Environmental News

MPR News is your source for environment news from Minnesota and across the country.

Getting to Green: Minnesota’s energy future

Getting to Green is an MPR News series that shares stories about Minnesota’s clean energy transition, including what needs to be done to get there.

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Climate Cast

Listen to Climate Cast, the MPR News podcast all about our changing climate and its impact in Minnesota and worldwide.

Forest Service slashes BWCA permits to protect wilderness. Some say the cuts go too far
Canoeists eager to take a summer trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness can start making reservations Wednesday. But competition for those permits could be more intense this year after the Forest Service slashed the number of available slots.
State court reverses PolyMet water permit, but sides with company on other issues
The state appeals court has reversed a key permit for the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine, sending it back to the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency for additional analysis of its impacts to groundwater. But in a mixed ruling, the court also sided with PolyMet and the MPCA on several issues.
A well-placed trail camera caught wolves, moose, bears, lynx and other creatures last fall in Voyageurs National Park. The recently posted footage offers a cool view on wilderness life in northern Minnesota.
Cities across Minnesota declare climate emergencies, demand action
From Moorhead to St. Louis Park, cities around the state are working with the Minnesota Cities Climate Caucus to draw local attention to the climate crisis, calling on state and federal governments for legislative and financial support. 
5 winter camping tips to get you out and about in the snow
Interested in winter camping? Check out these tips from Kurt Mead, an interpretive naturalist at Tettegouche State Park on Minnesota’s North Shore, and avid outdoorswoman Miah Ulysse.