In an effort to re-open select areas of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), the Forest Service continues to evaluate fire activity, weather and resources daily. Forest Officials anticipate the ability to open select portions of the BWCAW entry points on July 30, barring no significant wildfire activity over the upcoming weekend. The proposal, when implemented, would open access to overnight use at 37 of the 103 quota entry points and re-open approximately 424,231 acres (39%) of the BWCAW to the public. A decision is planned with an implementation announcement for July 27.
The Phase 2 list includes all the same entry points as Phase 1 and adds several entry points in Lake County. There is only one entry point proposed for reopening in St. Louis County: Trout Lake (day-use motor only). Opening of Phase 2 entry points is depicted by the “Phase 2 BWCAW Wildfires Reopening” map. The following entry points under consideration for opening include:
- Gunflint Ranger District –
- 43 Bower Trout Lake
- 44 Ram Lake
- 45 Morgan Lake
- 47 Lizz and Swamp Lakes
- 48 Meeds Lake
- 49 Skipper and Portage Lakes
- 50 Cross River
- 51 Missing Link Lake
- 52 Brant Lake
- 58 South Lake
- 59 Partridge/South Lake Trail
- 60 Duncan Lake
- 61 Daniels Lake
- 62 Clearwater Lake
- 64 East Bearskin Lake
- 66 Crocodile River
- 68 Pine Lake
- 69 Little John Lake
- 70 North Fowl Lake
- 78 Brule Lake Trail
- 79 Eagle Mountain Trail
- 81 Border Route Trail (west)
- 82 Border Route Trail (center)
- 83 Border Route Trail (east)
- Kawishiwi Ranger District –
- 33 Little Gabbro Lake
- LaCroix Ranger District –
- A Trout Lake (Day Use Motor)
- Tofte Ranger District –
- 34 Island River
- 35 Isabella Lake
- 36 Hog Creek
- 37 Kawishiwi Lake
- 38 Sawbill Lake
- 39 Baker Lake
- 40 Homer Lake
- 41 Brule Lake
- 67 Bog Lake
- 75 Little Isabella River
- 84 Snake River
Superior National Forest temporarily closed public access to the BWCAW on July 14 at 12:01 a.m. after a lightning storm created a surge of wildfires across the forest.
Fire restrictions in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness were effective July 11 and were expanded to include the Superior National Forest (including Cook, Lake and St Louis Counties within the forest boundary) since July 12, restricting campfire use across the forest. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources implemented burning and campfire restrictions to help ensure public safety and protect natural resources. Debris burning, campfires, and fireworks are restricted in Cook, Koochiching, Lake, and northern St. Louis counties, and also including the portions of George Washington State Forest and Scenic State Park that extend into Itasca County since Monday, July 20. Please review all burning restriction information and do your part to prevent wildfires.
Due to the varied wildfire activity and weather, the Forest Service advises visitors to be diligent in planning trips into the area. Ensure a travel plan is in place and it’s shared with family or friends, know weather and fire conditions before you go, and understand you are entering a Wilderness area with associated risks due to weather, access and wildfire activity. See tips on planning a Wilderness trip. Always remember to leave a trip itinerary with family or friends prior to departure. See the BWCAW trip planner web page for rules regulations, and an example planner with safety tips.
For maps and more information on the emergency order, Exhibit A – List and Exhibit B – Map visit: https://fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts
