Peer-reviewed hydrology has shown that acid mine drainage will flow into the Boundary Waters from copper mining in its headwaters. The scientific evidence supporting the high likelihood of harm to the South Kawishiwi and the Boundary Waters from sulfide-ore copper mining in the watershed is abundant. The Boundary Waters is uniquely vulnerable because of the extensively interconnected and abundant waters and a lack of buffering capacity (base compounds) to prevent a drop in pH levels. Acid mine drainage harms water, aquatic and terrestrial species, forests and soils, and poses a serious risk to human health. Similar mines elsewhere generate hundreds of millions of tons of waste rock and acid mine drainage that requires active water treatment now and for hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of years. When air and water contact such waste rock, acid mine drainage (sulfuric acid, heavy metals and sulfates) is released. More than 99 percent of the sulfide-bearing rock extracted from hardrock mining would be waste. If this first project is allowed, others likely will follow, creating an ever-greater risk of water contamination. Other mining companies have an interest in the area as well. The Boundary Waters and the Kawishiwi River are threatened by a massive sulfide-ore copper mine proposed by foreign-owned Twin Metals/Antofagasta on the banks of, and under, the South Kawishiwi and Birch Lake. The Threat Ima Lake | Photo: Alex Falconer People, fish and wildlife, including walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, wolves, lynx, moose, bear, loons, bald eagles and osprey, all benefit from the clean water that the Boundary Waters provides for drinking, recreating and refuge. This treaty, signed by member bands of the Ojibwe (also called Chippewa) Nation additionally aids the preservation of the lands and waters for other area tribes with a historical connection, such as the Huron, Cree, and Dakota Nations. The significance of this special place is underscored by the four research sites in the area. Further, the river and its lakes are protected for hunting, fishing, and gathering wild rice under the 1854 Treaty of La Pointe. The valuation of natural benefits (i.e., ecosystem services, such as cleaning air and water, moderating natural disturbances, and promoting human well-being) alone of the Boundary Waters is estimated to be $1.39 billion this does not account for recreational value (more than 155,000 visitors annually), job creation (around 17,000 jobs), or the more than $913 million in sales annually that tourism brings to the region. Its waters flow out of the Wilderness through Birch Lake, re-enter the Boundary Waters through Fall and Basswood Lakes, and then flow into Ontario’s Quetico Park. The South Kawishiwi River area has three popular entry points to the Boundary Waters for wilderness travelers. The Kawishiwi River (which divides into North and South branches) is an important canoe route through the heart of the Boundary Waters and the Superior National Forest. About The River Sunset canoe within the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area. Take action: Tell your Members of Congress to take action to ensure the Boundary Waters is permanently protected and resist efforts to weaken conservation law and water quality standards that would jeopardize this sensitive and well-loved area. The Trump Administration and Congress should take action to ensure the Boundary Waters is permanently protected and resist efforts to weaken conservation law and water quality standards that would jeopardize this sensitive and well-loved area. This wild freshwater haven will be gravely threatened by acid mine drainage, if mining occurs on nearby lands. Renowned for its natural beauty, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is the most visited area in the National Wilderness Preservation System. The Boundary Waters are under threat from proposed sulfide-ore copper mining on adjacent lands.
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