New youth book chronicles life of man who helped preserve Boundary Waters

If you've ever dipped a canoe or kayak paddle into one of the more than 1,000 lakes that make up the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a more than 1 million-acre wilderness area within the Superior National Forest in northeastern Minnesota, you have the late Sigurd Olson, in part, to thank for the experience.

Olson, a college instructor, author and canoe guide, helped draft the 1964 Wilderness Act that made the Boundary Waters Canoe Area part of the National Wilderness Preservation System, which defined wilderness and protected more than 9 million acres of land from development.

In 1978 despite much opposition and numerous lawsuits, the Boundary Waters was granted full wilderness status, which, among other regulations, prohibits the use of motorboats in the wilderness, as well as numerous lakes that border the wilderness. Since then the region has become a mecca for paddlers from around the world.

On the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, Iowa native Kristin Eggerling has written 'Breath of Wilderness: The Life of Sigurd Olson,” about Olson's life for young readers.

Eggerling, daughter of Ames resident Don Eggerling and his wife, Glenda, recently spoke with the Ames Tribune's Outdoors Editor Todd Burras:

Q: What was your primary objective in taking up this writing project?

A: When I discovered Sig's story, I wanted to share it. The book is written for 9- to 12-year-olds, but I believe it's a good read for people of all ages who are interested in history, the outdoors, or who want to learn about Sig and his accomplishments. Young people need to learn about Sig's dedication.

I am passionate about exposing children to the outdoors. Today, young people are increasingly alienated from nature ... My hope is that a connection can be made to the outdoors by reading this book.

Q: What was the source of inspiration for you to write this book?

A: I found Sigurd's life to be very inspiring. To me, his story is about love and perseverance - his love of writing and his love of the outdoors and never giving up on either. Sig's love for writing and for the outdoors transformed his life. It gave him purpose and direction. More importantly, his love of writing and the outdoors changed the world. His story is about one man finding his passion and standing up for what he believed in, even in the face of tremendous adversity. He was shunned by his neighbors and hung in effigy, but he didn't give up.

Q: What are one or two things about Olson that most surprised you that you didn't already know?

A: Sig had a unique ability to connect with people. He did this in person and through his writing. When people read what he wrote, they felt like they knew the wilderness even if they had never been there and they wanted to protect it. They also felt a special connection to him.

Sig wrote to almost everyone, if not everyone who wrote to him and he established pen pal relationships with numerous people. Many, many travelers who came through Ely on their way into or out of the wilderness stopped at Sig and Elizabeth's home. Elizabeth, Sig's wife, would welcome these strangers into their home and serve them coffee and cookies, while they shared wilderness stories and met their hero. That kind of a connection is powerful. The late Minnesota Gov. Elmer Andersen once said, 'Sig conveyed a religious fervor and a depth of conviction that no one else I know succeeded in generating. Others could win adherence. He produced disciples.”

Q: How is Sigurd Olson's life still relevant to youngsters and what are a couple things young people can take away from his story to make the world around them better?

A: I believe his life is very relevant to youngsters today. Sig felt such a sense of adventure when he explored the outdoors. Young people can learn how rewarding it is to spend time outdoors. I also hope they will take away the message to discover what they love and not give up. I hope they will be inspired to stand up for the outdoors. And, I hope learning about the history of the fight to save the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and other wilderness areas will help them become successful advocates.

Q: Do you think Olson would be pleased with how the act has been implemented, or would he be concerned?

A: I think he would be pleased, but he would acknowledge that we have to be vigilant to protect these areas. The popularity and subsequent traffic in these areas is a concern. He knew they made some compromises to get the bill passed that later caused problems even while he was alive. He was also aware of the constant threat of development. I believe he would be thankful for the awareness and commitment that many feel for the outdoors and conservation issues today.