Outdoors

Crews making progress on wildfire east of Ely; new BWCA closures announced near border
More than 150 firefighters continued to battle Thursday through a jumble of downed trees to contain a wildfire burning east of Ely. Meanwhile, officials announced a new slate of Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness closures along the Canadian border.
Nature as a healer
When you’re stressed or anxious do you go for a walk in the woods? Or do you garden or kayak? Host Angela Davis talks about the healing benefits of nature with the founder of a nature-based therapeutics program, a holistic health practitioner and therapist who sees clients outdoors.
Interest in off-roading, boating explodes during pandemic
People who make and sell motorized recreational equipment from boats to four-wheelers and other all-terrain vehicles say they’re having difficulty keeping up with demand. They say the pandemic-related desire for outdoor activities has fueled growing interest in what are called “power sports.”
Funky fish: Gar garners protections from Minnesota lawmakers
The long, slender, toothy and prehistoric-looking fish will, for the first time ever in the state, be protected in ways similar to other gamefish, the result of a bit of an outcry on social media following a series of mass killings that some saw as wantonly wasteful.
Firefighters working through challenging conditions to contain wildfire east of Ely
Authorities say the largest of several wildfires burning in or near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness didn't grow from Saturday into Sunday — but it's proving to be a very challenging fire to contain.
One Black geocacher writes about harrowing encounters, such as being called "boy" and finding a cache hidden inside a flagpole flying the Confederate flag.
Fires in Boundary Waters prompt campfire ban, some BWCA closures
Forest Service officials have temporarily banned campfires in the Superior National Forest — including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness — and closed some lakes and access points, as crews monitor four wildfires.
Video: How to get out on Lake Superior
Whether it's a boat tour, paddleboarding or sailing there are many ways to enjoy Lake Superior and the Duluth-Superior Harbor from on the water. Watch this video from the Duluth News Tribune.