1. United States
2. Minn.
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent to urge you to reconsider your position on mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and to shift your priorities toward protecting this irreplaceable landscape. The Boundary Waters is not just another parcel of land. It is one of the most unique freshwater ecosystems on the planet, a cultural and economic cornerstone of northern Minnesota, and a place that defines the identity of our region. Once damaged, it cannot be restored. The risks posed by sulfide-ore mining in this watershed are well documented: long-term water contamination, habitat loss, and irreversible harm to a wilderness that belongs to all Minnesotans. Your continued support for mining projects in this area places short-term industrial interests above the long-term health of our environment, our outdoor economy, and the communities that depend on clean water and intact wilderness. Thousands of jobs in guiding, outfitting, tourism, hospitality, and recreation rely on the Boundary Waters remaining pristine. Protecting this ecosystem is not anti-development—it is pro-future. I am asking you to change course. Instead of advocating for mining in the Boundary Waters watershed, I urge you to use your office to champion its protection. Support policies that safeguard clean water, strengthen environmental review, and ensure that this wilderness remains intact for future generations. Northern Minnesota deserves leadership that recognizes the value of what we already have—not just what can be extracted. The Boundary Waters is a national treasure. It deserves your full protection.