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.
Recreation
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.
Snowshoes to Hok skis, exploring the Boundary Waters in winter
Snowshoes, boots or Hok skis? Enthusiasts share tips for heading off the beaten path so you can get the most out of canoe country in winter.
Sigurd Olson’s writing shack designated a historic site of national significance
His collection of rocks, duck decoys, snippets of writing, books, maps, personal photos, even his typewriter is still there. Its where he wrote most of his famous works about the Boundary Waters…
Forest Service seeks input on infrastructure repairs to prioritize with Great American Outdoors Act
Agency asks for public comments on how to spend money from the Great American Outdoors Act recently signed into law to catch up on maintenance backlog.
Paddling through history: Canoe crew retraces historic Boundary Waters ‘Circle Tour’
A legendary BWCAW canoe route, almost 100 miles long, pioneered by early trappers and conservationists was nearly lost to time.
Paddle route in St. Louis River estuary receives national trail designation
Unique ecosystem offers wide array of recreation, nature, and history in the heart of the Duluth region.
Large swath of Superior National Forest lands protected from development
Private landowner and The Nature Conservancy protect 2,100 acres as a “gift to Minnesotans.” Undeveloped lakes and distinctive northwoods bog habitat….
Ancient Cedars trail in Tower lets hikers experience old-growth forest
Beautiful and slow-growing white cedars are one highlight of a new trail that was developed this summer on the edge of Tower, MN. Volunteers constructed a 500-foot boardwalk and a 1.5-mile loop…
Boundary Waters bear troubles lead to campsite closures, calls for camper caution
Rangers report negative encounters between wilderness visitors and offer advice to prevent problems.
More visitors to Boundary Waters are breaking rules, damaging wilderness with trash, chemicals, cutting
Forest Service says many first-time visitors aren’t receiving Leave No Trace education, compounding problems caused by busy season.