News
Mission:
To protect and promote the natural, recreational and historic resources of Voyageurs National Park.
Heart of the Continent Canoe Voyage Travels Through Voyageurs
On July 1, 2009, Canoe the Heart of the Continent kicked off with paddlers loading up a 24-foot Voyageur canoe to begin an 18-day adventure that will cover 350 miles. The expedition honors the centennial of Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada and the Superior National Forest in Minnesota.
The 60 paddlers, who will rotate placement in the nine-person canoe, began their journey in Atikokan, Ontario and will wind through several parks and protected areas that make up the Heart of the Continent. The group of explorers will arrive at Voyageurs National Park on July 4 for the International Falls Independence Day Parade, and then depart to Crane Lake on July 5.
During the journey, the crew will make stops at public events to stress the importance of Leave No Trace camping ethics, and educate people about non-native invasive species.
The expedition is sponsored by the Heart of the Continent Partnership, a group of nearly 30 agencies and organizations dedicated to preserving the 5.5 million acre landscape that encompasses northeastern Minnesota and southwestern Ontario. These acres comprise Quetico Provincial Park, the Superior Hiking Trail, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Voyageurs National Park, and multiple forests and parks along the Minnesota-Ontario border.
For more information, visit www.heartofthecontinent.org.