BOUNDARY WATERS AREA WILDE RNESS T RIP P LANNING G UIDE

Your BWCAW Adventure Starts Here...

GREAT GLACIERS carved the physical Canada’s and is What’s Inside… features of what is today known as the bordered on the west by Voyageurs Page 2 ...... Planning your BWCAW Trip Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness National Park. The BWCAW contains Page 2 ...... (BWCAW) by scraping and gouging over 1200 miles of canoe routes, 12 Recreation Alternatives Page 3 ...... Reservation Basics rock. The glaciers left behind rugged hiking trails and over 2000 designated Page 4 ...... Leave No Trace cliffs and crags, canyons, gentle hills, campsites. Wilderness offers freedom to Page 5 ...... BWCAW Rules and Regulations towering rock formations, rocky shores, those who wish to pursue an experience Page 6 – 7 . . . . Smart and Safe Wilderness Travel Page 8-9 ...... BWCAW Entry Points sandy beaches and several thousand lakes of expansive solitude, challenge and Page 10 ...... The BWCAW Past and Present and streams, interspersed with islands personal integration with nature. Because Page 10 ...... The BWCAW Act and surrounded by forest. this area was set aside in 1926 to Page 11 ...... A Century of the The BWCAW is a unique area located preserve its primitive character and made Superior National Forest Page 12 ...... Protecting Resources in the northern third of the Superior a part of the National Wilderness Page 13 ...... Trip Planning Tips National Forest in northeastern Preservation System in 1964, it allows Page 13 ...... The BWCA Wilderness Kit Minnesota. Over 1 million acres in size, visitors to canoe, portage and camp in Page 14 ...... Special Uses Page 15 ...... Children’s Activity Page it extends nearly 150 miles along the the spirit of the French Voyageurs of 200 Page 16 ...... Contact Information International Boundary adjacent to years ago.

USDA — Forest Service Superior National Forest 8901 Grand Avenue Place Duluth, MN 55808 Plan Your BWCAW Trip and Accept the Wilderness Challenge. emember, successful wilderness trips don’t suit the type of trip you want? just happen. They are the result of careful The BWCAW is only one of many recreation planning. Please use this trip planning alternatives on the Superior National Forest. This guide to get started. However, we area allows a visitor to enjoy the wilderness and all Rsuggest that you also use guidebooks and maps that it has to offer. Wilderness recreation that can be found in bookstores, local libraries, requires careful planning and preparation and and outdoor equipment stores. The expertise of involves some risk. Wilderness travel offers outfitters and guides can also be used when great personal freedom, but also requires self- planning a BWCAW trip. reliance and good judgement. Permits are As you begin to plan your trip, ask yourself required. The visitor must have knowledge of the about the type of experience you seek. Would your entry points and routes; some research may be needs for solitude or your quest for the elusive lake needed to gather this information. These steps are trout best be met inside the BWCAW portion of necessary in order to protect the BWCAW and to the Superior National Forest, or would camping in provide a quality wilderness experience. areas of the Forest adjacent to the BWCAW better

k Leave a trip itinerary with someone at home including: Before You Leave Home  Trip leader’s name ______Check current Minnesota Department of Consider specific survival gear to prevent  Entry point and date ______Natural Resources fishing, hunting and becoming injured or lost in the wilderness such as: boating regulations for:  1. Extra food 10. Fire starter Exit point and date ______• Canoe and boat registrations (Minnesota 2. Rain gear 11. Water proof pouch  Potential route ______requires all watercraft to be registered and honors any state watercraft registrations) 3. Warm clothing 12. Nylon cord  Number of people in the group ______• Fishing licenses and trout stamps 4. Signaling mirror 13. Folding knife  Number of or boats ______• Fishing limits and possession of fish 5. Whistle 14. First aid kit  • Hunting seasons Nearest Forest Service Ranger Station 6. Emergency blanket and phone number ______• Watercraft lights 7. Map ______http://www.dnr.state.mn.us 8. Compass  Name of outfitter (if applicable) Wilderness visitors face inherent risk of adverse weather conditions, isolation, physical hazards, 9. Water filter or ______and lack of rapid communications. Search and purifier  Make of car(s) driven & license rescue may not be as swift as expected in an urban setting. Be prepared! Prevent the need number(s)______for a search and rescue operation that may The Forest Service does not automatically impede the integrity of the wilderness area or initiate searches if a group doesn’t exit as put others in danger. Acquire and maintain planned. If someone is concerned because necessary skills for primitive travel by foot, you are late returning from your trip, they canoe, or other non-mechanical means. should contact the County Sheriff’s office You are responsible for your own safety (See Page 16 for emergency contact info). and that of your group. Superior National Forest Recreation Alternatives If something other than a wilderness trip is more your style, consider one of the following recreation alternatives in other beautiful areas of Superior National Forest. There are many ways to experience the great outdoors; explore what is best for you. Backcountry Campgrounds Commercial Resorts There are a variety of options outside the Boundary The Superior National Forest has 23 fee campgrounds and Campgrounds Waters Canoe Area Wilderness that can offer the same available to meet the varied needs of our visitors. The Within the Superior National Forest are a variety of peace and tranquility. In the Superior National Forest, campgrounds provide drinking water; some have resorts and campgrounds that may suit the needs of a there are over 200 sites outside the Wilderness called electrical hookups. Most of the campsites are visitor looking for a trip near the wilderness rather “backcountry”. These areas offer remote paddling, accessible to people with disabilities, and pets are than in it. Some of these accommodations are set up camping, and fishing. Here you can experience welcomed on leashes. When picking a campground, with showers, electrical hookups, and numerous other solitude without fees or permits, and still have a fire you may want to stop in and get some information amenities. If this describes your needs, you can get grate and latrine. These areas also have fewer from one of our district offices in the Forest. more information at the chamber of commerce regulations. Visitors to backcountry areas should Reservations for some campgrounds can be made located nearest to the area you would be visiting. See follow the LEAVE NO TRACE ethic. See Page 16 for through the National Recreation Reservation Service Page 8 for chamber of commerce and tourism contact contact information. either on the web at www.recreation.gov or by calling information. Many of the chambers have web pages a toll free number 1-877-444-6777. Rustic. There are 17 rustic campgrounds with no fees. that may be accessed for more information. Water and garbage are not available.

Additional information on campgrounds is available at www.fs.fed.us/r9/superior and www.recreation.gov

