I have always been proud to call myself a Minnesotan, and Minnesota’s dedication to protecting its wild places is one of the reasons I am so proud to call this state home.

So two months ago, when I first heard of the exploratory drilling for sulfide mines outside of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, I was shocked. This new, toxic type of mining could ruin the Boundary Waters, damaging the area’s ecosystems, water quality, and its pristine beauty that draws more than  250,000 visitors to the region each year. I began to work as a canvasser to protect the Boundary Waters, and while I talked to Minnesotans interested in protecting the area, I heard countless stories of exploration, personal growth, and family adventure.

I hope that the Boundary Waters will be preserved for my generation and for the generations to come; to this end, the EPA needs to act now to prevent sulfide mining in the area. I urge everyone who has spent time in the Boundary Waters to take action to protect the area they love.

MinnPost welcomes original letters from readers on current topics of general interest. Interested in joining the conversation? Submit your letter to the editor.

The choice of letters for publication is at the discretion of MinnPost editors; they will not be able to respond to individual inquiries about letters.