied to the current efforts of the Friends, to protect the wilderness.You can further their important work by DONATING to Friends of the Boundary Waters during Give to the Max - where your gift will be matched by other generous supporters. DOUBLE your impact with a gift during Give to the Max! And thank you for being a Friend!Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.Website:https://www.friends-bwca.orgFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/BWCAWTwitter:https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAWInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/

Game Changing Gear with Darren Bush

Game Changing Gear with Darren Bush

Deciding what gear to use for Boundary Waters trips can be overwhelming. Cutting-edge, ultra-lightweight, indestructible, weatherproof gear can make a big difference, but the newest and coolest gear might not always be the best gear for you - or your budget.We've turned to Darren Bush from Rutabaga Paddlesports in Madison, Wisconsin, to help sort through the options and give us some answers to what makes for the best BWCA canoes, what features to look for in canoes, paddles and PFD's -- and how to choose. Darren also shares his favorite pieces of gear, and ideas for which items might make the biggest difference on your next paddle journey.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.Website:https://www.friends-bwca.orgFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/BWCAWTwitter:https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAWInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/

25 Tips for a Better Boundary Waters Trip

25 Tips for a Better Boundary Waters Trip

How could you make your Boundary Waters trip even better? Check out these 25 tips, that cover all aspects of a BWCA canoe trip.Drawing from his experience of paddling hundreds of days through the Northwoods, Pete Marshall, Communications Director at Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, shares an informative list for intermediate paddlers to move faster, be more comfortable or just have a richer experience in the BWCA. Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.Website:https://www.friends-bwca.orgFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/BWCAWTwitter:https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAWInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/

Best-Selling BWCA Author - William Kent Krueger

Best-Selling BWCA Author - William Kent Krueger

If you love the Boundary Waters and literature, you're not going to want to miss this very special podcast. We're joined by New York times bestselling author, William Kent Krueger, who writes a series of mysteries set in the north woods of Minnesota. The protagonist of many of Krueger's novels, Cork O'Connor is the former sheriff of Tamarack county and is part Irish and part Ojibwe. In his books, Krueger explores the tensions within these cultures and examines important social topics that reflect real life. His most recent Cork O'Connor mystery is Fox Creek, which came out last year. And Krueger has also written a series of standalone books, including this tender land. Friends of the Boundary Waters' Executive Director, Chris Knopf, recently spoke to Kent Krueger to talk about his books, his writing process, and to share questions from readers about Northern Minnesota as a backdrop to his work.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.Website:https://www.friends-bwca.orgFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/BWCAWTwitter:https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAWInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/

BWCA Hiking - Shining Star of the North Country Trail

BWCA Hiking - Shining Star of the North Country Trail

The trails of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area offer endless possibilities, and you're sure to find a sense of awe and wonder around every corner. And some Boundary Waters trails connect to an even larger network of trails called the North Country Scenic Trail; a footpath stretching over 4,600 miles from the west side of the Missouri river and North Dakota, all the way to the Appalachian trail in Vermont.On this episode, we're joined by Matthew Davis NCTA regional trail coordinator, who gives us an overview of how these unique BWCA trails fit into the larger national trail system. Plus - he describes hiking in the BWCA, and how it differs from canoeing.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.Website:https://www.friends-bwca.orgFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/BWCAWTwitter:https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAWInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/

Working Like a Dog in the BWCA

Working Like a Dog in the BWCA

The ice is now out on the Lakes in the Boundary Waters, and we’re embracing the promise of the spring season. But for those who live and work near the Boundary Waters, they’ve been straddling seasons for months, spending time in the winter season to prepare for summer.In this Big Red Canoe podcast episode, we meet Joe Friedmeyer, a U.S. Forest Service sled dog musher, who has been using the ice and snow of the harsh winter to help get things ready for summer travelers to America’s most visited wilderness.We talk to Joe about working with a sled dog team to backhaul lumber from the Rose/Duncan Lake stairway project, completed in 2022, as well as hauling fire grates, latrines, and winter patrols across the ice. Joe also highlights best "Leave No Trace" practices for winter. It's a great introduction to unseen work that happens in the winter, in the BWCA.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.Website:https://www.friends-bwca.orgFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/BWCAWTwitter:https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAWInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/

