The court sided with the MPCA, which rejected U.S. Steel's request to allow sulfate levels nearly eight times higher than the standard for wild rice waters in Hay Lake.

Records show wild rice was common around the turn of the 20th century, but poor water quality caused die-offs in the 1980s. Today, it's making a big return on the river.

That guidance brought the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe here to Minnesota. A view of Manoomin or wild rice after it has been harvested and processed.

For instance, all wild rice harvesters in Minnesota are now required to be licensed unless they are under 18 years of age and accompanied by a licensed harvester. The permitting fees help pay for ...