The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) covers 1 million acres with over 1,100 lakes along 150 miles of the Minnesota-Canada border. Get the latest news on BWCA regulations, the mining debate, wildlife, trail conditions, camping permits and more.
Spice Lake Wildfire in Boundary Waters Canoe Area
A wildfire is currently burning near the end of the Gunflint Trail in the BWCAW. The US Forest Service says the fire was detected between Spice Lake and Ogishkemuncie Lake in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Campfires banned in BWCA due to dangers caused by drought
Local, state, and federal agencies announce prohibitions to reduce wildfire risks.
Report documents how “model mines” actually contaminate environment
Professor of geology studied several mines that supposedly have not polluted, and found they don’t meet proposed Minnesota standards.
Federal judge considers motorized towboat ban in Boundary Waters
Group requests injunction to prohibit activity they say illegally degrades wilderness as lawsuit over issue proceeds.
New film explores the dark skies of Minnesota-Ontario
‘Northern Nights, Starry Skies’ features inspiring images, cultural knowledge, and light pollution threats.
Boundary Waters receives ‘International Quiet Park’ designation
The BWCAW’s lack of human noise is recognized as increasingly important. This award honors the quietest places in the world.
Retracing Arthur Carhart’s BWCA canoe route 100 years later
Three paddlers follow famous 100-mile route that helped shape the concept of wilderness.
Beyond the Boundary Waters Mining Ban: What’s Next for Minnesota Wilderness
After last month’s announcement that protects the BWCAW for 20 years, more threats and protection work remains.
Wilderness advocates ask court to enforce Boundary Waters motor limits
Wilderness Watch requests halt to commercial motor use in Boundary Waters until Forest Service comes up with management plan.
Boundary Waters permit reservations available starting Jan. 25
The Forest Service urges wilderness visitors to plan ahead and secure BWCAW permits now.
Scientists search for cyanobacteria in the Boundary Waters: Part II
“Soon enough we were afloat again on the other end of the portage — and then we were paddling through green slime. The cyanobacteria in a shallow bay on the west side of the lake was ten times thicker than on Sawbill…”
Scientists search for cyanobacteria in Boundary Waters: Part I
Intense study of several northern Minnesota lakes seeks answers about past and future of region’s famous waters.
Historic photos celebrate centennial of Superior National Forest recreation plan
Forest Service notes anniversary of first major call to protect canoe country.
Remote Boundary Waters outfitters connected to power grid after six decades
After decades managing their own electrical generation, federal grant makes power project possible.
Film about Emily Ford’s winter crossing of Boundary Waters to premiere at Banff Festival and online
“A Voice for the Wild” documents the Duluth-based adventurer’s 200-mile trek in February 2022.
Report on 2021 Boundary Waters wildfire explains fire management options and benefits
The Fourtown Lake Fire was allowed to burn to some extent, helping restore a healthy forest and reducing firefighting resources needed.
Duluth man sets new speed record crossing Boundary Waters by paddleboard
Paddler covers 250-mile Border Route in five days, fastest known time using a stand-up paddleboard.
Forest Service reports illegal trail markings on Boundary Waters wilderness hiking path
Vandals illegally blaze protected hiking trail in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Forest Service asks for information about painted markings on wilderness path.
Kids and canoes: ‘No Boundaries’ program introduces youth to wilderness
Boundary Waters canoe trips can be life-changing, and foster lifelong conservation ethics, but out of reach for many young people.
Crew replaces wooden Stairway Portage with stone, works entirely by hand
The famous wooden staircase connecting Rose and Duncan Lakes in the BWCA was recently replaced with stone. No power tools could be used and the portage stayed open…
A once-in-a-lifetime trip to Rose Lake in the BWCA
“We worried about crowds and finding a campsite on the popular Rose Lake in the BWCA. But were rewarded with a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.”
Congressional committee passes ban on copper mining near Boundary Waters
A bill sponsored by Rep. Betty McCollum to permanently prohibit mining copper and other sulfide ore in the watershed of the Boundary Waters wilderness cleared a key House committee this week…
Canada to resume remote area border crossing permits, allow travel between Boundary Waters and Quetico
Permits shut down due to pandemic will soon be available again to people paddling between U.S. and Canada.
Lake trout no longer stocked in northeastern Minnesota waters
Fishery managers say population is stable where possible, and not feasible in other lakes.
Historic high water hits Rainy Lake region
Catastrophic floods are inundating parks, historic sites, resorts, homes, experts say water may rise another 10 inches this week.
All eyes on the ice: Canoe country still frozen as permit season starts
Spring has been slow to arrive in northern Minnesota this year, and it’s keeping the region cold.
10 questions to ask before booking your first (or twenty-first) Boundary Waters permit
Ready for the solitude and challenge of the BWCAW? Here are some key questions to ask yourself before booking your first Boundary Waters permit.
Calling on volunteers for Boundary Waters wilderness hiking trails
The BWCAW isn’t just for canoeing. Volunteers help clear and maintain 200 miles of hiking trails in the Boundary Waters annually.
Duluth woman will cross Boundary Waters to support wilderness education
Emily Ford will follow up inspiring trip last winter with trip along the frozen Border Route.
Forest Service finalizes BWCAW entry point permit cuts
After pressure on lakes and campsites in recent years, the Forest Service decided to cut about 37 BWCAW permits per day across 27 entry points.