In Search of the BWCA Monster

In Search of the BWCA Monster

Are there monsters, ghosts, or even more creepy things lurking in the BWCA? In this episode, we'll hear your stories from a contest when St. Paul-based Lake Monster Brewing teamed up with Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness to create a new Minnesota legend.We asked you to submit your tall tales, to bring a BWCA monster out from the shadows and become immortalized on cans of Lake Monster beer. The response was outstanding, with a tremendous lineup of chilling, humorous and supernatural creatures!You voted on your top picks, and judges from MN Historical Society Press, WTIP North Shore Radio, Lake Monster Brewing and Friends of the Boundary Waters gathered to select a winner.Now, our top 3 winners read their monster tales for you, in an episode that might give you the chills and wonder what's around the next corner on that portage. And we crown a new BWCA Monster, the Jackerwocky, which you'll be able to find at a store near you!Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.Website:https://www.friends-bwca.orgFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/BWCAWTwitter:https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAWInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/

Clearing the Way with Michelle Kwan

Clearing the Way with Michelle Kwan

When many of us think of the Boundary Waters, we think about paddling and portaging. But there area number of ways to experience the Wilderness, including recreational hiking. In this episode, we meet Michelle Kwan, who went on her first Boundary Waters trip in an even more unique way - as a volunteer doing trail clearing work. For Michelle, this turned out to be life-changing experience.In this episode Michelle shares her story about connecting to the Boundary Waters through trail-clearing, and the logistics of a trail clearing trip. Then she goes much deeper, sharing her observations on being a person color in the wilderness, discussing issues of access and why more BIPOC people aren’t visiting the Boundary Waters, and how she's working to change that.After participating on several trips and recruiting several people to join her, Michelle is now leader her own trail clearing trips. She wants to continue to develop her skills, - including creating unique, flavorful Asian-inspired camping meals, and continuing her work to guide more people and inspire them to venture out to wild places. Inspired? Sign up for a trail clearing trip! https://www.friends-bwca.org/bwca-trail-clearingVisit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode. Website:https://www.friends-bwca.orgFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/BWCAWTwitter:https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAWInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/

Ashley Bredemus - Living at the Edge of the Wilderness

Ashley Bredemus - Living at the Edge of the Wilderness

Those who have traveled in the Boundary Waters are often drawn to the wilderness, and they may have wondered what it might be like to live immersed in the wilderness. Ashley Bredemus, owner and co director of Birchwood Wilderness Camp, has spent much of her life living near the Boundary Waters past the end of the Gunflint Trail. Ashley gives us a glimpse of what it's like to be in the wilderness full time, and how it's different from enjoying it recreationally. She describes some of the joys, the challenges, even simple things like water and heat that many of us take for granted, and how someone who lives in the north woods of Minnesota connects with wilderness on a daily basis. Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.

MN Attorney General Keith Ellison

MN Attorney General Keith Ellison

We're joined by special guest, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. While you may know him through his public service roles, you may not know that Attorney General Ellison has a deep love of the Boundary Waters and has led wilderness canoe trips for teenagers.In this episode, we talk to Keith Ellison about his experiences in the Boundary Waters, the importance of wilderness, clean water and environmental protection, and the upcoming election. And we take questions from other concerned citizens who joined us for this presentation.

10 Mistakes I’ve Made in the BWCA (So you don’t have to)

10 Mistakes I’ve Made in the BWCA (So you don’t have to)

When exploring the Boundary Waters, you’re bound to make a mistake or two. Our guest Tiger Beaudoin knows this first hand. He’s guided first-timers, grandparents, parents with children, and paddled solo across our favorite wilderness for years. He’s also made more than a few mistakes.In this fast-paced presentation, he’ll describe 10 lessons learned “the hard way” while paddling hundreds of miles and portaging thousands of rods in the BWCA and Quetico.Using these packing, equipment, camping, and fishing tricks, you’ll enjoy a safer, more worry-free experience in the BWCA.BONUS: Check out Tiger's ultimate BWCA checklist, and a copy of his presentation with shocking videos and product links.

