I Wonder What Life Would Be Like Without The Boundary Waters

Sometimes I wonder what life would be like in Minnesota without the Boundary Waters.

If you aren’t familiar, the Boundary Waters is a wilderness area located in Northern Minnesota. Less than 3% of the land area of the lower 48 states is designated wilderness area. This means the Boundary Waters is a rare place. It is one of the few pristine areas we have left in this country that is free of land, air, water and light pollution. It is one of the few places we can go to escape the traffic, noise, concrete and stresses of daily life. Along with being a designated wilderness area, it is also a designated dark sky sanctuary, and I have had many drinks from the Boundary Waters lakes without consequence or worry of contamination. A truly unique place.

Sigurd Olson referred to the Boundary Waters as a "Spiritual Necessity". My Dad described it as his "sanctuary", and led my brothers and I on annual pilgrimages beginning in grade school.

It is no surprise the Boundary Waters is the most visited wilderness area in the country - because people need it for their health and happiness. My dad always said camping in the Boundary Waters “builds character”. When I was younger, I didn't think much of it, but of course he was right. Having the Boundary Waters around makes us better people.

Sometimes I wonder what life would be like in Minnesota without the Boundary Waters. Honestly, I think it would really suck. I probably wouldn’t be living here and I most likely would not have started an eco-friendly clothing business based in Minnesota. Those early trips into the Boundary Waters sparked and shaped a deep reverence for nature that continues to play a major role in my life.

That's why we support the Save the Boundary Waters campaign at ABODE OUTSIDE through awareness, education, donations and anything else we can do. Right now, we are committing 5% of our sales at www.abodeoutside.com to the Save the Boundary Waters Campaign.