boundary waters 2 canoe area wilderness The Basics Wilderness Permits fulfills the user fee requirements for the season, payment if the group is a no but does not eliminate the need for obtaining a show. A new confirmation Permits are required year-round for all day and BWCAW permit. For reserved permits it does letter will be generated each overnight visitors to the Boundary Waters Canoe not eliminate the need to pay the $12.00 time a change is made. Area Wilderness. Please use the following reservation fee and user fee deposit. Seasonal Fee Adjustments to group information to help you determine which type of Cards may be purchased by mail after December sizes will be made at the permit is appropriate for your group. 1 or by phone after February 1 from the permit issuing station as Quota Permits BWCAW Reservation Center at Reserve America. needed. They may also be purchased in person after May Any group taking an overnight paddle, motor, or 1 from any Forest Service Permit Issuing Station. Selecting a hiking trip, or a motorized day -use trip into the Permit BWCAW from May 1 through September 30 is Seasonal Fee Card Costs Per Issuing required to obtain a quota permit. The quota Person system regulates how many groups can begin a Station trip at each entry point each day. In addition to Adult $64.00 You must know the daily quotas, motorized boats are also limited Youth (0–17) $32.00 where you will pick by a weekly motor quota. Groups may only enter Interagency Senior/ up your permit when you the BWCAW on the entry date and through the Access Card Holders $32.00 make a reservation. You can select any issuing sta - entry point specified on the permit. Permits may Youth Access Card Holder $16.00 tion. The reservation system defaults to the Forest only be picked up the day before, or the day of, Service District in which the entry point lies. This entry. Permits are not transferable. Reservations default issuing station may be further from the are recommended since there are a limited Permit Reservations entry point than another station. For example, number of quota permits available for each entry The Lottery Moose River is within the LaCroix District (Cook) point. Quota permits can only be issued by The permit reservation process starts each year and would be the default issuing station. Moose Forest Service issuing stations or by designated when lottery applications for permit reservations River is closer to the Kawishiwi District (Ely). Cooperator issuing stations. may be submitted to Reserve America by website Picking Up A Permit Non-Quota Self-issuing Permits or mail beginning on Dec. 1 each year. Applications submitted by mail will be accepted Permits can only be picked up the day before or Self-issued permits are required year-round for all through the close of business (5:00 p.m. Central the day of entry. Please check with your desired non-motorized day use visitors, for any Standard Time) on January 10. Applications permit pick-up location to confirm their office motorized day use into Little Vermilion Lake, submitted via website will be accepted through hours. Remember to bring a photo ID when you and for all overnight visitors entering the January 15. All applications submitted during pick up your permit. BWCAW between October 1 and April 30. The this period will be processed by lottery (regardless self-issuing permit forms are available by mail, at of the order or method received). Applications Reserved Permits any Superior National Forest office, and at the are available at any Superior National Forest All reserved permits must be picked up at the main BWCAW entry points. No reservation is office or www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/superior location specified when the reservation was made required, but you will need to carefully follow the or at a Forest Service issuing station. Only the self-issuing instructions to fill out the permit. First-Come, First-Served group leader or alternate group leaders specified This includes reviewing the rules and regulations On January 20, following the lottery, first-come, when the reservation was made can pick up the on the back of the permit with your entire group. first-served reservation processing will begin via permit. It is recommended that you list three Carry a copy of the permit with you at all times interactive website (reservations processed and alternates when you make your reservation — and place a copy in the box at the entry point. confirmed immediately), or mail. Please note that these cannot be added at a later date. The person Special Use Permits if January 20 falls on a Sunday or holiday, mailed that picks up the permit must be with the group reservation applications will be processed the next for the duration of the trip. Any remaining Outfitters and guides leading groups into the business day. Phone reservations will be accepted overnight user fees not paid prior to your trip BWCAW are required to obtain a special use beginning February 1, Mon.–Fri. until April 30; will be calculated when the permit is issued based permit. A listing of BWCAW Outfitters and then daily through September 30. on the group size upon arrival. Guides can be found on page 14. Reservation Fee Non-Reserved Permits User Fees A $12.00 non-refundable reservation fee is Non-reserved quota permits can be picked up at any issuing station if the quota has not yet been User fees are required for all overnight visitors to required for each permit reserved. met for the entry point you have selected. the BWCAW between May 1 and September 30. Overnight User Fee Deposit Fees are as follows: Payment When making advanced reservations, you will be User Fees Per Person Per Trip charged a minimum of 2 adult overnight user Only Forest Service offices can accept cash and checks, in addition to credit card payments. All Adult $16.00 fees. You will also have the option to pay for the discount cards (Interagency Senior/Access, Treaty Youth (0–17) $8.00 entire group as well as changing the group size Card holders and BWCAW Seasonal Fee cards) Interagency Senior/ within a one day window prior to your entry must be presented at the time of permit pickup to Access Card Holders $8.00 date. If cancelled outside the 2-day window, the receive a discount, otherwise a full user fee will be Youth Access Card Holders $4.00 card holder will be fully refunded. If cancelled within the 2-day window, 32.00 for 2 adults is charged. Non-Forest Service permit pick-up BWCAW Seasonal Fee Card retained and additional payments will be locations may charge up to a $2.00 fee to issue an overnight permit. The purchase of a BWCAW Seasonal Fee Card refunded. The Forest Service will retain the entire BWCAW Reservation Information WEBSITE PHONE (TOLL-FREE) FAX NUMBER www.recreation.gov (877) 550-6777 (518) 884-9951 TDD (TOLL-FREE) MAILING ADDRESS INTERNATIONAL RESERVATIONS (877) TDD-NRRS BWCAW Reservation Center (518) 885-9964 PO Box 462 • Ballston Spa, NY 12020

superior 3 national forest Leave No Trace Principles “There are just two things on this material earth – people and natural resources” — Gifford Pinchot

The Leave No Trace Principles of outdoor ethics form the framework of the Leave No Trace message and the BWCAW Rules and Regulations: The Lakes Region is legendary in its richness and protect these wild and serene waters and forests, niques. Together we can act on behalf of the places complexity. It exerts an ageless draw upon people and their inhabitants. and wildlife that inspire us. To insure their contin - who seek adventure, refreshment and the exhilara - There are far more of us pushing our outdoor ued existence, we must educate ourselves and tion of outdoor recreation. But, as these wildlands activities to greater extremes and into the remotest adopt the skills and ethics that enable us to Leave host more and more visitors, our collective mark parts of the natural world everyday. Our mere No Trace . Please see the Lakes Region Leave No on the environment has become apparent — and presence in wildlands has an influence. Trace Skills & Ethics Edition . For a copy of this more damaging. Water pollution, litter, and dis - Destruction could be prevented if visitors were publication and more information on how you turbance to vegetation and soil, wildlife and other better informed, especially about low impact tech - can become LNT savvy, visit www.lnt.org. recreating visitors are indicators of the need to

Plan Ahead and Prepare • Know area rules and regulations Leave What You Find • Prepare for extreme weather • Don’t take cultural or historical artifacts or Be Considerate of Other Visitors • Use a map and compass structures • Take breaks away from trails, portages and other • Do not introduce or transport non-native plants, visitors live bait or animals • Let nature’s sounds prevail — avoid loud voices • Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as and noises you find them • Don’t take campsites for day use, as this may prevent someone from camping overnight

Photo courtesy of ETHAN KNUTI, Little Canada, MN

Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces • Durable surfaces include established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses, or snow • Keep campsites small – stay in area where Minimize Campfire Impacts vegetation is absent • Use a lightweight stove for cooking • Walk in single file in the middle of the trail even when the trail is muddy • When fires are permitted, use an established fire grate and keep fires small Respect Wildlife • Burn all wood and coals to ash, and make sure • Do not follow or approach wildlife the fire is completely out • Never feed animals. It can damage their health • Even after forest fires, you may see an ample and alters natural behaviors supply of burned wood near your site. Collect • Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations firewood away from campsites to prevent properly enlarging and defacing the area • Use lead free tackle

You can also do your part by viewing a 20 minute user education video as part of your trip planning process. After viewing this video, BWCAW visitors will understand how they can make a difference in the long-term health of the BWCAW by engaging in responsible recreation practices. Dispose of Waste Properly This is an essential educational tool in protecting the fragile wilderness • Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter ecosystem and providing a quality recreation experience for current and • Deposit human or dog waste in the latrines future generations. To obtain a copy of the BWCAW Leave No Trace User • Wash yourself and dishes with biodegradable soap Education Video, please contact any Forest Service Office found on page away from streams or lakes 16 of this publication. www.lnt.org • Burning trash in firegrates pollutes and is illegal

