Lukas Leaf is the Executive Director of Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters (SFBW), a non-profit advocacy group of anglers and hunters who enjoy the woods and waters of our nation’s busiest wilderness area. Its mission is “To protect the integrity of the BWCAW and its watersheds for huntable and fishable populations of fish and wildlife, now and forever through advocacy and education.”
Lukas is also a long-time friend at Rockwood Lodge and Outfitters, a key player in helping us provide our customers with equipment and guidance for BWCAW adventures. Not long after Carl, Stepanie, Mike, and Carol took ownership a decade ago, Lukas was on hand to assist with re-roofing the outfitting building, enjoying the wilderness, and helping us write the “What to Bring List” on the website. We’ll talk more about that in a bit.
Lukas first visited the BWCAW at 12 years old. He accompanied his father to the Lake Trout opener in the spring that year, starting a long annual tradition of outings with friends and family. “I’ve been going to the Boundary waters for 30 years,” Lukas said.
Lukas was born in the Milaca area and grew up in the Twin Cities. The father of 5-year-old twin daughters, Lukas, and his family live in Hastings, MN. Until his early 30s, Lukas worked as an accomplished executive chef specializing in wild game preparations.
Protecting the waters
Sportsmen for the Boundary Waters began in 2015 as a hunting and angling voice for protecting the BWCAW from proposed sulfide-ore copper mining in its watershed. Its organizers recognized that the wilderness was threatened by proposed sulfide-ore copper mining at its headwaters by Twin Metals MN, which Chilean mining company Antofagasta owns. Its website says, “This type of mining has a terrible track record of polluting, especially in such a water-rich environment like the Boundary Waters. Sulfide-ore copper mining on the edge of the Boundary Waters would cause irreparable damage to the very quality that makes these public lands and waters so unique.”
Lukas was named Executive Director of the organization in 2017 and has built a powerful advocacy campaign around the copper mining issue. Two years ago, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland withdrew over 200,000 acres of land in the BWCAW watershed from mineral leasing for 20 years, protecting the wilderness area from the imminent threat of sulfide-ore copper mining. SFBW can foresee efforts to overturn these protections under the incoming and future administrations and will continue its advocacy.
Lukas points out that SFBW is not an anti-mining organization and supports other extractive industries in the Arrowhead region. It is specifically concerned about the potential adverse effects of the proposed Twin Metals MN copper mining project at the headwaters of the BWCA.
The organization accepts an obligation to protect, continue, and expand the efforts of previous generations of conservationists who worked to protect the Boundary Waters. Last year, SFBW created its Stewardship Program to get involved with other organizations and volunteers to improve habitat in Northern Minnesota.
They adopted the Pine Island Wildlife Management Area (WMA) on Lake Vermilion as their first Stewardship and Habitat Initiative project. At just under 40 acres, the Pine Island WMA is within a mile of the BWCAW. Deer, grouse, waterfowl, black bears, and various non-game species heavily use this region.
In August last year, SFBW staff and more than 50 volunteers worked with the Minnesota DNR, other conservation organizations, and outdoor industry leaders to plant 1,000 trees, create trails, and repair and replace the DNR’s signs in the WMA.
Still a Boundary Waters Guy
Lukas still visits the wilderness often. He makes a point to get here late in the season. “September and October are a great time of the year, and fall offers both fishing and hunting opportunities,” he said.
Lukas has noticed an increase in usage of the BWCA over the years. “Proper stewardship of the BWCA has become an issue, especially with campsite use,” he said. “Since the pandemic, many people have flocked to our outdoor spaces, which created a gap in the educational side for visitors, including simple things like not fully watching the Forest Service video series or following basic Leave No Trace principles.”
When asked about the “what to bring” list and what he packs in, Lukas said, ”My idea for what it looks like has changed over the years.” He mentioned the heavy gear his dad’s group used to haul in. He still packs a good cooking kit, of course. He is a chef, after all, and does the cooking for his group.
In addition to a good cooking kit, Lukas highlighted some other critical gear for BWCAW visitors to bring with them. “Water filtration has come a long way,” he said. If you don’t have a proper system, you may rent one from Rockwood.
Lukas also recommends good rain gear and waterproof hiking boots. A good headlamp is a must; a good book and journal are always nice to have. If possible, include a GPS device in your pack for emergencies, such as an InReach or Spot. Check out our “What to Bring” list as you plan your adventure.
Permit Reservations Open January 29
Remember to secure a permit for the overnight stays you plan to spend in the BWCAW. Reservations can be made at Recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777.
Of course, Carl and Mike will be online first thing on the last Wednesday of January to fill permit reservations for some of our outfitting customers. They can help you get a permit for your desired trip and arrange to outfit you and your adventurous companions. Just call 218-388-2242 or email us at info@rockwoodbwca.com. You’re not alone in this process; we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
