The Price of Pristine: Protecting the Boundary Waters and Wisconsin’s Wild Legacy

By Dean Muller, President, Wisconsin for Environmental Justice

Having stood at the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, I can tell you that words like "scenic" feel small. It is a place of majestic beauty, a rare, liquid labyrinth where you can still drink directly from the lakes and watch a moose graze in the shallows without the hum of an engine in the distance.

But this wilderness is currently the centerpiece of a high-stakes debate. With the recent passage of House Joint Resolution 140, federal protections are under threat to make way for the Twin Metals project—a sulfide-ore copper mine proposed by a Chilean conglomerate. While proponents point to industrial gains, a closer look at the ledger reveals an economic and ecological reality that simply doesn't add up.

The Economic Imbalance: Mining vs. Tourism

When we talk about "economic engines," we have to look at the sustained horsepower of an industry. In Minnesota, the disparity between extractive industries and the outdoor recreation economy is staggering.

Industry Category	Annual Economic Impact (MN)
Outdoor Recreation	$13.5 Billion
Extraction Industries (Mining, Timber, Gravel)	$1.2 Billion

The math is clear: tourism and outdoor recreation generate over ten times the economic activity of extraction. Critics argue that introducing a sulfide-ore project upstream would not only risk this $13.5 billion engine but likely result in a net loss of local jobs as the "wilderness brand" that draws 225,000 annual visitors is tarnished.

A Vital Lesson for Wisconsin

This isn't just a Minnesota issue; it is a blueprint for how we must view our own natural assets in Wisconsin. Our state’s beauty—from the Northwoods to the hidden glacial trails of the Ice Age Trail—is a fundamental pillar of our prosperity.

As of 2026, the data shows that Wisconsin’s "Great Outdoors" is far more than a weekend getaway; it is a primary driver of the state's wealth:

• An $11.2 Billion Powerhouse: Outdoor recreation in Wisconsin now contributes $11.2 billion annually to the state's GDP, surpassing the economic contribution of mining and farming combined.

• Job Engine: The sector supports over 96,800 jobs, accounting for roughly 3.2% of all employment in the state. These aren't just seasonal roles; Wisconsin ranks 4th in the nation for outdoor-related manufacturing.

• Rapid Growth: Wisconsin's outdoor economy recently grew by 9.4%, outpacing the growth of the state’s overall economy (6.9%).

• Tourism Impact: Our state parks and trails attract over 20 million visitors annually, fueling a broader $25 billion tourism industry.

  
  

The Ecological "Price Tag"

Beyond the balance sheet lies an ecosystem whose value is infinite. Mike Dombeck, former head of the U.S. Forest Service, notes that every sulfide mine he reviewed during his tenure experienced at least one failure. In an arid climate, a leak is a crisis; in the water-filled wonderland of the Boundary Waters or Wisconsin's Northwoods, it is a catastrophe.

The interconnected nature of these watersheds means that a single toxic runoff event doesn't just stay at the mine site, it flows through the veins of the entire wilderness. You cannot put a price tag on the purity of a primary water source or the integrity of a habitat that has remained largely unchanged since the 1964 Wilderness Act.

Conclusion

Whether it is the headwaters of the Boundary Waters or the state parks of Wisconsin, these lands represent a shared heritage. We must recognize that once the silence of a wilderness is broken by industrial failure, no amount of mineral wealth can buy it back. Protecting these spaces isn't just an environmental duty, it's a smart economic investment for our future.

Learn More: w4ej.org.