New BWCAW Collaborative promotes shared learning with the USFS
The Superior National Forest and stakeholders who care about the BWCA collaborate on topics including forest stewardship, visitor use, fire management, impacts and restrictions…
Park Management
Everything you need to know about the new BWCA food storage order
The USFS has updated the regulations concerning food storage in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Hanging items in a tree or using approved bear-resistant containers has been a part of the regulations and rules, and now violations can bring penalties. Learn how to hang a food pack from a tree and travel safely through bear habitat.
Tracking the Lynx: plan outlines habitat protection and monitoring for breeding populations
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently implemented a Draft Recovery Plan to strengthen habitat protection and support breeding populations of the Canada lynx. In Superior National Forest, the population has maintained healthy numbers for the past decade; however, it could change.
Future-proofing Minnesota’s forests: moving trees north in a warming climate
“Forests die fast and grow slowly,” says Lee Frelich, a forest ecologist with the University of Minnesota. In response to warming conditions, researchers in northern MN are planting trees normally suited for southern regions of the state. The USFS initiated an assisted migration plan to ensure the future of healthy forests.
After the Greenwood Fire: reseeding the forest
This spring, the USFS conducted aerial reseeding over hundreds of acres as part of ongoing efforts to restore a previously pristine area. The Greenwood Fire burned over 26,000 acres in the Superior National Forest (SNF) and earned the title of the most extreme wildfire event of 2021.
Tread lightly: reducing impact from hiking, biking, road and trail use
Spring thaw means roads and trails in northern MN may be muddy and more vulnerable to erosion. Visitors can follow Tread Lightly principles now and throughout the season while enjoying the outdoors.
Decarbonize the parks: National Parks on Lake Superior move towards net-zero emissions
National parks around Lake Superior have executed long-term, sustainable options against carbon emissions. Recently, the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (NPLSF), in partnership with the National Park Service (NPS) took bold steps against climate issues. Grand Portage National Monument and Isle Royale National Park are two of the locations implementing changes.
How is the international border marked in the BWCA?
Along the northern edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) lies an invisible line. The international border stretches over 150 miles of water trail, following the shorelines of Quetico Provincial Park to the north and the BWCA to the south. Careful observers may notice the subtle demarcation of the international boundary as they paddle by. Short metal reference markers are punched firmly into hard granite rock.
Crews restoring historic cabin on Lake Vermilion island
Work is underway to ensure Wolf Island’s historic structures are preserved, while also providing a new recreation site.
Biden administration proposes protecting old-growth federal forests
New management plans for all National Forests in the US seek to ensure mature and old-growth forests are maintained and even expanded.
Superior National Forest invites public to open houses
Events will offer interested groups and individuals informal conversation with Forest Service leaders.
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.