Bill > SF991

This bill modifies the mining restrictions within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and the Rainy River headwaters in Minnesota. It allows for mining of certain resources, such as taconite, iron ore, sand, gravel, and granite, in the Rainy River headwaters if the commissioner of natural resources determines that the mining will not be detrimental to the BWCAW. The bill also outlines the process for approving mining or peat harvesting in the BWCAW or Rainy River headwaters in the event of a declared national emergency. Additionally, it designates acquired state-owned lands within the BWCAW as state wilderness areas.