Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Act of 1978 is a U.S. law (Pub.L. 95-495) that protects pristine forests, streams, and lakes in the Superior National Forest. Enactment of the law formally designated the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA), which was previously known as the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The main purpose of the law is to protect, preserve, and enhance the lakes, waterways and forested areas of the BWCA to enhance public enjoyment of the unique landscape and wildlife. It also establishes some form of management to maintain the area and places restrictions on logging, mining, and the use of motorized vehicles.
| Long title | An Act to designate the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, to establish the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Mining Protection Area, and for other purposes. |
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| Nicknames | BWCA Wilderness Act |
| Enacted by | the 95th United States Congress |
| Effective | October 1, 1979 |
| Citations | |
| Public law | 95-495 |
| Statutes at Large | 92 Stat. 1649 |
| Codification | |
| Acts amended | Wilderness Act of 1964 |
| Legislative history | |
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A bill to establish a protected wilderness area in the U.S. state of Minnesota at the Boundary Waters was first introduced in 1975 by United States Congressman Jim Oberstar and was a source of major controversy and debate. Topics of major concern were logging, mining, the use of snowmobiles and motorboats. After much debate, and passage by the U.S. House and Senate, the act was signed into law by President Jimmy Carter on October 21, 1978.