1. United States
2. Minn.
3. Letter

I am writing to urge you to support legislation that would permanently protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness from sulfide-ore copper mining. This pristine wilderness area, spanning over one million acres in northeastern Minnesota, faces serious threats from proposed mining operations that could irreversibly contaminate its interconnected watershed. The Boundary Waters provides clean drinking water for communities across the region and supports an economy built on recreation and tourism that generates hundreds of millions of dollars annually. Scientific studies have consistently shown that sulfide-ore copper mining in this water-rich environment poses unacceptable risks of contamination from sulfuric acid and heavy metals. Once these waters are polluted, they cannot be restored. I ask that you cosponsor and actively advocate for legislation that would withdraw federal lands in the Superior National Forest from the federal mineral leasing program. This action would prevent new mining claims in the Boundary Waters watershed and provide the permanent protection this national treasure deserves. The economic case for protection is clear. The Boundary Waters supports thousands of jobs in guiding, outfitting, and tourism that depend entirely on pristine water quality. Communities like Ely have built their livelihoods around this wilderness resource. Mining operations would destroy this economic foundation while creating temporary jobs that disappear once extraction is complete, leaving behind contaminated water and devastated ecosystems. Protection of the Boundary Waters should be a bipartisan priority. This is not about choosing between jobs and environment, but about preserving an irreplaceable resource that provides sustainable economic benefits and clean water for generations to come. The wilderness belongs to all Americans and represents a legacy we hold in trust for our children. I request your commitment to supporting Boundary Waters protection legislation and ask for a response detailing your position on preventing mining in the watershed.