MN Senate discusses resolution recommending that a federal bill affecting Boundary Waters doesn’t pass

ST. PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Senate discussed SF 3880, a resolution urging the federal government to not pass the Border Lands Conservation Act.

The act would allow the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to inventory roads within federally-owned land near the U.S. border, and to create more roads as needed to “gain operational control of the southern border and northern border.”

The act would directly affect Minnesota’s Boundary Waters area where motorized vehicles and watercraft are restricted.

It would also allow homeland security to install technology, and other infrastructure, to discourage illegal border crossings.

Homeland Security would also be able to fly in and out of federal wilderness areas, even if existing laws normally wouldn’t allow it.

Senator Grant Hauschild authored the resolution, saying the act would negatively impact the Boundary Waters.

“Allowing federal infrastructure and enforcement operations inside the wilderness would set a precedent and create lasting impacts far beyond this moment,” Sen. Hauschild said. “This resolution sends a respectful, but firm, message that Minnesota believes this unprecedented legislation to allow surveillance and infrastructure inside the Boundary Waters goes against everything this wilderness area stand for.”

The Senate Rules and Administration committee voted to give the resolution a do pass recommendation. It will now move to the Senate floor for a vote.