Forest Service finalizes BWCAW entry point permit cuts
After pressure on lakes and campsites in recent years, the Forest Service decided to cut about 37 BWCAW permits per day across 27 entry points.
Parks & Regions
New tribal liaison helps Superior National Forest respect treaty rights
A new staff member with the U.S. Forest Service will provide dedicated communication and coordination with tribes and tribal entities in northern Minnesota.
Rare October tornado reported in Boundary Waters
Unusual autumn twister leaves four-mile path of downed trees across popular BWCA wilderness lakes.
Feds consider mining ban upstream of Boundary Waters
Officials with the U.S. Forest Service have taken a decisive step toward long-term protection of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, resuming study, could lead to 20-year mining moratorium.
Harmful algae blooms in Voyageurs, Isle Royale focus of new study
Federal agencies conducting research to understand threat of toxins produced by cyanobacteria
Shovel Point at sunrise – unforgettable North Shore fall color hike
“For as long as I’ve been exploring the great outdoors, I’ve been mesmerized by how I can hike my favorite spots over and over and it’s always a new experience. The seasons, weather, sun, and clouds bring surprise and delight to every hour of every day. No matter how many times I’ve done a hike, it’s never been the same twice.”
Tracking change in the path of the Pagami Creek Fire 10 years later
Ten years after the biggest wildfire in a century, the forest is full of life, and reminders of the Boundary Waters inferno.
Fire FAQs: Critical context for canoe country wildfires
Questions and answers about the wildfires consuming parts of northern Minnesota. Where do the animals go? How much of the BWCA has burned?
Boundary Waters Wildfires 2021
Superior Hiking Trail closed, Boundary Waters closed due to fires. Updated maps, photos from fires in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Superior National Forest as official information is available. Greenwood Fire grows, Moose Lake Fire detected…
Celebrations of northern Minnesota’s dark skies feature meteor shower shows
Shooting stars will light up the night as public programs help visitors learn and enjoy the region’s dark skies.
Quetico closes parts of park as wildfires grow
Several fires are burning in Quetico, across a large area, near the border with Minnesota.
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.
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.
Minnesota representatives introduce legislation to block and boost mining proposals
Members of Congress offer competing bills on copper-nickel mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
Forest Service changes Boundary Waters permit process to increase Leave No Trace awareness
Permit holders will be required to receive training this year to help prevent problems seen last summer.
Former Minnesota governor calls on Biden to protect Boundary Waters from mining pollution
Mark Dayton: “…the only acceptable goal is permanent protection from copper mining near the Boundary Waters.”
Quetico Provincial Park receives Dark Sky designation, joins BWCAW protecting and promoting starry skies
Third preserve in canoe country region gets international recognition for lack of light pollution.
Adventurer skiing 250 miles through Boundary Waters to support Lakota people
Expedition raises funds and awareness for Pine Ridge reservation with trek across Border Route Trail from Rainy Lake to Grand Portage.