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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Proposed copper-sulfide mining in northern Minnesota threatens some of the cleanest water in the country, including the Boundary Waters and Lake Superior.Over the past year, Friends of the Boundary Waters and our partners have won important legal challenges against PolyMet’s proposed toxic copper sulfide mine, which threatens to pollute Lake Superior. In October 2021, PolyMet was back in court, before the Minnesota Court of Appeals. Friends’ Board Member Evan Nelson, an attorney at Maslon LLP, will provide a special look at the important wastewater permit before the court and where this case will go from here.Evan breaks down the legal arguments from Friends of the Boundary Waters and its partners Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, WaterLegacy, and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa who are also involved in this case. Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information, resources and a video of this conversation.

The Biden administration recently announced it was requesting a 20-year ban on copper-sulfide mining on 225,000 acres of federal land surrounding the Boundary Waters. How will this impact conservation movement in the area and the future of America’s most popular Wilderness Area.We’ll hear directly from our legal experts, who offer background information on this important development in the fight for clean water that could potentially stop the proposed Twin Metals’ toxic mine near the Boundary Waters.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information, resources and a video of this conversation.

Explore the link between clean water, the Boundary Waters, and Native American issues in this timely episode.Minnesota Senator Mary Kunesh and Representative Heather Keeler join Friends Executive Director Chris Knopf  to talk about Indigenous Peoples' Day, clean water, and their experiences as Native women in the Minnesota legislature.Senator Kunesh has been in the legislature since 2016 and was a founding member of the Native American and People of Color & Indigenous (POCI) caucuses. Representative Keeler joined the legislature in 2021 and has a background in activism and fighting for the Native American community in the Fargo-Moorhead area. Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information, resources and a video of this conversation.