The Forest Service will hold an open house in Ely Monday on proposed changes to recreation fees at the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
The fees would increase from $8 to $20 per youth per trip and from $16 to $40 per adult per trip. The current fees have been in place since 2008. The first fees were $10 per adult and $5 per youth from 1998 to 2007.
By law, at least 80% of recreation fees collected must be returned to the Superior National Forest and spent in support of the BWCA. Visitors to the area will see improved public services such as portages, latrines and fire grates, as well as additional wilderness rangers and law enforcement.
Recreation fees are charged May 1 through Sept. 30.
The current $6 non-refundable “reservation fee” is not part of the proposal, this fee covers the costs associated with administration of the Recreation.gov platform.
The public is invited to an in-person open house on Monday, July 14, from 4-6 p.m. at the Kawishiwi District office in Ely, and another in-person open house on July 22, 4-6 p.m. at the Gunflint District office in Grand Marais.
Additionally, a virtual open house will take place on July 15, from 4-6 p.m. via MS Teams. For links and location details: https://www. fs.usda.gov/r09/superior Once comments are reviewed and integrated into the proposal, the proposal will go for review and recommendation to the Regional Recreation Resource Advisory Committee (RRAC). Implementation of the proposed action is anticipated to begin in January 2027.
See the proposal with maps, FAQs and additional detailed information at: https://www.fs.usda. gov/r09/superior/passes/ proposed-boundary-waters- canoe-area-wilderness- fee-changes On June 16, the Superior NF shared the BWCAW Recreation Fee proposal for public review and comments will be accepted through Sept. 2.