boundary waters 4 canoe area wilderness BWCA Wilderness Rules & Regulations The following are enforceable Forest Service • Collect firewood away from campsites by regulations (maximum penalty of $5,000 and/or paddling down the shore and walking into 6 months in jail). the woods where it is more abundant. • Wood easily broken by hand or cut with a TRAVEL PERMITS small folding saw eliminates the need for • You must enter the BWCAW at the entry point an axe. and on the entry date shown on your permit. • Drown your fire with water any time you • You may not re-enter on a different date using are going to be away from your camp or at the same permit. bedtime. Stir the ashes until they are cold • Permit stubs become invalid when the trip leader to the touch with a bare hand. exits the wilderness. • Transporting wood from out of state is GROUP SIZE prohibited. LAKES WITH 25 HORSEPOWER LIMIT • Nine (9) people and four (4) watercraft are the CAMPSITES • On these lakes or portions of these lakes, the maximum allowed together in the wilderness. • All members of a permit group must camp possession of one additional motor no greater together. • You may not exceed the limit at any time or than 10 horsepower is permitted, as long as anywhere (on water, portages, campsites) in the • Camp only at Forest Service designated campsites motors in use do not exceed 25 horsepower: BWCAW. that have steel fire grates and wilderness latrines. - Basswood (except that portion north of • Smaller groups increase your wilderness • Make camp early in the day to ensure finding an Jackfish Bay and Washington Island), Saganaga experience and decrease the impacts. available campsite. (except that portion west of American Point), Fall, Newton, Moose, Newfound, Sucker, • It is illegal to cut live vegetation for any reason. Snowbank, East Bearskin, South Farm, Trout • You may camp up to fourteen (14) consecutive LAKES WITH NO HORSEPOWER LIMITS days on a specific site. - Little Vermilion, Loon, Lac La Croix (not beyond STORING WATERCRAFT the south end of Snow Bay in the U.S.A.), Loon River. • Only watercraft and equipment used in connection with your current visit may be stored PORTAGE WHEELS and left unattended. Mechanical assistance is only permitted over • All equipment and personal property must be the following: International Boundary, Four-Mile carried out with you at the end of each trip. Portage, Fall-Newton-Pipestone and Back Bay TOILET FACILITIES & WATER QUALITY Portages into Basswood Lake, Prairie Portage, CULTURAL HERITAGE Vermilion-Trout Lake Portage. • Use latrines at designated campsites. • Leave archaeological, historical, and rock painting • Latrines are not garbage cans and should be used sites undisturbed. HIKING for the intended purpose only. Personal waste • The use of metal detectors is prohibited. • While canoeing is the travel option for most items such as cigarettes, cotton swabs, or plastic visitors, the BWCAW is also host to several feminine products should always be packed out FIREARMS & FIREWORKS hiking trails with opportunities ranging from and should never go into the latrines. • Discharging a firearm is prohibited within short day hikes to multiple-day backpacking trips. • If you’re not near a latrine, dig a small hole 6 to 150 yards of a campsite, or occupied area, No matter what length of hike you plan to take, 8 inches deep at least 150-200 feet or more back or in any manner or location that places hiking in the wilderness is not something you from the water’s edge. When finished, fill hole people or property at risk of injury. should attempt without proper preparation, skills and cover with needles and leaves. • State game laws apply in the BWCAW. and equipment. Wilderness trails vary in their level of use and maintenance. Signage is minimal • Bathe and wash dishes at least 150-200 feet from • Fireworks of any kind are illegal. so it is a good idea to talk to someone at the lakes and streams. PETS nearest Ranger District Office for current trail • All soaps pollute water including soaps labeled conditions. “biodegradable.” • Dogs impact wildlife and barking intrudes on the experience of others. They must be under control • There are a few restrictions that are slightly CONTAINERS at all times. different for those traveling by foot. Hikers • Cans and glass bottles are not allowed. should use developed campsites along the trail or • Dispose of fecal matter 150 feet from water lake. Campsites along the trails are located on • Containers of fuel, insect repellent, medicines, sources, campsites, and portages, or deposit it in a short spur trails off the main trail and contain a personal toilet articles, and other items that are latrine. fire grate and wilderness latrine. Most campsites not foods or beverages are the only cans and LEAVE NO TRACE OF YOUR VISIT are signed from the main trail with a tent symbol. bottles you may keep in their original containers. If for some reason, (i.e. an approaching storm, • After you break camp and load your watercraft, full campsites, emergency, no developed campsite • Food may be packaged in plastic containers that do a final inspection of your camp. Pick up any nearby) you must camp at a site other than a must be packed out with you. remaining litter. developed site, hikers may do so with the FOOD AND FISH REMAINS • Your fire must be cold to the touch. following restrictions: • Try to plan your meals so you don’t have • Please treat the BWCAW with care. Leave no - Trail users are encouraged to minimize impact leftovers. If you do, pack them out. trace of your visit to protect this special place for by limiting use to one night on non-developed future generations. • Dispose of fish remains by traveling well away sites. from campsites, trails, portages and shorelines. MOTOR-POWERED WATERCRAFT - You must camp more than 150-200 feet from a REGULATIONS developed site or another group. CAMPFIRES • Motor-powered watercraft are permitted only on • Fires are allowed within the steel fire grates at - You must camp at least 150-200 feet from any the following designated lakes. All other lakes or designated campsites or as specifically approved trail, portage, lake or other water source. portions of lakes within the BWCAW are paddle- • Most importantly, be sure to use common sense on your visitor’s permit. only. Motors may not be used or be in possession and follow the safety guidelines recommended on • Bringing a small camp stove may be a better idea on any paddle-only lake. No other motorized or Page 6-7. Wilderness permits are required year because it heats food more quickly, has less mechanized equipment (including pontoon boats, round for hiking in the BWCAW. Happy Trails! impact than a fire, and comes in handy during sailboats, sailboards) is allowed. rainy weather. LAKES WITH 10 HORSEPOWER LIMIT • Due to the potential fire danger, fire restrictions On these lakes, the possession of one additional motor no may be put into effect. Check on current conditions just prior to your trip. You may be greater than 6 horsepower is permitted, as long as motors required to use a camp stove if there is a campfire in use do not exceed 10 horsepower. restriction. - Clearwater, North Fowl, South Fowl, Seagull (no • If you build a fire, burn only small diameter dead motors west of Three Mile Island), Sections of wood found lying on the ground. Do not burn Island River within the BWCAW. trash.

superior 5 national forest Smart & Safe Wilderness Travel Wilderness travel offers great personal freedom, but also requires self-reliance and good judgment. By using common sense and following these important safety tips, you can have a safe BWCAW experience.

LIFE JACKETS FIRST AID AND WEATHER • Always wear a lifejacket. EMERGENCIES • Canoe close to shore. It lessens the chance of • Each permitted • Minnesota state law requires all watercraft, being endangered by sudden changes of weather. group should carry a including canoes, to have one wearable U.S. If a storm threatens, get off the water. well stocked first aid Coast Guard-approved personal flotation • Dress in layers and be prepared for every kind kit and have group device (PFD) on board and readily of weather situation. members that know accessible for each person in the watercraft. how to provide first • If in a lightning storm on the water, get to MANDATORY CHILD LIFE JACKET aid. shore. If on land among trees of similar height, WEAR LAW: put yourself an equivalent distance between two • Please note that the trees. Avoid the tallest trees. Minnesota law requires a life jacket to be campsite number is worn by children less than 10 years old painted on the • Avoid being a bridge between an object and when aboard any watercraft while underway. latrine of most the ground. For example, do not lean against For more on Minnesota state law, see campsites. Also note tent poles or trees. http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/boatwater/ind the location of the • Avoid potential paths of conduction such as ex.html lake, campsite, trail or wet, lichen-covered rocks, cracks and crevices portage on a map to help emergency people RAPIDS (wet or dry), and areas subject to the “spark gap” locate any seriously injured party. such as overhangs, wet ropes, and tree roots. • Generally, rapids in the BWCAW are not safe • Document the extent of the injury to “run”, so use the provided portages. • If your skin tingles, or your hair stands on and a basic physical description end, stand on a lifejacket or sleeping • Powerful currents can trap swimmers under of the injured person. bag, squat low to the ground on the water, or sweep them towards dangerous • Send all of this balls of your feet. waterfalls. information with • Place your hands on your knees with • Fast moving water can push swimmers and visitors able to exit the your head between them. Make boats into rocks and logs. BWCAW for help. yourself the smallest target possible, • Even with lifejackets on, rapids are dangerous. • Do not rely on a cell and minimize your contact with phone. Having a cell the ground. WATER QUALITY phone cannot substitute DEHYDRATION • Giardia lambia is a parasite that can cause an for knowing how to internal illness that will need medical attention. handle an emergency in • The body becomes • All drinking water should be treated by one of wilderness. Many areas of dehydrated when the following methods: 1. Bring water to a full the BWCAW lack cell more fluids are boil for 3 to 5 minutes — then let stand until phone coverage. lost than replaced. cool enough to drink. 2. Purify with a filter • In the event of serious injury • Drink plenty of water. specifically designed to remove Giardia lambia. or illness, the standard SOS call is a • Signs of dehydration 3. Treat water with a chemical specifically series of three signals of any kind, either audible include headache, cold and designed to kill Giardia lambia. or visible. flu symptoms, and infrequent urination. FISH • For summoning help from an aircraft in an BEAR AWARENESS • Chemicals such as mercury, PCBs, and dioxin emergency, signal them by paddling in small • Keep a clean campsite. Never eat or store food have been found in some fish from circles or waving a brightly colored cloth tied to in your tent. certain waters. the canoe paddle. • Take all precautions to discourage bears from • Eat more pan fish and TRAVEL visiting your site, including hanging your food fewer predator fish and • There are no directional signs in pack or using a bear-resistant container, as well trim the skin and fat, wilderness. as garbage and anything that has a strong or to reduce your risk. • A compass and accurate map sweet odor (soap, toothpaste, etc.). • Check with the are essential. • Some bears overcome their fear of humans and Minnesota approach campsites looking for food. This Department of Public • Most visitors prefer includes island sites since bears are good Health for current using Fisher or swimmers. information on limits McKenzie maps which on fish consumption at can be purchased at • If you do encounter a bear, most will be scared (651) 201-4911. some Forest Service off if you make noise (shout, bang pots, or offices, area businesses throw fist-sized rocks at the bear, etc.). HYPOTHERMIA and outfitters, or directly • A low body temperature can be from the map companies—see • A very persistent bear may be discouraged by serious, even fatal. page 8 for details. spraying pepper spray into its eyes. • Early warning signs are uncontrolled shivering, • If you get lost, don’t panic. Sit down, relax, slurred speech, bluish tinge to lips, lack of and think. Chances are that you will coordination, and poor concentration. figure out your location in a few minutes. • To prevent hypothermia, layer clothing and get adequate food and water. • If you plan to use a Global Positioning System (GPS) • To treat hypothermia, seek shelter from the for navigating, be sure you wind, replace any wet clothing, and share body also bring a map and heat if necessary. compass as a back up in • Give warm fluids if the person is conscious case your GPS unit fails. and have them rest until thoroughly warmed.

boundary waters 6 canoe area wilderness Winter Wilderness Travel “I love the deep silence of the winter woods. It is a stillness you can rest your whole weight against… so profound you are sure it will hold and last.” — Florence Page Jaques

