Back in July I told you about Dave and Amy Freeman's plan to spend one year living in the wilderness in an attempt to raise awareness about challenges to the environment in Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota. The couple are hoping to rally support to prevent sulfide mining from taking place too close to the Boundary Waters, which could have a potentially dramatic impact on the region. Today, the Freemans – who are former National Geographic Adventurers of the Year – will set off on their 365 day adventure with the hopes of saving the place they love.Dave and Amy will be joined by a gathering of family, friends, and supporters who will join them for the start of their journey. A flotilla of canoes and kayaks are expected to escort them into the Boundary Waters following a brief discussion about their why they are embarking on this expedition. They plan to set off from Ely, Minnesota at about 2:15 PM local time.
In the weeks and months ahead, the couple will travel on foot, by canoe, and dogsled as they explore northern Minnesota's remote and rugged wilderness area. They will make regular dispatches from the field, and will share their findings about the potential impact of sulfide mining on the region. While those mines haven't opened just yet, the leases have been granted and operations are expected to begin soon. It is believed that pollution from those mines will flow directly into the boundary waters, spoiling the pristine environment that currently exists there. You can find out more about this project at SaveTheBoundaryWaters.org.
This isn't the first time Dave and Amy have embarked on a long expedition. In the past, the couple have traveled across North America under their own power, covering some 11,000 miles (17,700 km) and more recently they paddled to Washington D.C. to protest the sulfide mines as well. Spending a year living in the wilderness will simply be their latest challenge, and one that they hope will have an impact on a part of the world that means a great deal to them.
Find out more about this project in the video below.
