Today marks the end of a yearlong stay in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for a pair of explorers and activists. Dave and Amy Freeman began a 365-day journey in September 2015 to canoe and camp in the BWCA while bringing awareness to proposed sulfide-ore copper mining on the wilderness edge.
This was not the Freeman’s first long-term stay outdoors. In 2015 they canoed from the South Kawishiwi River to Washington D.C. in a canoe adorned with 2,000 signatures of those protesting the mine.
After a year of exploring 3,000 miles and 500 lakes in this loved canoe-tripping destination, the Freemans are counting down the end of the journey with ten ways to help protect the BWCA.
1. Sign the petition
Find and sign the petition here to urge permanent protection for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Dave Freeman
2. Share their story
Dave and Amy have shared their experience of living for a full year in the BWCA across platforms including their website, blog, Facebook and Instagram accounts. You can pass along their inspiring journey.
Dave Freeman
3. Speak up
Write a letter to your local newspaper and join the chorus of wilderness warriors speaking up for this amazing wilderness.
Dave Freeman
4. Tell your representative
Reach out to senators and representatives and tell them to protect the BWCA from proposed sulfide-ore copper mining. Urge permanent protection for the Wilderness.
Dave Freeman
5. Tell your story
Talk about your love of the BWCA and your favorite camping moments. You can even share your tale on the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters blog.
Dave Freeman
6. Donate
Give back to the BWCA. Donate to Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness and the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters. Help the effort to protect this national treasure.
Dave Freeman
7. Plan Your Trip
Get out into the BWCA in fall, winter, spring or summer. Many great outfitters, resorts and business support efforts to save the BWCA. Support them as you gear up.
Dave Freeman
8. Attend Events
Go to events that support protecting the BWCA, like the Year in the Wilderness Exit Party on September 23. Check the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters events page for more.
Alex Chocholousek
9. Volunteer
Sign up to volunteer for the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters. You can help in person or remotely.
Dave Freeman
10. Follow and Share
Follow the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters and make sure to share that account (and more) with other BWCA lovers.
Dave Freeman