Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection Act

# Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection Act Summary **What the Bill Would Do:** The Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection Act would permanently protect approximately 234,000 acres of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota from new mining operations. If passed, it would ban new mineral leases and mining claims in this designated wilderness area. The bill also aims to withdraw federal lands in the region from future mining activities, providing long-term protection for the ecosystem. **Who It Affects:** This legislation would primarily impact Minnesota's Boundary Waters region and stakeholders with competing interests: environmental groups and outdoor recreation advocates who want to preserve the area, and mining companies or mineral extraction interests that might want to operate in the region.

Local communities that depend on tourism and outdoor recreation could benefit from the protections. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee, meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full Senate. Senator Tina Smith (D-Minnesota) sponsors the legislation. The bill remains in the early stages of the legislative process, and no further action has been taken at this time.