Bill > SF2436

This bill modifies the mining restrictions within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and the Rainy River headwaters in Minnesota. It amends an existing state law (Minnesota Statutes 2020, section 84.523) to allow mining for certain resources like taconite, iron ore, sand, gravel, and granite in the Rainy River headwaters if the Commissioner of Natural Resources determines it will not be detrimental to the BWCAW. The bill maintains the general prohibition on mining and peat harvesting within the BWCAW, except in cases of a declared national emergency. It also designates state-owned lands within the BWCAW as state wilderness areas.