Bend, Ore. (Oct. 20, 2021) — The Conservation Alliance and its 270 member businesses in the outdoor recreation, craft brewing and beverage, finance, and clean energy industries, are ecstatic today that the Biden Administration has taken key steps to protect the economy and natural resources in the Boundary Waters area of Minnesota. We are overjoyed that local guides, outfitters, sportsmen, and other companies that depend on a clean environment will have the certainty to continue operations without the looming threat of hard rock mining in their region.
“I grew up in Minnesota. Some of my earliest formative outdoor adventures took place in the lakes and streams of the Boundary Waters,” said Brady Robinson, Executive Director of The Conservation Alliance. “There is absolutely no place for a sulfide-ore copper mine anywhere near this place—not now, not ever. It is our collective responsibility to ensure these lands and waters continue to support the local economy and provide outdoor opportunities for future generations.”
The Boundary Waters is the foundation of a strong and enduring outdoor recreation economy in northeastern Minnesota that supports 17,000 jobs and generates $913 million annually from regional businesses, resorts, lodges, outfitters, campgrounds, homes, and more.
The BWCA is a top conservation priority for The Conservation Alliance and its members who understand that conservation and economic development go hand in hand. The outdoor recreation sector generates more than $887 billion annually in the U.S. and employs 7.6 million people, while the brewing industry produces $331 billion and supports 2 million jobs. The Conservation Alliance member businesses depend on wild places, clean water, and livable communities to do business and create jobs.
About The Conservation Alliance
The Conservation Alliance is an organization of like-minded businesses whose collective contributions support grassroots environmental organizations and their efforts to protect wild places where people and wildlife thrive. Alliance grant funding has played a key role in protecting rivers, wildlands, and climbing areas throughout North America. Since its inception in 1989, The Conservation Alliance has contributed more than $24 million to help protect more than 73 million acres of wildlands and 3,576 miles of rivers, stop or remove 35 dams, designate five marine reserves, and establish 18 climbing areas. For complete information about The Conservation Alliance, visit www.conservationalliance.com.
.
Media Contact:
Brady Robinson
303-408-6316
Brady@conservationalliance.com
Shoren Brown
202-674-2380
Shoren@conservationalliance.com
Photo credit: Dave Freeman
