Introduction

Conservationists with Common Sense (CWCS) was a nonprofit educational organization founded in 1989. It provided public information on land and environmental issues, focusing on Northeastern Minnesota.

Mission

CWCS aimed to educate the public to preserve reasonable access to and responsible recreational use of public lands and waters. It supported multiple-use activities and promoted stewardship of the natural environment.

Guiding Principles

CWCS promoted the following:

  • Balanced Use of Public Lands: Encouraged sensible recreation such as hunting, fishing, hiking, canoeing, snowmobiling, camping, and forest management.
  • Science-Based Policy: Advocated for public input, objective data, and practical decision-making in land and environmental policy.
  • Sustained Use of Forest Areas: Supported multiple-use management in areas like National Forests and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
  • Environmental Responsibility: Emphasized the importance of clean air, water, and soil for future generations.
  • Human and Community Consideration: Promoted policies balancing environmental protection with local community needs.

Public Education and Engagement

CWCS provided public education on a range of regional and national topics, including:

  • Land and forest management plans
  • Recreational access policies
  • Timber, mining, and energy project assessments
  • ATV trail designation and park access
  • Species and habitat management studies
  • Environmental permitting and impact reviews

Position on Wilderness Designations

CWCS did not support additional wilderness designations in Northeastern Minnesota. It emphasized active forest management, especially in areas impacted by large-scale natural events.

Areas of Focus

CWCS monitored lakes, rivers, and forests near established trails and roadways. These areas included wildlife corridors and recreational zones subject to land-use planning and policy reviews.

Separate Public Land Units

CWCS also tracked land units outside the Boundary Waters region that were relevant to regional forest and recreation planning.