Calling the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness a “paddler’s oasis” and an international destination, Duluth television station Fox 21 recently broadcast a three-part series about canoe country. Click the links below to watch each segment.
Part One: Introduction
The first segment looked at the history of the wilderness, including its previous incarnations when it was logged and home to resorts. Featuring interviews with Kris Reichenbach of the Superior National Forest, and Rockwood Lodge and Canoe Outfitters Owner Mike Sherfy.
“Some people don’t realize there was logging and some development early on before it was designated wilderness,” explained Reichenbach.
Part Two: Outfitter Expertise
Wilderness visitors from Berlin, Germany are featured in the second segment, along with Ely Outfitting Company’s Jason Zabokrtsky.
Outfitters like Zabokrtsky offer expertise on paddling, camping, and route options.
“Some people don’t even know that you can basically just show up with the things you wear and we can outfit you with everything else. Canoes, paddling equipment, all the camping equipment, and all the trail food,” said Zabokrtsky.
Part Three: Conservation Considerations
Emphasizing the BWCAW’s role as an economic engine for the region, the series concluded in the third segment with a look at Leave No Trace and other wilderness stewardship.
The Forest Service reported that more people are expanding human impacts, from trampling vegetation to importing invasive plants and animals.
“It’s kind of important for people to think about what they’re doing out there. How they are behaving and how that what they’re doing can affect the wilderness character,” said Reichenbach.