Enhancing Protection of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

I, Tim Walz, Governor of the State of Minnesota, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and applicable statutes, issue the following Executive Order.

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness ("BWCAW") is an extraordinary natural treasure for the State of Minnesota and the nation. Minnesotans and visitors from around the world come to the BWCAW's pristine waters and vast wilderness to canoe, camp, experience nature up close, and create lasting memories. The BWCAW is the most visited wilderness area in the United States and supports a robust local culture and economy of outfitters, youth camps, resorts, guides, and other small businesses.

The long-term health of the lakes and rivers in the Rainy River Headwaters Watershed ("RRHW") that flow into the BWCAW is critical to the viability of the BWCAW itself and the resources and lifeways integral to the Tribal Nations and Ojibwe communities who share geography with Minnesota. The RRHW is teeming with biodiversity, boasting some of the lowest levels of pollutants and highest quality fisheries in the state. Its unique biological, chemical, and physical features are worthy of additional protection. The RRHW is home to nonferrous mineral deposits owned by a mix of private entities, the State, and the federal government. Corporations continue to pursue the mining and development of these minerals, including a proposal by Twin Metals in December 2019. If one or more proposals within the RRHW proceeds to development and operation, the long-term health of the BWCAW could be threatened.

In 2023, the U.S. Department of the Interior withdrew 225,504 acres of Superior National Forest land from disposition under United States mineral and geothermal leasing laws for 20 years, limiting any development of nonferrous minerals on federal land for that period. However, the U.S. Congress recently approved cancellation of this 20-year federal protection, putting the RRHW and BWCAW at risk.

On April 10, 2026, after an administrative process which included expert testimony, a hearing, and a recommendation from an Administrative Law Judge, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources ("DNR") issued a final order that found "Minnesota Rule 6132.2000 is inadequate to protect the BWCAW from pollution, impairment, or destruction associated with noise and light impacts arising from nonferrous metallic mineral mining in the RRH [Rainy River Headwaters] watershed." To address that concern, the DNR concluded it would initiate a rulemaking proceeding to amend its rule or promulgate a new rule "to sufficiently protect the BWCAW from noise and light pollution."

Today, with renewed threats to Minnesota's cherished BWCAW, I will implement additional measures within my executive authority to help protect it for generations to come.