Superior National Forest invites public to open houses
Events will offer interested groups and individuals informal conversation with Forest Service leaders.
Park Management
BWCAW visitor numbers drop to pre-COVID levels
After two years of high demand in the wilderness, Superior National Forest data shows that the number of visitors to the BWCA last year returned to similar levels as before the COVID-19 pandemic.
Superior National Forest proposes raising fees at nine campgrounds
Nine recreation sites would see increases in fees charged by the U.S. Forest Service if a new proposal is approved. Fees help fund maintenance and improvements…
Star Tribune series explores fighting fire with fire in the BWCA
Should fire be managed in the Boundary Waters? What have we learned from past mistakes? Experts discuss wildfire past and future in the BWCAW.
New BWCA report calls for more public engagement
A wide range of stakeholders weigh in on how the BWCAW is managed. Interviews with dozens of wilderness users and other stakeholders resulted in new recommendations.
Plan to restrict ATVs on frozen lakes at Voyageurs National Park gets pushback
Strong opposition emerges against effort to prohibit motor vehicles on large swaths of ice.
Tribes and Forest Service announce co-stewardship of Superior National Forest
Historic move explains how Forest Service will respect treaty rights for northern Minnesota Ojibwe.
New plan for managing ice roads and off-road vehicles at Voyageurs National Park
The National Park Service releases plans to manage ice roads and put rules in place for use.
Biochar forestry could reduce wildfire risk and capture carbon
Project studies potential of converting excess fuel for forest fires to useful material for several purposes.
Superior National Forest announces new supervisor
Tom Hall takes over as head of Superior National Forest, will lead federal agency through several significant issues in years ahead.
More wolves, fewer moose on Isle Royale
Annual reports reveal wolf reintroduction is part of reason for steep drop in moose.
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…
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.
Forest Service studies motorized towboat use in Boundary Waters wilderness
Federal officials are reviewing how shuttles affect crowding and solitude, while advocates say it’s ignoring limits.
Ten years after Pagami Creek Fire, groups share lessons learned
In just a few days, it burned 93,000 acres of wilderness, and threatened the lives of Forest Service personnel and visitors. A series of events based in Ely covers forest management, the fire’s aftermath, and wildland firefighting.
Proposal would add more of Quetico-Superior to prestigious Canadian Heritage Rivers
A coalition of groups is seeking national designation for the historic canoe routes near the Minnesota-Ontario border.
Lessons from the Wilderness: K-12 students learn from Isle Royale wolf reintroduction
New materials help teachers share challenges and hopes of restoring wolves to unique National Park in Lake Superior.
Experts report on Greenwood Fire: minor ecological impacts, significant public safety threats
A specialized Forest Service team quickly examined fire’s effects and recommended most urgent steps.
Voyageurs National Park launching new tour boat on Kabetogama Lake
The 42-foot craft will be based at the Kabetogama Visitors Center and provide access to popular parts of the park that are only accessible by water.
Forest Service reducing Boundary Waters permits next year to combat crowding
Agency seeks to restore wilderness experience by cutting quotas on 24 entry points to address congestion, violations, and wilderness degradation.