Superior National Forest, emergency responders prepare for the long haul as wildfires burn
Officials representing multiple agencies, including the USFS-Superior National Forest, held a press conference Wednesday at the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely. They provided updates and plans for the wildfires burning in the BWCAW and northeastern Minnesota.
Quetico fire crosses the border into the BWCAW; Trails End Campground closed
The Forest Service estimates the Little Knife Fire at 6,000 acres on the US side, part of a fire totaling about 30,000 acres.
Boundary Waters wildfires closure affecting area outfitters and visitors
With the entire Boundary Waters closed and no reopening date announced, outfitters on both sides of the wilderness are scrambling — canceling and rerouting trips, fielding calls from visitors who flew in from across the country, and hoping the next few days bring better news.
Wildfires close Quetico’s Dawson Trail Campground and Backcountry Entry
Quetico Provincial Park has closed Dawson Trail Campground due to nearby forest fire activity, according to the park’s alerts page. All backcountry entry stations are also closed.
Boundary Waters temporarily closed to all visitors as wildfires spread
The Forest Service officially announced the closure Monday, confirming the BWCAW is temporarily closing to all visitors beginning at 12:01 am Tuesday, July 14. The agency called it a difficult decision, made after a surge of wildfires…
Wildfire prompts evacuations and lake closures in Quetico
Quetico Provincial Park has evacuated and shut down a sweep of lakes across its north end as forest fire FOR015 sends smoke — at times heavy enough to degrade air quality — over the park.
Researchers listen for signs of change in Quetico’s songbirds
A long-term songbird study is underway deep within Quetico Provincial Park. This spring, researchers placed 17 recording units across key habitats to monitor songbird species. Data will reveal trends especially as climate change affects the park and bird species.
Paddlers will use Wi-Fi at Prairie Portage and Cache Bay to telephone their entry into Quetico
Starting June 8, the Cache Bay and Prairie Portage ranger stations are expected to implement a new telephone reporting system for paddlers entering Quetico Provincial Park in Canada. Visitors will be able to use the stations’ Wi-Fi to report their entry.
Dark Sky Week emphasizes more stars, less light pollution
Experience Minnesota’s dark skies during International Dark Sky Week, April 13-20. Minnesota is home to two certified dark-sky sanctuaries – the BWCAW and Voyageurs National Park.
Discover Minnesota’s deepest inland lake in the Boundary Waters
It’s no secret that Minnesota has a lot of lakes—the DNR has listed 11,842 of them. Although Lake Superior is the deepest overall, Saganaga Lake in the BWCA ranks as the deepest natural inland lake. Its easy access draws all kinds of adventure-seekers to its cool, clean waters each summer.
A snapshot of Quetico Provincial Park’s past
Most people think of Quetico as a paddler’s paradise with over 1 million acres to explore. But the land has played an important role in the lives of the Anishinabeg people for thousands of years, as they lived, hunted, and travelled in the region, and continue to do so.
Remote Area Border Crossing permit updates for Quetico
Canadian authorities have provided an update to the Remote Area Border Crossing Permit program (RABC). They announced the introduction of a telephone reporting system in areas previously covered by the RABC program. The new system will begin September 14, 2026. Until then, those who currently have a valid RABC permit can use it until September 13, 2026.
Border bill could reshape Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
A new bill could permanently alter how the Boundary Waters’ border with Canada is patrolled. Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah recently introduced the Border Lands Conservation Act, which would allow the federal government to expand border patrol operations using tactical infrastructure and surveillance systems.
All-women expedition from Lake Superior to Hudson Bay
A four-person paddling crew will tackle 1,200 miles of historic routes between Minnesota and Canada. Their journey will take them from Grand Portage on Lake Superior to York Factory on Hudson Bay this summer and is expected to take 85 days. Through their journey, they aim to inspire young women and girls while advocating for gender equality in paddlesports.
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.
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.
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?