The BWCAW in the winter is a truly unique slurred speech and drowsiness. Frostbite Choose a Campsite experience, whether traveling by dogsled, causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale • On the ice, in a protected bay, or in a natural skijoring, skiing, or snowshoeing. Visitors who appearance in extremities such as fingers, forest opening such as a swamp. come to the wilderness during this time of the toes, tip of the nose and ear lobes. If • At least 150-200 feet from trails, summer year have a very different kind of experience symptoms of either condition are detected, campsites or other groups. than those that visit during the summer season. get medical care immediately! You are less likely to run into other visitors and Wilderness rules and regulations (see • Make just one trail connecting the shoreline can experience a sense of solitude and self Page 5) apply year-round. Even though to camp. reliance in a way that few other places allow. the BWCAW has a beautiful white pro - • Bury human waste in snow 150-200 feet Winter wilderness travel requires a high degree tective coat on in the winter we still from water, campsites, summer trails and of preparation, planning, skill, and self- need to take care to Leave No Trace. portages (pack out toilet paper). reliance. Winter temperatures in the BWCAW Campfires average 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit, with It is preferable to make a campfire on overnight lows from zero to 7 below the ice to minimize fire scars on rocks zero. During severe cold spells, daily and shorelines. Use base logs or a highs can remain below zero, with low portable fire pan for your campfire on temperatures falling into the 20 to 30 the ice. Use a campstove or fire pan for a below zero range. Wind chill exacerbates campfire on land to avoid leaving fire the cold, and blowing snow can make scars on vegetation or rocks. travel difficult. Average snowfall is 50-60 • Collect only dead and down wood far inches, with 70-90 inches along Lake from shorelines, trails or campsites. Superior. Snow depths in late February to early March may be • Make sure your fire is out cold to the 15-25 inches with some higher terrain touch when you leave. receiving over three feet. • Scatter ashes in the woods away from Winter conditions make self-reliance, the shoreline and cover the campfire good judgment, and knowledge of your scar with snow. limits critical. Whether you are dog Live Vegetation sledding, skiing, or snowshoeing, it is Do not cut green vegetation for tent important to plan well and prevent poles, bedding for humans or dogs, or to hypothermia and frostbite: create new dogsled trails. • Be prepared for extreme cold, windy Reduce Dog Impacts or wet conditions. Dress in layers to remain comfortable by adding or • Keep dogs under control at all times. removing clothing depending on • To avoid damaging or “girdling” trees conditions and your energy level. with rope when staking out dogs, use Change into dry clothing as needed. webbing straps around tree and attach dog picket line to webbing. • Drink plenty of water and eat often. TRAVEL PERMITS Avoid alcoholic beverages. Alcohol causes the Permits are required year-round for all visitors • Tether teams out on the ice with ice screws body to lose heat more rapidly, even though to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area to avoid damaging shoreline vegetation. one may feel warmer after drinking. Wilderness. For day or overnight travel from • Never bring hay or straw for bedding • Avoid open water and thin ice. Never walk October 1 –April 30, it’s easy! Fill out a self- because they introduce non-native plants. on ice less than four inches thick. issued permit at any Superior National Forest • Scatter dog feces in the woods at least office, or at a BWCAW entry point. Carry one • Hypothermia is a dangerous lowering of the 150-200 feet from the water’s edge. Keep copy with you during the trip and drop the body temperature. Warning signs include the entry points clean for others by picking other copy in the permit box at the entry point. uncontrollable shivering, disorientation, up feces before and after hitting the trail.

TRAVEL TO AND FROM CANADA Effective June 1, 2009, all U.S. citizens are now Border Services Agency at least 3 –4 weeks in Resources at 1-800-667-1940. required to present a passport book, passport advance of your trip to obtain a Remote Area For more information visit card, or WHTI-compliant document when Border Crossing (RABC) permit. For www.mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/fishing. entering the United States. information visit the Citizenship & REENTRY INTO THE US FROM CANADA Please Note: Children under age 16 will be able Immigration Canada (CIC) website at www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/rabc.html or call If you enter the United States from Canada on to continue crossing land and sea borders using your BWCAW trip, you must report to a only a U.S. birth certificate (or other form of (807) 624-2162 to get an application for the RABC permit. Permits are required for Customs Border Protection (CBP) officer for U.S. citizenship such as a naturalization inspection at the Grand Portage port of entry or certificate.). The original birth certificate or a overnight and day use entry. Please check with www.ontarioparks.com for your permit needs. designated inspection locations in Grand copy may be used. See the Department of Marais, Crane Lake and Ely every time you Homeland Security's for more information on FISHING IN CANADA enter the U.S. from Canada by boat. the changing travel requirements. If you plan on fishing in Canada, including the For more information visit the Customs and ENTRY INTO CANADA Canadian side of the border lakes, you must Border Protection website at: If your trip to the BWCAW will include entry have a Canadian fishing license. Non-resident http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/ into Canada, you should contact the Canada fishing licences are available through the mail by pleasure_boats/ calling the Ministry of Natural

superior 7 national forest he map and chart on this page are intended to provide a general idea of where Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness entry points and Forest Service permit issuing stations are located on the Superior National TForest, as well as some basic information about each entry point. When planning your trip we highly BWCAW recommend that you supplement this information with maps, guidebooks, and the advice of your outfitter and/or guide, if you decide to use one. Maps and guidebooks are available from the following list of sources. A list of organizations that will assist you in locating guides and outfitters in the area you plan to visit is provided. You will find a detailed list of outfitters and guides on page 14. Eastern National Grand Marais Visitor Information Center Tower-Soudan Chamber of Commerce Maps & Publications Provides quality educational products and PO Box 1048 Box 776 Detailed canoe route maps are available services to the Superior National Forest. Grand Marais, MN 55604 Tower, MN 55790 from outfitters in communities near the 877-628-7275 888-922-5000 (218) 753-2301 • 800-869-3766 BWCAW or directly from these sources. www.easternnational.org. www.grandmarais.com www.lakevermilionchamber.com W.A. Fisher Co. Gunflint Trail Association 123 Chestnut, PO Box 1107 Area Guides PO Box 205 Info for Travel to Virginia, MN 55792 Grand Marais, MN 55604 (218) 741-9544 & Outfitters 800-338-6932 Quetico www.wafishermn.com Cook Chamber of Commerce www.gunflint-trail.com Quetico Provincial Park PO Box 296, District Manager McKenzie Maps Cook, MN 55723 Lutsen-Tofte Tourism Assoc. Minister of Natural Resources 8479 East Frye Road 800-648-5897 Box 2248 108 Saturn Ave. Minong, WI 54859 www.cookminnesota.com Tofte, MN 55615 Atikokan, Ontario POT 1CO 800-749-2113 (218) 663-7804 • 888-616-6784 807-597-2735 • 800-667-1940 Crane Lake Visitor & Tourism Bureau www.mckenziemaps.com www.americasnorthcoast.org www.ontarioparks.com Crane Lake, MN 55725 Voyageur Maps 800-362-7405 MN Office of Tourism See page 7 for travel to Quetico. PO Box 2401 Explore Minnesota Tourism Minneapolis, MN 55419 Ely Chamber of Commerce 121 7th Place E 612-518-7580 1600 E. Sheridan Street Metro Square, Suite 100 www.voyageurmaps.com Ely, MN 55731 St. Paul, MN 55101 (218) 365-6123 • (800) 777-7281 888-TOURISM 888-868-7476 www.ely.org www.exploreminnesota.com

* These entry points and associated quota are for paddle only permits. However, motor boat quotas are also available for these areas, (see Overnight Paddle or Motor section on Page 9) and motors may be encountered along portions of the route. To check availability for the following entry points, please visit www.recreation.gov.

METHOD ENTRY RESPONSIBLE OF POINT ENTRY POINT NAME RANGER OTHER REMARKS ENTRY NUMBER DISTRICT & TOWN 4 Crab Lake & Cummings Lake Kawishiwi/Ely Access from Burntside Lake with a 360-rod portage to Crab Lake. 6 Slim Lake Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a 90-rod portage to Slim Lake Portages to three additional lakes. 7 From Big Lake Kawishiwi/Ely Access La Pond Lake with a 160-rod portage from outside the BWCAW on Big Lake. 8 Moose River South La Croix/Cook Access is a canoe landing heading South from the Echo Trail. Three portages to enter Big Moose Lake. 9 Little Indian Sioux River South La Croix/Cook Heading South from the Echo Trail. Difficult route. Four portages to Bootleg Lake. 14 Little Indian Sioux River North La Croix/Cook Access is a 40-rod portage heading North from the Echo Trail. 16 Moose/Portage River La Croix/Cook Access is a 160-rod portage heading North from the Echo Trail. North of Echo Trail 19 Stuart River Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a 480-rod portage to the Stuart River. 20 Angleworm Lake Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a 640-rod portage to Angleworm Lake.

y 22 Mudro Lake—Restricted Kawishiwi/Ely Three accesses into Mudro Lake involve portages ranging from 20–185 rods. Restriction is no camping on Horse Lake. l 23 Mudro Lake Kawishiwi/Ely Three accesses into Mudro Lake involve portages ranging from 20–185 rods. 26 Wood Lake Kawishiwi/Ely Access to Wood Lake is a 180-rod portage. n 28 Snowbank Lake Only * Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a boat landing or canoe launch at Snowbank Lake. Must camp all nights on Snowbank Lake. Paddle day trips to other lakes are permitted.

o 29 North Kawishiwi River Kawishiwi/Ely Access the North Kawishiwi River through Ojibway Lake and Triangle Lake using two portages. 30 Lake One Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a canoe landing at Lake One. 32 South Kawishiwi River Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a 140-rod portage to the river.

