The federal system that manages permits and reservations for public lands across the country will see significant changes next year. The Recreation.gov website is where Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness permits are reserved.
The Superior National Forest announced that the changes are being made to improve security, privacy, and functionality. There will also be a change to how reservation fees are charged.
The previous $10 fee for making advance permit reservations will be eliminated, while all reservations, including “walk-in” permits without advance registration, will be subject to a six dollar fee.
Security and privacy changes include protection of personal information, increased fraud protection, and ending the practice of storing credit card information on Recreation.gov.
There will also be increased requirements for information provided to make a reservation. Group leaders will be required to have a valid email address to reserve a permit, alternate permit holders will be required to have a valid email address, and alternates must respond to the Recreation.gov email sent at the time of reservation and accept being an alternate within 72 hours of reservation. Alternate trip leaders will also have to have a Recreation.gov account. All participant names will be required to receive a permit, with the option to add names between making the reservation and picking it up.
Permits are required to enter the BWCAW for overnight paddle, motor or hiking trip, or motorized day trips, from May 1 – September 30. Reservations are recommended due to quota limitations for each entry point intended to manage use and prevent crowded conditions. Fee-free self-issued permits are required from October 1 – April 30, and are available from kiosks at BWCAW entry points and Forest Service offices.
The reservation website is currently unavailable while the changes are made, and is expected to be back online by Friday, Oct. 5. But, because the permit season is currently closed as of Sept. 30, and reservations for the 2019 season won’t be accepted until January 30, 2019, there should be minimal impact on Boundary Waters reservations during downtime.