BWCA permit holders should plan to pick up permits in-person again starting on Monday

Starting on Monday, July 12, most Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness visitors will need to pick up their wilderness permits in-person.
The Forest Service is phasing out the virtual permit issuance option, with the exception of Sunday sessions for the remainder of the permit season. The virtual option was developed as a temporary modification in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
After this week, permit issuance and Leave No Trace & Tread Lightly education sessions will only be offered on Sundays at 9 a.m. for permit holders who selected the LaCroix District Office or Tofte District Office as their issue stations, due to these offices being closed on Sundays this year. The first Sunday this change will be in effect for is Sunday, July 18.
If you have an upcoming reservation and have already received an email to a virtual session this week, this change does not affect you.
For all other reservations, the Forest Service asks visitors to plan to pick up permits in-person. Permits can be picked up at a Forest Service district office or a cooperator.
“Again, we want to thank our visitors for being flexible as we transition back to offering in-person services on the forest. This is one of the last steps in the process and we are looking forward to in-person interactions with guests regarding their trip plans and leave no trace ethics,” said Shannon Rische, deputy forest supervisor for the Superior National Forest.
Forest Service offices are open and offering in-person services; however, hours vary by district. Gunflint and Kawishiwi district offices are open seven days a week, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. LaCroix and Tofte offices are open Monday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The Laurentian Office and the Supervisor’s Office are open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. -4:30 p.m.
All permits (virtual and in-person) must be issued on the entry date or one day prior.