e 33 Little Gabbro Lake Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a 200-rod portage from the parking lot to Little Gabbro Lake. 34 Island River Tofte/Tofte Two small portages leading to Isabella River. l 35 Isabella Lake Tofte/Tofte Access is a 70-rod portage to Isabella Lake.

d 36 Hog Creek Tofte/Tofte Access is a 15-rod portage to Hog Creek leading into Perent Lake. 37 Kawishiwi Lake Tofte/Tofte Access is a boat landing at Kawishiwi Lake.

d 38 Sawbill Lake Tofte/Tofte Access is a boat landing at Sawbill Lake. 39 Baker Lake Tofte/Tofte Access is a boat landing at Baker Lake with a 10-rod portage into Peterson Lake to reach first campsite. a 40 Homer Lake Tofte/Tofte Access is a boat landing at Homer Lake. Part of Homer Lake is outside of the BWCAW where motors are allowed. 41 Brule Lake Tofte/Tofte Access is a boat landing at Brule Lake. Large lake with several campsites. P 41A Brule Lake Only Tofte/Tofte Access is a boat landing at Brule Lake. Large lake with several campsites. Must camp all nights on Brule Lake. Use only after Entry Point 41 is full. Day trips to other lakes permitted. 43 Bower Trout lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is a 72-rod portage from small parking area into Bower Trout. 44 Ram Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is a 97-rod portage from the parking area. T 45 Morgan Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is a 320-rod portage to Morgan Lake. No campsites on Morgan Lake—short portages to further lakes for campsites. 47 Lizz & Swamp Lakes Gunflint/Grand Marais Access from Poplar Lake by 51-rod portage to Lizz Lake and 100-rod portage into Swamp Lake.

H 48 Meeds Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access from Poplar Lake into Meeds Lake with a 220-rod portage. 49 Skipper & Portage Lakes Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is a 320-rod portage from Poplar Lake or a 230-rod portage from Iron Lake. 50 Cross Bay Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is thru the Cross River with two portages to Ham Lake and a 24-rod portage to Cross Bay Lake. G 51 Missing Link Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is a canoe landing at Round Lake with a 142-rod portage to Missing Link Lake. I 52 Brant Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is a canoe landing at Round Lake with two 85-rod portages to Brant Lake. 54A Seagull Lake Only * Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is a boat landing at Seagull Lake. Large lake with several campsites. Must camp all nights on Seagull Lake. Use only after Entry Point 54 is full. Day trips to other lakes permitted. N 55A Saganaga Lake Only * Gunflint/Grand Marais Must camp all nights on Saganaga Lake. Use only after Entry Point 55 is full. Day trips to other lakes permitted. Large lake with many campsites and easy access.

R 57 Magnetic Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access Magnetic Lake and Granite River from Gunflint Lake. 58 South Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is from Gunflint Lake with a 10-mile paddle and two short portages to South Lake.

E 60 Duncan Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is from W. Bearskin Lake with a 70-rod portage to Duncan Lake and an 80-rod portage to Rose Lake. 61 Daniels Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access is from W. Bearskin Lake with a 60-rod portage to Daniels Lake and 665-rod portage to Rose Lake.

V 66 Crocodile River Gunflint/Grand Marais Can access Crocodile Lake from Crocodile River or East Bearskin. Must spend all nights on Crocodile Lake. 67 Bog Lake Tofte/Tofte Access is a 232-rod portage into Bog Lake. Four campsites. Bog Lake does not provide access to other lakes. 68 Pine Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access through McFarland Lake by a 2-rod portage. O 69 John Lake Gunflint/Grand Marais Access from Little John Lake with a 10-rod portage to John Lake. 70 North Fowl Lake * Gunflint/Grand Marais Access from Little John Lake with an 88-rod and a 160-rod portage to get to North Fowl Lake. Border lake between U.S. & Canada. Kawishiwi/Ely 71 From Canada La Croix/Cook Use only when trip originates in Canada, then passes into the BWCAW. Gunflint/Grand Marais 75 Little Isabella River Tofte/Tofte Access is a 20-rod portage to the Little Isabella River. Several short portages before you reach the Isabella River. 77 South Hegman Lake Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a 80-rod portage to South Hegman Lake. 80 Larch Creek Gunflint/Grand Marais Access from the canoe landing at Larch Creek. 84 Snake River Tofte/Tofte Access is a 198-rod portage to Snake River & several short portages before reaching Bald Eagle Lake.

boundary waters 8 canoe area wilderness Entry Points

BWCAW Entry Points [approximate locations]

to LaCroix Ranger Station, Cook, MN

This map is not intended for navigation. When planning your trip, a more comprehensive map is available from any Forest Service office or wilderness outfitter. Forest Service offices

METHOD ENTRY MOTOR RESPONSIBLE OF POINT ENTRY POINT NAME HORSE-POWER RANGER OTHER REMARKS ENTRY NUMBER LIMIT DISTRICT & TOWN 1 Trout Lake 25 HP La Croix/Cook Access from Vermilion Lake via a 60-rod canoe portage or 180-rod portage that allows the use of portage wheels. 12 Little Vermilion Lake Unlimited La Croix/Cook Enter from Crane Lake. Note: Not the entry point to use for Trout Lake (#1). On U.S. side motors are only allowed up to edge of Snow Bay on Lac La Croix. r

o 12A Lac La Croix Unlimited La Croix/Cook Enter from Crane Lake. Must camp all nights on Lac La Croix. Day trips to other lakes permitted. Use only after T t (except where paddle only) Entry Point 12 is full. Very difficult to reach Lac La Croix by paddle in one day. Commercial shuttle service available. o

H 24 Fall Lake 25 HP Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a boat landing at Fall Lake. Several trip options to Newton, Basswood, & Mud Lakes with additional portages. M G 25 Moose Lake 25 HP Kawishiwi/Ely Access is an boat landing or canoe launch at Moose Lake. Many trip options for paddlers with additional portages. I

r 27 Snowbank Lake 25 HP Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a boat landing or canoe launch at Snowbank Lake. Many trip options for paddlers. N o 31 Farm Lake 25 HP Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a boat landing on Farm Lake with access to South Farm Lake. Paddlers access North

R Kawishiwi River from Farm Lake. Some trip options available for paddlers with additional portages. e l

E 54 Seagull Lake 10 HP Gunflint/Grand Marais No motors (use or possession) west of Three Mile Island. Large lake with several campsites. d

V (except where paddle only) Landing at Seagull Lake. d 55 Saganaga Lake 25 HP Gunflint/Grand Marais No motors (use or possession) west of American Point. Access to Canada (the Crown land and Quetico Park). a O (except where paddle only) Large lake with many campsites and easy access. P 62 Clearwater Lake 10 HP Gunflint/Grand Marais Motors allowed on Clearwater Lake only. 64 East Bearskin Lake 25 HP Gunflint/Grand Marais Motors allowed on East Bearskin Lake only. No motors on Alder and Canoe. A Trout Lake 25 HP La Croix/Cook Access from Lake Vermilion via a 180-rod portage suitable for portage wheels. Commercial portage service available. C Fall Lake Only 25 HP Kawishiwi/Ely Valid only on Fall Lake not Newton or Basswood. Access is a boat landing at Fall Lake. D Fall Lake, Newton, Pipestone & Beyond 25 HP Kawishiwi/Ely Access is a boat landing at Fall Lake. Valid on Fall, Newton & Basswood.

E F Moose Lk to Newfound & Sucker Lks 25 HP Kawishiwi/Ely Valid only on Moose, Newfound and Sucker Lakes. Travel not permitted beyond Sucker Lake. S r G Moose Lk to Prairie Portage to Basswood 25 HP Kawishiwi/Ely Commercial portage service available. Valid on Moose, Newfound, Sucker and Basswood Lakes. o

U (except paddle only areas) t

o H Snowbank Lake 25 HP Kawishiwi/Ely Motors allowed on Snowbank Lake only. Y I South Farm Lake 25 HP Kawishiwi/Ely Motors allowed on South Farm Lake only. A M J Saganaga Lake 25 HP Gunflint/Grand Marais No motors (use or possession) west of American Point. Access to Canada.

D K Seagull Lake 10 HP Gunflint/Grand Marais No motors (use or possession) allowed west of Three Mile Island. L Clearwater Lake 10 HP Gunflint/Grand Marais Motors allowed on Clearwater Lake only. M East Bearskin Lake 25 HP Gunflint/Grand Marais Motors allowed on East Bearskin Lake only. No motors on Alder or Canoe Lakes. 11 Blandin Trail La Croix/Cook Winter route to Lamb Lake. 2.4 miles. 13 Herriman Lake Trail La Croix/Cook 15 miles of trail accesses 4 lakes. Loop options. 15 Sioux-Hustler Trail La Croix/Cook 25 mile loop. Primitive trail not well maintained. 21 Angleworm Trail Kawishiwi/Ely Trail loops around Angleworm Lake. 12 miles. If paddling, use entry point #20.

