Sixty years ago, the Wilderness Act led to the establishment of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness

Inextricable from Minnesota’s identity are the boreal forests and abundant freshwater in our state. In particular, northeastern Minnesota hosts the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness — our state’s crown jewel — a vast landscape home to the animals, fish, plants and memories that pervade our lives as Minnesotans. 

This is no happenstance. Indigenous communities, Minnesotans and advocates from across the country have persevered with passion and drive to steward this freshwater landscape. Today, we recognize that story and honor it by protecting it for generations of Minnesotans yet to come. 

September marked the 60th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, a pivotal bill establishing the National Wilderness Preservation System. In the 1960s, landscapes across the country, like that of northeastern Minnesota, were identified as vulnerable — facing threats of industrialization and requiring additional protection. Thus, a framework for preserving the wild landscapes that define the spirit of our country was developed.  

The word “wilderness” is often used casually to describe rugged and natural landscapes, but it also describes a specific federal and state designation that receives the U.S. government’s highest form of public land protection. 

Today, the National Wilderness Preservation System created by the Wilderness Act protects over 111 million acres across 806 wilderness areas in 44 states. This includes the Boundary Waters, which was one of the 54 Wilderness Areas designated in 1964. 

Many Minnesotans were among the key leaders nationwide who were crucial to the law’s passage, driven by their passion for enhancing the protection of the Boundary Waters. Ernest Oberholtzer and Sigurd Olson, among others, played key roles in the effort, along with Minnesota’s own U.S. senator, Hubert Humphrey.

Preservationists relied on collaboration between organizations and elected officials at all levels of government to see the passage of this monumental legislation. This remains paramount to success in the ongoing effort to protect the Boundary Waters and its vulnerable watershed forever.

Today, the Boundary Waters is our nation’s most-visited federally designated wilderness. It is also one of the most accessible wilderness areas and boasts expansive recreation opportunities, including world-class hunting, fishing, camping, dog sledding, canoeing, hiking and more.

The Boundary Waters is a living testament to the vision and dedication of those who fought for the landmark Wilderness Act. Now, as Minnesotans, it’s our turn to honor, continue and expand upon that legacy. We must permanently protect the entire Boundary Waters watershed for future generations of Americans from all walks of life. The wilderness is constantly threatened, and it’s up to us to prioritize safeguarding this irreplaceable landscape. 

The future of wilderness depends on strong leadership, stewardship and collaboration to ensure that places like the Boundary Waters are protected for the next 60 years and well beyond. Let’s remember that when we stand together for these wild places, we have the power to make a significant impact — perhaps one great enough to be celebrated 60 years from today and long into the future. 

Lukas Leaf is the executive director of Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters. Ingrid Lyons is the executive director of Save the Boundary Waters.

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