Written by Bush Lake Ike, Luke Yost
You have probably heard of Walz’s Executive Order (EO 26-10) August 18th, 2026.
Save The Boundary Waters explains that this order focuses on “freezing the state environmental review and permitting, cutting off state cooperation, and stopping new state mineral and surface licenses.” It also puts existing leases under scrutiny and directs the DNR to draft this (Executive Order) into legislation that would be taken into consideration in the 2027 legislative season.
However, what does this mean and what do we do in the meantime?
The primary focus of the order is on the Rainy River Watershed, which is over 1,800,000 acres in northern Lake and Cook County and the watershed of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). Obviously, the water in this watershed is precious, and those who’ve had the pleasure of being up in the BWCAW can speak to its pristine quality.
Advocacy Now
A few things to consider for advocacy in general when it comes to Walz’s executive order. Federal consideration may still be ongoing for mining proposals in the Boundary Waters, this order only pauses STATE consideration. And with a Republican governor it could overturn (Moen, 2026) (Get out and vote!).
Once again, the legislation will need to be drafted by the DNR and then passed in MN state legislation. Ingrid Lyons at Save the Boundary Waters recommends Izaac Walton League members “contact their Minnesota State representatives and tell them to pass permanent protection legislation at the state capitol next year.” She explained that the Executive Order directed the DNR to Draft permanent protection legislation, and while it was a critical step in the right direction, the legislature needs to act.
Not surprisingly, this upcoming Midterm election will play a crucial role in preserving this state pause, and getting the messaging out will be important to inform voters. Lyons also urges Ikes to “...talk to candidates running for office. The Boundary Waters is on folks' minds this election season, and candidates across the political divide should be asked about their position on permanent protection for the BWCA.”
With the federal government's current pressure to enable mines like the Twin Metals mine, Lyons also urged “federal advocacy is always important!” Pressure can be applied to the Federal Government through state representatives and senators - keep writing, emailing, and calling those representatives. Your voice matters!
Not All Mines Are Delayed
For existing leases in the watershed, the compliance will be enforced, and leases will be reviewed as directed by the order and reinforced by the DNR and the law.
Since the consideration for the Tamarack (Talon Metals) mine is in an area that is not in the Rainy River Watershed, the executive order does not apply. Meaning advocacy is still just as important to stop the Talon Metals mine, including the previous public comment period that was held in July 14-Sept. 14, 2026 and future public comment periods regarding the environmental impact statement process that will be announced in the future. Please review this link for more information on where the DNR is at with this process: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/input/environmentalreview/tamarack-nickel-project.html
We are grateful for Walz actions in creating the executive order, but the fight is not finished. Continue to make your voices heard! We will continue to keep you informed on upcoming public comment periods as they come up.
