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.
Recreation
Adventurer Emily Ford faced slush, wind, ice in 200-mile Boundary Waters crossing
Ford says she’d cross a thousand miles of wilderness to help more kids experience the outdoors, and her fundraising will make sure some do.
Film about running across Boundary Waters nominated for international award
“Boundary Waters Traverse” follows Alex Falconer on long-distance run to raise awareness for wilderness.
Beautiful beginner snowshoe route – George Washington Pines
“George Washington Pines is the best trail I know of for beginner snowshoers. At two and a half miles, it’s short and easy to complete in about an hour. The trail itself is flat, so other than making your way over the banks created by snowplows, there are no challenging hills or obstacles to maneuver.”
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.
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.
Harmful algae blooms in Voyageurs, Isle Royale focus of new study
Federal agencies conducting research to understand threat of toxins produced by cyanobacteria
New mountain biking trails in northeastern Minnesota
Several new trail systems have opened in past 10 years, bringing thousands of riders to region.
More skiing in the forest? Lutsen ski area seeks to expand on public land
Public input invited on significant expansion sought by popular resort. Considering increased opportunities for recreation and tourism with potential impact to old-growth forest.
Report: water quality “pristine” in Boundary Waters watersheds needs protection
New reports detail pristine waters of northeastern Minnesota, threats to the health, and strategies to protect them.
Greenwood Fire grows quickly, areas evacuated
Fire increases to over 19,000 acres creates a pyrocumulus cloud resulting in fire-created lightning, new evacuations but weather conditions could be more favorable soon.
Superior National Forest orders bear precautions
Rise in conflict between campers and bears has led Forest Service to require visitors keep their food safe.
Boundary Waters permits will be issued in person starting mid-July
Forest Service will return to near normal permitting process as the public health threat passes.
Researchers to track human impacts on Isle Royale wildlife
Citizen science opportunity lets hikers share data that will help scientists understand how people affect animals.
Wilderness advocate to run 110 miles across Boundary Waters for clean water awareness
“Where else can you run 100 miles and not have to carry water with you? That clean water is worth protecting.”
SNF proposes to reclassify roads and trails, restore streams, allow dogsleds and off-road vehicles
Superior National Forest seeks comments on project that would officially designate dogsled trails, open campgrounds to off-road vehicles, and more.
Forest Service reports 2020 Boundary Waters visitor numbers, signs point to another busy season
A significant increase in visitors last year showed value of wilderness, while posing some challenges.
Quetico Portage Challenge – connect virtually with wilderness park
With international border still closed, foundation invites participants to carry a canoe the same distance as one of the park’s portages.
Virtual paddling festival features epic adventures, first time canoe trips
Annual paddle sports show in Madison will return with online seminars and interactive events.
Forest Service adjusts Boundary Waters permit process to improve Leave No Trace education
The Superior National Forest says it will try to educate visitors about responsible recreation when permits go on sale next week.