Public Lands – US House votes Wednesday to strip conservation measures that safeguard the wilderness
The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly passed a resolution Wednesday that puts a copper-nickel mine on the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness one step closer to reality. Taking an unprecedented approach to using the relatively novel Congressional Review Act, the House voted 214-208 in favor of overturning a 20-year mining moratorium that was established in 2023. These current protections cover 225,504 acres in the Superior National Forest and center around the Rainy River Watershed that lies upstream of the BWCA.
“The Boundary Waters is the pinnacle of wild places,” says Matthew Schultz with Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters. “The chance of polluting a place like that to me is pretty crazy. It just doesn’t shake out.” READ MORE
Idaho state Sen. Ben Adams, R-Nampa, introduces a proposed amendment to the Idaho Constitution that prevents the state from selling future public lands it obtains from the federal government. (Clark Corbin/Idaho Capital Sun)
Sen. Ben Adams, R-Nampa, first announced his proposal in August, well ahead of the 2026 legislative session that began this month, the Idaho Capital Sun previously reported. He unveiled the draft text of the amendment later that month.
Adams told the Senate State Affairs Committee on Wednesday that since unveiling his proposal, he’s had conversations with residents and industry leaders all over the state.
“I wanted feedback. I wanted a lot of feedback, because it deals with a very personal matter for every Idahoan, and that is our public land here in Idaho,” Adams said.
He said he slightly changed the text from his August proposal, but “the intent did not change.” READ MORE
We’re looking forward to hosting a number of webinars over the next few months to help get you ready for hiking season.
Come learn about our Youth Trail Program for ages 14-18!
February 10 @ 6pm PT/ 7pm MT
Learn how to make backcountry meals that are simple, nourishing, and actually taste good with Kristina Schmid, founder of EmpowHer Outdoors.
February 11 @ 6pm PT/ 7pm MT
This is your chance to get a sneak peek at the year’s best projects and learn how you can be part of making a difference on Idaho’s incredible trails.
February 26 @ 6pm PT/ 7pm MT
Basic Wilderness Survival & First Aid Webinar
Kristina from EmpowHer Outdoors will help you build confidence in the outdoors by learning essential wilderness survival and basic first aid skills.
March 11 @ 6pm PT/ 7pm MT
