The Boundary Waters faces one of its greatest threats in decades. Hidden in the latest reconciliation bill is a dangerous provision that would hand hundreds of thousands of acres near the BWCA to toxic copper-sulfide mining companies—while blocking any legal challenges. This reckless giveaway threatens to bring industrial mining right to the doorstep of America’s most pristine wilderness, risking irreversible damage to our clean water and wild places.

Senator Tina Smith is fighting back with legislation to stop this attack on our public lands. She joins us for a critical conversation about what’s at stake and how we can defend the Boundary Waters together.

Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.

Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/

Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/

Author Frank Bures joins us on the podcast to discuss his compelling new book, Pushing the River: An Epic Battle, a Lost History, a Near Death, and Other True Canoeing Stories.

Frank shares riveting tales from a century of canoe racing, including the forgotten history of the Paul Bunyan Canoe Derby—a grueling 450-mile race on the Upper Mississippi that changed modern canoeing forever.

The conversation takes a personal turn as Frank recounts his own harrowing rescue on the Mississippi and other contemporary stories of adventure and survival, including the terrifying escape of two kayakers from the 2011 Pagami Creek Fire in the Boundary Waters.

Learn More about the Book and Author at FrankBures.com

Dave and Frank explore our essential connection to natural spaces and the urgent need to protect these environments in today's political landscape, whether it be the Boundary Waters or the mighty Mississippi River.

Drawing from his background as a former trips director and camp naturalist at YMCA Camp Olson, as well as his experience supporting Guinness World Record paddling teams on the Mississippi, Frank offers unique insights into the transformative power of river journeys.

Support the Friends of the Boundary Waters' Open Water Spring Fundraiser and have your gift doubled with generous match!

Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.

Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/

Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/

Discover the mesmerizing world of dark sky photography with renowned astrophotographer Marc Rassel as he shares expert tips, memorable stories, and essential techniques for capturing the night sky.

From the pristine dark skies of Minnesota's Boundary Waters to international stargazing destinations, Marc reveals how to create stunning images of the Milky Way, aurora, and other celestial wonders.

Marc also describes the growing challenge of light pollution and how photographers can help preserve our vanishing dark skies. Whether you're a complete beginner with just a smartphone or an experienced photographer looking to refine your nighttime techniques, this episode offers practical guidance and inspiration for anyone interested in photographing the stars.

Follow Marc Rassel on Instagram at @marcrasselphoto and connect with him at marcrasselphoto.com.

This podcast is part of Boreal Stargazing week, February 10-17, 2025.

Embrace the winter darkness and discover the magic of Minnesota’s starbright skies! Join us for a week of free activities for students, families, and friends that will immerse you in learning and stargazing.

These free events are friendly for all ages and feature captivating night sky tours, snowshoe hikes, live conversations with astronomers, and more!

Find more information at Friends-BWCA.org/stargazing

Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.

Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW

Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW

YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/

Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/