Some BWCAW entry points closed due to storm damage
Heavy rainfall from severe thunderstorms caused extensive damage to roads and flooding within the Superior National Forest (SNF), including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). In response, the USFS – Superior National Forest has closed several entry points. As a result, individuals with BWCAW permits reserved through June 22, 2024, are being notified directly of the cancellation and refunded.
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.
Minnesota’s dry winter sparks concerns for spring wildfires
Wildfire is a normal part of healthy ecosystems in the Superior National Forest. However, USFS personnel are warning that this spring could see a higher incidence of wildfires due to low snow cover and precipitation. As a result, they encourage those who live and recreate in the Quetico Superior region to be watchful.
Forest Service rejects Lutsen ski area expansion
Superior National Forest upholds treaty rights and rejects request for new ski runs on public land.
Boundary Waters Boy Scout camp celebrates a century of wilderness adventure
Program based near Ely has helped young people explore and experience canoe country since 1923.
New film explores the dark skies of Minnesota-Ontario
‘Northern Nights, Starry Skies’ features inspiring images, cultural knowledge, and light pollution threats.
Winter in Quetico Provincial Park
Picture towering pines silhouetted against a dazzling blue sky, and a layer of new snow spilling from the branches. Think Quetico is just for canoeing?
Canoeists cross Quetico Park on 600-mile Path of the Paddle expedition
Month-long trip intended to promote and develop paddling part of Canadian cross-country canoe trail.
Canada to resume remote area border crossing permits, allow travel between Boundary Waters and Quetico
Permits shut down due to pandemic will soon be available again to people paddling between U.S. and Canada.
Mapping the 2021 Quetico fires: where blazes burned and where to paddle
As popular paddling destination Quetico Provincial Park reopens to Americans, maps show areas affected by major fires.
Proposal would add more of Quetico-Superior to prestigious Canadian Heritage Rivers
A coalition of groups is seeking national designation for the historic canoe routes near the Minnesota-Ontario border.
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.
Quetico closes parts of park as wildfires grow
Several fires are burning in Quetico, across a large area, near the border with Minnesota.
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.
Incredible journey of collared wolf that left Isle Royale
GPS collar let scientists see where a wolf that was brought to Isle Royale as part of reintroduction effort went after crossing ice back to mainland.
Cell tower approved on Gunflint Trail, extending service into the Boundary Waters
County commissioners approve relatively short, unlighted tower primarily to serve emergency responders.
Scientist to study effect of invasive species and climate change on fish growth in Quetico lakes
Canadian researcher seeks to improve understanding of how spiny water flea and global warming are affecting walleye and cisco.
Lutsen ski area expansion could include 400 acres of public hills
Comments are currently being accepted as part of the first phase of review for proposal to develop new terrain next to existing runs.
Quetico Provincial Park closed until May 31
Ontario closes popular canoe park across from the Boundary Waters to prevent unnecessary travel and spread of coronavirus.
Coronavirus in canoe country: pandemic precautions affect public lands
While local residents follow social distancing outdoors in the wilderness, the public is asked to not travel to the Quetico-Superior region, as facilities close due to infection prevention measures.
Artists invited to spend time this summer living and creating in Quetico Provincial Park
Rustic residency program provides time and support to find inspiration in the Ontario wilderness.
Heart of the Continent sustainable tourism partnership to host winter meeting on edge of Quetico
International gathering near Atikokan will offer presentations, discussions, and the chance to take part in a wilderness ski adventure the following day.
History in the Air – Bushplanes in Quetico Park
As far back as the 1930’s, airplanes have flown into the remote reaches of Quetico, patrolling for poachers, delivering supplies to rangers, fighting forest fires… Jill Legault from Quetico Provincial Park shares this look back to the ‘bush planes’ and intrepid pilots that flew into the border lakes backcountry.
International ranger crew partners to improve flood-prone portage on Granite River
Quetico and Boundary Waters crews come together on the border of the U.S. and Canada to reduce hazards on portage and facilitate wilderness visitors.
Measuring dark night skies in Quetico-Superior a first step in light pollution protection
Wilderness rangers recently traveled through Quetico and Boundary Waters to take measurements of the night skies are, as regional efforts get underway to recognize and preserve its darkness.
Bat surveys help Quetico assess population of insect-eaters and prepare for disease
Research in Canadian canoe country wilderness seeks to understand species that call it home and may be threatened by deadly fungus.
Quetico-Superior waterways are part of prestigious Canadian river system
More than 150 miles of lakes and rivers along the Ontario-Minnesota border are included in Canada’s program for celebrating and protecting its most precious rivers.
Quetico creativity: Park seeks artists for wilderness residency program
Deadline is March 31 to apply to live and work in the Ontario wilderness park at a rustic studio or travel by canoe.
Camping in Quetico-Superior country this winter?
The hardy souls that winter camp in the Boundary Waters and Quetico need to be as conscious of wilderness rules as their summer counterparts. Their reward: the freedom to explore corners of the wilderness that are inaccessible in any other season…