T 56 Kekekabic Trail—East Gunflint/Grand Marais 46 mile trail that continues to the west side trail head. Rolling terrain through several lakes. Minimal use.

H 59 Partridge Lake/South Lake Trail Gunflint/Grand Marais 4 miles. If paddling use Entry Point #60.

g 74 Kekekabic Trail West/Snowbank Kawishiwi/Ely Loop option includes 27 miles of the Snowbank trail, plus the 46 mile Kekekabic Trail that continues to G n I the east side trail head. i 76 Big Moose Lake Trail La Croix/Cook No loop options. 2 miles to Big Moose Lake. If paddling use Entry Point #8. N k

i 78 Brule Lake Trail Gunflint/Grand Marais Trailhead is on Forest Road 326, 1/3 mile south of the Brule Lake parking lot on the east side of the road. R Parking at Brule Lake lot. Total trail distance is 7 miles. H E 79 Eagle Mountain Trail Gunflint/Grand Marais The trail is 3.5 miles to the top (one way). Provides access to Brule Lake Trail. V 81 Border Route Trail—West Gunflint/Grand Marais 53 miles. Shorter options available. O 82 Border Route Trail—Center Gunflint/Grand Marais 53 miles. Shorter options available. 83 Border Route Trail—East Gunflint/Grand Marais 53 miles. Shorter options available. 86 Pow Wow Trail Tofte/Tofte 30 mile loop trail.

superior 9 national forest BWCAW Past and Present What is Wilderness? • Is a natural lab in which we can study n September 3, 1964 natural processes. Society can benefit from The Wilderness Act this scientific research as it enlarges our was signed into law. understanding of the world and our roles in O it. The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness was also • Holds educational and training value for designated with the passing of schools and universities. It is an important this Act. The Wilderness Act classroom for learning primitive outdoor provided a legal definition of skills such as orienteering, survival, wilderness, created the National mountaineering and stock packing. Wilderness Preservation System, • Has aesthetic value appreciated through established a process to be used intimate contact with the environment where for designating wilderness areas, people can experience sights, sounds and and set provisions for the use of feelings they are unable to experience in wilderness areas. The intent of other less natural settings. the Wilderness Act was to establish wilderness areas “for • Holds, for some, philosophical and religious the use and enjoyment of the Lake Insula 1921. Photo taken by Arthur Carhart. value. To them wilderness is a place with American people in such Courtesy Superior National Forest Collection. natural cathedrals where people can celebrate manner as will leave them the creative forces behind life. unimpaired for future use and enjoyment as Why Wilderness? • Has an intrinsic value hypothesizing that wilderness...” Legal wilderness, “in contrast with When we talk about wilderness it is important to plants, animals, inanimate objects and the those areas where man and his own works differentiate when we are talking about ecosystems that they inhabit, have rights of dominate the landscape,” is “recognized as an wilderness based on our personal definition, their own to exist. area where the earth and its community of life wilderness as defined by non-federal land are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a managers, and federally designated wilderness. visitor who does not remain.” Four federal There are now 680 federally-designated agencies wilderness areas manage A civilization which destroys what little remains of the nationwide with a designated wild, the spare, the original, is cutting itself off from its total of Wilderness origins and betraying the principle of civilization itself. 106,619,208 acres. in the These areas provide United – Edward Abbey multiple benefits States: including: National Park Service, the Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and • Protects watersheds and plays an important role Fish and Wildlife Service. in oxygen production, CO2 absorption, soil building, biomass decomposition, insect regulation, and filtering air pollution. Clear Lake, 1921. (Courtesy Superior National Forest Collection) The BWCAW Act here has always been, and there will likely and wildlife of the wilderness so as to enhance • BWCAW is the largest and only federal always be, controversy over the public enjoyment and appreciation of the wilderness of substantial size east of the Rocky Tmanagement of the BWCAW. Everyone unique biotic resources of the region, Mountains and north of the Everglades at over agrees that the BWCAW is a unique natural • protect and enhance the natural values and a million acres. BWCAW contains the largest resource and they love it. The controversy arises environmental quality of the lakes, streams, contiguous areas of uncut forest remaining in because they love it for different reasons. shorelines and associated forest areas of the the eastern United States. wilderness, • The BWCAW contains the highest point in • maintain high water quality in such areas, Minnesota: Eagle Mountain (2,301 feet). • minimize to the maximum extent possible, the • BWCAW is the most heavily used wilderness environmental impacts associated with mineral in the country with approximately 250,000 development affecting such areas, • prevent further road and commercial (Courtesy Superior National Forest Collection) development and restore natural conditions to What is the BWCAW? existing temporary roads in the wilderness, and The Boundary Waters was recognized for • provide for the orderly and equitable transition recreational opportunities in 1926, named the from motorized recreational uses to Superior Roadless Area in 1938, the BWCA in nonmotorized recreational use on those lakes, 1958, and federally designated under The streams, and portages in the wilderness where Wilderness Act in 1964. It wasn’t until October such mechanized uses are to be phased out 21, 1978, The Boundary Waters Canoe Area under the provisions of this Act. visitors annually. BWCAW represents less than one percent of the acreage of the National Wilderness Act was established to provide specific The BWCAW is and has been popular guidance for managing the million plus acres of Wilderness Preservation System (NWPS), but throughout time because of its unique receives 10% of the use in the entire NWPS. the Superior National Forest. The BWCAW Act characteristics: was signed into law: • The BWCAW is a Class I air quality area as • Approximately 1175 lakes varying in size from defined by the Federal Clean Air Act. It is the • to establish the Boundary Waters Canoe Area 10 acres to 10,000 acres and several hundred Mining Protection Area, only wilderness in the country that has an miles of streams comprise about 190,000 acres airspace reservation that prohibits flights below • for the protection and management of the fish (20%) of the BWCAW surface area. 4,000 feet.

boundary waters 10 canoe area wilderness A Century of the Superior National Forest

n 2009, the Superior National Forest turned connecting streams and rivers. Much of the Forest. The 1930 Shipstead-Newton-Nolan Act 100 years old. On February 13, 1909, prehistoric travel, historic travel and development protected shorelines in defined areas, primarily in IPresident Theodore Roosevelt proclaimed of the area have been closely linked to water the roadless areas. In addition to other projects 644,114 acres in northeastern Minnesota part of travel routes created by this geography. The fur across the Forest during the 1930s and 1940s, the national forest system. How has the Forest trade developed into a major enterprise for nearly 200 years. As the beaver were trapped out, the fur trade declined. Many fur traders adopted new professions and settled in the area, while others moved west in pursuit of better trapping. In later years, loggers used these waterways to transport timber to sawmills. By 1909, when the Superior National Forest was designated, much of the area was cut-over and/or burned-over “lands that nobody wanted.” Early Forest managers focused on restoring degraded resources by planting trees and stabilizing eroded In their travels, the earliest people followed trails sites. Over time, the Weeks Act, Clarke-McNary (across waterways and land) that provided efficient connections between seasonal gathering or hunt - Act, and subsequent legislation allowed for ing sites, and trading sites. Prehistoric people The first non-natives to venture into the interior of acquisition of additional private lands. By the used canoes dug out from logs to travel the water - northeast Minnesota came from France, England, 1920s, the timber industry continued to fuel the ways. In more recent times, native people used and other European countries. They came looking birch bark canoes. Painting by John Cook (Superior for a route to the Pacific and also to trap fur-bear - region’s economy, mining became a large National Forest/Ironworld Collection) ing animals, especially beaver. These “voyageurs” employer and national interest in recreational learned many survival skills from the native peo - opportunities was growing. ple, including how to build birch bark canoes and the Civilian Conservation Corps helped establish navigate the inland waterways. (Superior National While railroads were beginning to make portages, campsites, and trails in the roadless Forest/Ironworld Collection) previously inaccessible areas available for areas. Eventually, in 1958, the roadless areas were development and further public use, Arthur renamed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area and and the part that we now know as the BWCAW Carhart was working as a landscape architect in 1964, Congress designated the area as evolved to what we have today? To answer that, with the US Forest Service on a recreation plan wilderness. Subsequent legislation in 1978 we will look back, almost 10,000 years ago for the Superior National Forest that included prohibited logging and most motorized uses shortly after glacial melt waters and debris were canoe routes, with portages and campsites. As within the wilderness. Since that time, the Forest deposited in long, deep gouges left by retreating early as 1926 the Secretary of Agriculture Service has managed the BWCAW as part of the glaciers. This created a unique landscape recognized the value of undeveloped recreation national wilderness preservation system and as an containing more than 2,000 lakes and uncounted opportunities and designated approximately integral part of the Superior National Forest. 640,000 acres as “Primitive Roadless Area” on the The Wilderness Challenge o what is the “Wilderness Challenge”? It’s a “minimum stewardship level” was defined as invasive species locations in the Wilderness. program endorsed by the Chief of the meeting 6 out of the 10 elements. Those 10 • Follow Minnesota State law by packing out all SForest Service to help us measure the Forest elements are: Fire Plans, Non-native Invasive paper instead of burning it. Burning paper Service’s success in Wilderness stewardship. The Plants, Air Quality Values, Wilderness Education releases harmful pollutants negatively affecting goal is to bring each and every Wilderness under Plans, Opportunities for Solitude, Recreation Site air quality. Forest Service management to a minimum Inventory, Outfitter and Guides, Adequate Plan stewardship level by the 50th Anniversary of the Standards, Information Management, and • Follow the Leave-No-Trace principle of “Being Wilderness Act of 1964. The baseline for the Baseline Work force. It is clear that this Considerate to Other Visitors” by letting Wilderness Stewardship Challenge was “Challenge” cannot be met by utilizing resources nature’s sounds prevail. Avoid loud determined from 2004 national wilderness in wilderness and recreation alone. An voices/noises, don’t crowd up at portages, and management progress reports. interdisciplinary approach is necessary. Support is keep your dog under control to help promote needed from specialists in Air Quality, Aquatics, opportunities for solitude. Wilderness encompasses nearly 20% of the Botany, Fire, and Wildlife. Leadership and field National Forest System. The Wilderness Act of • Report any outfitter and guides that do not managers work closely with these programs to follow BWCAW and/or Superior National 1964 states that wilderness is to be managed for successfully meet the Challenge every year. the “enjoyment of the American people in such Forest rules and regulations. manner as will leave them unimpaired for future What can you do? By adhering to the BWCAW Help us maintain the Wilderness to standard in use and enjoyment as wilderness.” With rules and regulations and following LNT general by not creating resource damage. Use the improving technologies and ever increasing principles, you can help maintain the BWCAW latrines and fire grates, do not bring glass bottles pressure from a growing population, wilderness to standard and preserve it as an enduring and cans, follow group and watercraft size program responsibilities and complexities have resource for future generations. restrictions, obtain the proper use permit, respect increased while available wilderness work force What are some examples and how do they apply cultural heritage sites, do not cache equipment in has decreased. Consequently, concerns have risen to the Challenge? the Wilderness unless it’s in connection with your at many levels of the agency in assuring the current visit, keep wildlife wild by not feeding protection and perpetuation of wilderness. • Be aware of campfire restrictions to prevent them or leaving food behind for them to find, unwanted wild fires. In 2002 an assessment of critical tasks of follow motor-powered regulations, use existing wilderness stewardship, 200 individual tasks were • Ask for a Non-native Invasive Species booklet campsites, be prepared to prevent unnecessary pared down to 10 comprehensive elements. A available at Forest Service District offices and search and rescues, and properly dispose of fish some cooperating businesses, and help identify remains and other waste.

