The USFS–Superior National Forest (SNF) hosted a public open house on July 14 at the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely, Minnesota. The event aimed to discuss and gather feedback on a proposed recreational fee increase for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). If approved, the new fees will take effect in 2027.
First increase since 2008
QSWN attended the event, spoke with SNF staff, and listened to a presentation outlining the reasons behind the proposed fee hike and how the additional funds would be used.
Recreational fees for the BWCAW haven’t changed since 2008. Currently, during the quota season (May 1 through September 30), adult visitors pay $16 per trip, and youth pay $8. Each reservation also includes a non-refundable $6 fee. Under the proposal, the Forest Service would raise the fees to $40 per adult and $20 per youth (ages 0–17) per trip.
Federal officials acknowledged that a gradual increase over the years would have been more realistic but said they’ve been considering this change for some time. They plan to review fees more regularly moving forward.
Fees stay in the wilderness
Attendees raised questions about how the Forest Service distributes recreation fees. Officials explained that 80% of the fees collected for the BWCAW go directly back into wilderness management. The $6 reservation fee charged by Recreation.gov when booking a permit online does not count toward this amount.
“The money goes back to the wilderness,” said SNF Supervisor Tom Hall. Although the Forest Service can use the funds across the forest’s eight fee-based facilities, including developed campgrounds, Hall emphasized, “Historically we’ve kept BWCAW fees segregated from other recreational fees.”
The proposed fee increase aims to fund additional staff, maintain portages and campsites, and expand educational programming. “Half of the campsites aren’t meeting the standards outlined in our forest plan,” said Cathy Quinn, Wilderness Program Manager for the SNF. She pointed out that only about 30 crew members are currently working in the wilderness. This is a decrease compared to staffing levels over the past five years. Additionally, due to funding cuts, a skeleton crew currently operates at the Kawishiwi Ranger Station, where the open house was held.
Staff also highlighted the vital role of partnerships with outdoor organizations that bring in volunteers to help maintain hiking and portage trails.
Around 10 USFS staff members were on site at the open house to answer questions. They set up stations with maps, handouts, and refreshments.
Public raises other issues
The discussion also covered better wilderness access for people with disabilities and suggestions to increase day-use motor fees. Folks also addressed ongoing challenges with permit reservations, including cancellations and no-shows.
Hall clarified that the decision won’t be based on a vote. He emphasized that the Forest Service will consider all comments, including those not directly related to the fee proposal. Staff will also take those broader comments into account as they update the Forest Management Plan.
After collecting public input, a Resource Advisory Committee will review the feedback and make a recommendation. Hall will make the final decision.
The Forest Service will host two more open houses for those interested in the proposed fee increase:
- July 15, from 4–6 p.m. (virtual via Microsoft Teams)
- July 22, from 4–6 p.m. at the Gunflint District Office in Grand Marais, MN
Approximately 25 people attended the first open house. Anyone is welcome to submit comments until September 2, 2025. The slide show presentation will be posted on the SNF website sometime after July 22.