World Water Day - Protecting Clean Water in Minnesota

World Water Day - Protecting Clean Water in Minnesota

In this informative World Water Day discussion, we celebrate and discuss the threats, and ways that we can fight for clean water.We’ll also discuss a water report we just published that assesses six major water threats to the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and provides policy recommendations that, if adopted, would help to ensure that all Minnesotans have access to clean water for decades to come. Also, talk to the authors of legislation (SF 3633/HF 3888) that would create a State Water Plan to ensure that Minnesota has an abundant supply of clean water for the next 50 years. Guests:Minnesota State Senator Jen McEwenMinnesota State Representative Kelly MorrisonAmanda Koehler, Land Stewardship ProjectVisit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information, resources and a video of this presentation.

BWCA Winter Camping Tips and Tricks

BWCA Winter Camping Tips and Tricks

February in Minnesota is a perfect time to plan your winter Boundary Waters adventure. Some of the best winter camping happens from now through March— with the right layers and the right precautions, winter can be a great time for a peaceful, quiet, mosquito-free adventure.On this podcast, BWCA expert and author Dan Pauly shares his tips for staying warm and dry, and discuss gear and how to keep yourself safe. Join us for this podcast to learn how to start preparing for your trip! Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information, resources and a video of this presentation.

Twin Metals Leases Canceled!

Twin Metals Leases Canceled!

Join the Friends of the Boundary Waters staff as they react to the HUGE news of Twin Metals' canceled mineral leases, and a halt to the mining project near the Boundary Waters. We also discuss how the lease cancellation relates to other steps by the federal government, including a 20-year moratorium on mining at the edge of the Boundary Waters. We're also joined by Senator Jen McEwen from Duluth to discuss legislative efforts to protect clean water, and we review the recent Polymet wastewater permit decision, and how you can make your voice heard.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information, resources and a video of this presentation.

Children’s books of the Boundary Waters and northern Minnesota

Children’s books of the Boundary Waters and northern Minnesota

The northland has inspired some incredible children’s books that can plant that seed of adventure in a young person’s heart.We talk to four Minnesota authors and illustrators for a discussion on children’s books related to the Boundary Waters and northern Minnesota. They preview what they have created for the youngest BWCA lovers, and share their own history with the Boundary Waters, and insight into their creative process.You might discover something for yourself, and learn about books to spark a child’s imagination.Guests:Polly Carlson- Voiles (Author, Someone Walks By, Summer of the Wolves)Jenny Anderson “Girl of 10,000 Lakes” (Author, 1-2-3 Ice Fishing)Wes Erwin (Author, Boundary Waters A-B-C)Chuck Dayton (Photographer/ Illustrator, Secrets of the Loon)Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information, resources and a video of this presentation.

Climate Change and the Future of the Boundary Waters

Climate Change and the Future of the Boundary Waters

How will climate change affect northeastern Minnesota? Dr. Lee Frelich discusses how ecological changes brought on by forest succession, species migration and warming waters will drastically transform the Boundary Waters.If you want to know what climate change will do to the wildlife, trees and vegetation of the BWCA, don’t miss this special episode.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information, resources and a video of this presentation.

Climate Change and Global Public Health

Climate Change and Global Public Health

Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue, it’s a public health issue.Human health and the health of the natural world are intricately linked together. Understanding these connections is increasingly important. Dr. Bill Rom, originally from Ely, Minnesota and now a research scientist at New York University’s School of Public Health, discusses impacts that extreme weather, wildfires, and other climate-related disasters have on human health. Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information, resources and a video of this presentation.

The Climate Impact of Proposed PolyMet and Twin Metals Mines

The Climate Impact of Proposed PolyMet and Twin Metals Mines

Coinciding with the 2021 Glasgow Summit, we'll look at how climate change will affect the Boundary Waters and the broader ecosystem of northeastern Minnesota.In this episode, Dr. Steve Emerman, international expert on hydrology and geophysics digs deeply into how the two proposed copper-sulfide mines — PolyMet and Twin Metals — will exacerbate the climate crisis.Dr. Emerman has conducted in-depth research into the carbon cost of copper-sulfide mining and he discusses his research into how these mines will drastically increase Minnesota’s carbon footprint. Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information, resources and a video of this presentation.