superior 11 national forest Protecting Minnesota Resources Fisheries The Superior National Forest has 695 square miles of surface water and check the Minnesota DNR fishing regulations when you plan your trip. more than 2250 linear miles of streams that offer a wide range of fishing Our fisheries program focuses on adaptive management principles. Current opportunities in all seasons. Coldwater game species include brook, brown, projects include improving spawning habitat for native fishes, improving rainbow and lake trout, splake, and whitefish. Warmwater game species habitat for freshwater mussels and aquatic insects of special concern, and include walleye, largemouth and smallmouth bass, pike, musky, and improving our transportation system to improve and protect native aquatic panfish. We maintain various types of fishing access that range from barrier species. We work in collaboration with several agencies to accomplish our free fishing to backcountry fishing in the BWCAW. Some lakes and streams management objectives. Through this effort we hope to ensure and within the Superior National Forest have special regulations, so always maintain healthy aquatic resources on the Superior National Forest.

Stocking What You Can Do • Don’t kill fish you find undesirable — what’s Stocking of stream trout into Care for the fish, their aquatic trash to you may be treasure to somebody else, isolated BWCAW lakes is habitat, and their terrestrial and an important part of the ecosystem. primarily for brook trout, neighbors. Regulations are • When ice fishing, never use anti-freeze on or however, a few lakes that are meant to ensure sustainable near lakes or waterways. managed for rainbow trout fishing fish populations and healthy lakes and • Choose lead-free tackle. Lead poisoning from receive rainbow trout. These rivers. ingesting lead sinkers and jigs is a significant programs are limited to lakes that contain no • Practice catch and release, even when you are cause of death among loons, and there may be other fish species or may have only minnow within the allowable catch. other adverse effects on aquatic ecosystems. species. They require regular stocking to maintain a fishable population. Stream trout • Handle fish gently, quickly, and in the water. • Leaving fish remains out along shore is feeding populations can be very susceptible to • Keep fish horizontal for pictures. wildlife, which can damage health, alter overfishing; for example, some brook trout lakes • If you plan to keep a fish, kill it right away. natural behaviors, expose animals to predators, may not support more than 100 to 150 cause stress, and even cause unnatural • Be prepared to keep the gutted fish on ice. catchable-sized fish at any one time. fluctuations in numbers, as with increased gulls in some areas.

Non-Native Invasive Species

Non-native invasive species Stop Aquatic Hitchhikers • Earthworms should be carried out (NNIS) are plants, animals, insects The introduction of harmful and disposed of in the trash. or other organisms whose exotic/invasive species to these The following are unlawful/illegal: introduction to an area causes or is waters, such as smelt and rusty • Moving fish from lake to lake by likely to cause economic or crayfish, has had negative environmental harm or harm to releasing fish off of stringers (Many impacts on native organisms in common species, such as walleye and human health. Other names for some lakes. Visitors should be NNIS include exotic species, smallmouth bass are themselves not careful not to introduce new native to large areas of the BWCAW); noxious weeds, pests, etc. A few species from their equipment • Using live minnows on designated examples of NNIS that occur in and live bait. Also, earthworms Zebra Mussels stream trout lakes including those in Minnesota include purple Purple Loosestrife are not native the BWCAW; loosestrife, gypsy moth, Eurasian to Minnesota and are water milfoil, earthworms, rusty crayfish, and known to devastate • Disposing of earthworms in the forest. common buckthorn. the forest floor by Unlike much of the U.S., the Because non-native invasive species do not devouring the foliage and the Superior National Forest are fortunate respect property lines, we are working with litter. Avoid because many of the species that are a problem other agencies, non- transferring any in the upper Midwest are not well established governmental species to the here yet. However, NNIS can quickly spread organizations, and BWCAW and between once introduced into the environment. NNIS citizens like you to its waters in the can spread on the air, in increase awareness of Spotted Knapweed future. the water, and on this resource • Inspect your boat and articles like campers, management issue equipment and remove any aquatic plants or firewood, boats, and take action to animals. vehicles, even the mud stop the spread of on your boots. NNIS in our area. • Drain water when leaving a lake. • Pack out all unwanted live bait and dispose of Leafy Spurge in the trash. Never release live bait into a body Orange Hawkweed of water.

Heritage Resources The term archaeological resource may include buried or partially buried On October 31, 1979, the 96th Congress passed includes “any material remains of past sites containing ancient stone tools and the Archaeological Resource Protection Act (i.e. human life or activities which are of the fragments and debris from the stone ARPA, Public Law 96 –95) which expressly archaeological interest”. The list of tool manufacturing process, pieces of forbids anyone from excavating, defacing or material remains includes such objects pottery, or artifacts from more recent removing an archaeological resource from federal as: pottery, bottles, weapons (or parts of periods like fur trade beads and metallic or Native American lands without a permit. First weapons), projectiles, tools, structures or tools or objects commonly associated time felony offenders can be fined for up to portions of structures, rock painting or with the fur trade, homesteading, early $20,000 and incarcerated for up to one year. rock carvings, graves, human skeletal materials or logging or mining activities on the Superior Second time felonies can be fined up to any fragment of any aforementioned item. For National Forest. $100,000 and incarcerated for up to 5 years. Northeast Minnesota an archaeological resource

