"This land ultimately belongs to Minnesota’s children – our public schools have been waiting decades for this funding. I am a big supporter of the Boundary Waters and this bill has been crafted in a way to make it even better. The lands of Superior National Forest were set aside for the benefit of all Minnesotans. Undoubtedly, the BWCAW [Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness] serves as a reminder of our nation’s legacy; but the BWCAW is more than just a legacy—it’s a springboard for Minnesota’s future."
- Rep. Chip Cravaack, R-MN 8, email to constituents
Rep. Cravaack has sponsored legislation to remove Minnesota School Trust Lands from the BCWAW. But is this to provide access to resource extraction or to swap for Federal Land elsewhere? If Minnesota School Trust Lands can be sold, why doesn't the Federal Government pay Minnesota for the lands and let the trust buy land elsewhere? I read his wording as the first, resource extraction. In fact, in his email he states "These lands within the BWCAW cannot be logged, leased, or mined."
Would you want to canoe past a clear-cut island or fish in waters with mining tailings?