boundary waters 12 canoe area wilderness Trip Planning Tips Fire prescribed burns to facilitate your safety. You See Or Smell Smoke, Don’t Panic If you are visiting, or in, the National Forest personnel could escort you The fire may be miles from you and pose no through areas while burning is in progress. BWCAW during a fire you may be threat to your safety. affected in the following ways… What You Can Do If you encounter a wildfire as you travel in the BWCAW follow these steps… • If the Forest Service gets an opportunity for Help Reduce Fire Risk in the BWCAW prescribed fires, visitors may be contacted with Choose a camp stove instead of a campfire. If a 1. Watch The Weather short notice to choose alternative routes. campfire is allowed, build it in the fire grate and WIND — Most fires travel north and east or with Visitors with trips planned in the fall or spring keep it small. Like a candle in your home, never the prevailing wind. Make sure you have a safe may want to call a Forest Service office to see leave a fire unattended at any time. Keep all route to follow if wind direction changes. Keep in which areas are being considered for burning. flammable materials away from your campfire. mind that strong winds can carry fire embers causing spot fires ahead of the original fire. • If an entry point is closed and alternates are not Always make sure your campfire is dead out available, reservation and use fees will be before leaving your campsite, even for a short EVENING HUMIDITY — Humidity increases in refunded. time. Drown your fire with water, extinguishing the early morning and late evening. Fire activity • Some areas or campsites may be closed until all embers, leaving it cold to the touch. Did you may decrease with higher humidity making travel fire staff indicates hazards have been reduced to know that 50% of fires in the BWCAW are safer at these times. an acceptable level. caused by escaped campfires? TALL SMOKE PLUMES — Large plumes • You may see vegetation cleared from control Watch For Hazards indicate a very hot fire. If you see or experience a lines, heavy aircraft traffic and smoke. (A Keep a heads up! Weakened trees can still pose a large smoke plume close to you, take precaution; minimum tool evaluation is part of every burn hazard during high winds. Avoid camping seek a point of refuge such as a lake. plan process) around or under damaged or leaning trees. Root 2. Make A New Plan • Prescribed burning or Wildland Fire Use wads above ground may also be unstable and Look at alternate travel routes staying close to (WFU) can impact campsites, portages and dangerous. larger bodies of water. If it is safe, consider trails. These will be rehabilitated. Know About Campfire Restrictions traveling out of the fire area. If you must travel • Where possible, natural fuel breaks will be used Restrictions are implemented during high fire through burned areas watch for burned snags instead of constructed control lines. danger to decrease the threat of destructive and hot stump holes which could be hazardous. • You may see sights you are not used to like wildfires. Fire restrictions are put in place for 3. Find A Safe Place planes landing, aircraft scooping water, and your safety and the safety of firefighters. Always If you feel threatened find a large lake. Keep firefighters dressed in fire protective yellow check for potential restrictions just prior to your away from the fire’s path. If the fire is upon you, shirts. trip. Camp stoves may be required if restrictions don’t panic. Put on your life jacket and take your are implemented. For current fire restriction canoe into the water. Paddle to the middle of the • You may hear sounds of motorized pumps or information contact any Superior National Forest aircraft working in the area. lake, tip your canoe and go under it. You can District Office or headquarters, (218) 626-4300, breathe the cool trapped air under your canoe • Travel routes could be changed during WFU or or our website at www.fs.fed.us/r9/superior. until the fire passes.

Large Groups • Each group should have an adult who will be • Encourage your group members to use responsible for the leadership and safety of the campsite areas that have already been hardened If you are planning a trip for a non-profit organization, group. rather than trampling vegetation and causing there is a limit of no more than 3 permits in a season to erosion. be reserved using the non-profit organization name as • Each group must travel and camp separately. the group leader. Please contact any Superior National This means each should have its own food, first • Sound carries a long distance over calm water. Forest office for more information, or visit aid kit, and essential gear. To make it easier for Keep noise down, especially after sunset; your www.recreation.gov under general rules for the the groups to travel separately, consider group and others will experience a sense of BWCAW. reserving different entry points or planning solitude, as well as have better opportunities to Keep these tips in mind when planning for large groups separate routes. see wildlife. to reduce environmental and social impacts: • Portages and waterways can become very • If your group is more than nine people, no congested. Wait for another group to cross the matter what the age, you may not enter the portage before you begin, portage your gear BWCAW. You should consider other options, efficiently, and find another place for your such as camping at a developed campground break. Keep your distance from and boating on lakes outside the wilderness. other groups on the waterways. • If your group of more than the maximum size • Begin looking for campsites wishes to break into smaller groups to enter the early in the day, since many BWCAW, each smaller group must have its wilderness sites only have one own permit. or two good tent pads. The BWCA Wilderness Education Kit Engage. Explore. Inspire. A learning journey through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness…

The BWCA Wilderness Kit is a help kids explore and discover the history, tool and how to schedule it to curriculum of hands-on science, and social science of Minnesota’s only use with your class or youth activities, colorful maps, wilderness—the Boundary Waters Canoe Area group. exciting games, and real artifacts Wilderness. The BWCA Wilderness Kit was To reserve call (218) 626-4300 that will engage middle created by the Friends of the or email school aged youth. Use of Boundary Waters Wilderness and [email protected]. this Kit varies from 50 minutes to 5 hours Superior National Forest. Please or more. Through interactive and small contact the Forest Service to find out For more information visit group activities, this curriculum will more about this unique education www.fs.fed.us/r9/superior.

superior 13 national forest Special Uses About the Program Commercial Filming What Are the Criteria for The Forest Service manages over 192 million A special use permit is required for all Commercial Filming in acres of national forests and grasslands that commercial filming activities on National Forest Designated Wilderness? System lands. Commercial filming is defined as comprise the National Forest System (NFS). Proposed commercial activities in designated the use of motion picture, videotaping, sound Today, our growing population and mobile wilderness areas, such as the Boundary Waters recording, other moving image or audio society have created a demand for a variety of Canoe Area Wilderness, are reviewed for recording equipment on National Forest System uses of these federal lands. Often these diverse compliance with existing regulations and acts lands that involves the advertisement of a needs require specific approval. The Forest (Wilderness Act of 1964 and the BWCAW Act of product or service, the creation of a product for Service provides services that support our 1978). Commercial filming activities may be sale, or the use of actors, models, sets or props, national policy and federal land laws. The allowed in wilderness if it is proper for realizing but not activities associated with broadcasts for Agency's special-uses program authorizes uses on wilderness management goals of the area, but news programs. For purposes of this definition, NFS land that provide a benefit to the general filming outside the designated wilderness should creation of a product for sale includes but is not public and protect public and natural resources first be considered. In general, the Forest Service limited to a film, videotape, television broadcast values. Currently there are over 74,000 will authorize commercial filming or or documentary of historic events, wildlife, authorizations on the NFS lands for over 180 photography activities within designated natural events, features, subjects or participants types of uses. wilderness areas only when all of the following in a sporting or recreation event and so forth, apply, and there is still no guarantee of a permit: Each year, the Forest Service receives thousands when created for the purpose of generating of individual and business applications for income. • The Proponent can adequately demonstrate authorization for use of NFS land for such that a wilderness setting is required. activities as water transmission, agriculture, Commercial or still photography will not be • No reasonable alternative exists to achieve the outfitting and guiding, recreation, permitted if the Forest Service determines that same effect on either NFS land or other telecommunication, research, photography and any of the following criteria apply (designated ownership outside of wilderness. video productions, and granting road and utility wilderness has separate criteria): rights-of-ways. The Forest Service carefully • There is a likelihood of resource damage that • Expected impacts to wilderness resources will reviews each application to determine how the cannot be mitigated. be negligible. request affects the public's use of NFS land. • There would be an unreasonable disruption of • The Proponent will accept the terms, Normally, NFS land is not made available if the the public's use and enjoyment of the site conditions, restrictions or limitations the Forest overall needs of the individual or business can be (beyond short Service may require for wilderness management met on nonfederal lands. term and protection. When Do I Need a Filming or interruption). • Forest Service regulations require authorized Photography Permit for National • The activity aircraft flying over the BWCAW to maintain a Forest Land? poses health or minimum altitude of 4000 feet above ground safety risks to level. Personal use the public that If you have further questions concerning this use, If you are shooting still photographs or ‘home cannot be please call the Superior National Forest. movies' for personal use (i.e. that does not mitigated. involve advertisement of a product or service, the creation of a product for sale) then a special use permit is not required. Research and Monitoring Who Needs an Outfitter/Guide Permit? During the summer, you may notice people work - All individuals or organizations including non-profit organizations conducting outfitting and/or ing on various lakes in the BWCAW. They may be guiding activities on National Forest Land or adjacent waters should make an inquiry as to other land management agencies, universities, or whether or not such activity would be properly classified as "commercial". This includes anyone research stations. The information gathered is used assisting others in providing outdoor recreation experiences on the Superior National Forest. to develop long term resource management strate - Some examples are: commercial guides, church or youth groups, ski instructors, bus tours, or gies. Use of motorized equipment or transportation canoe liveries. If commercial, such activity may only be conducted after applying for and receiving in the non-motorized areas of the BWCAW will be an Outfitter/Guide Permit. If there is no charge, fee, donation or tuition related to the program limited to what is necessary. activity and if the group leader is not paid, an Outfitter/Guide permit may not be required. A Forest Service representative will make the decision on whether a permit is needed. Air Measuring Air Pollution Across the Forest 60% of what it would be under natural condi - What You Can Do Monitoring the air and precipitation helps us mea - tions. We also know that, just as with acid rain, • Conserve Electricity and Fuels sure air pollution. Along with monitoring the sulfates and nitrates are the main causes of poor Most air pollutants come from transportation health of the Forest we can then determine when visibility. and the generation of electricity. People are dri - ving more miles each year and estimates say the air quality is a problem and identify actions to Acidity Of Rain And Snow reduce harmful effects U.S. will need 42% more electricity by 2020, so The Superior National Forest is home to one of the more you use alternative transportation and Poor Visibility Or Regional Haze over 200 sites spanning the continental United the more you reduce electrical use, the better our Unfortunately, the beauty of the scenes in our States, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands air quality can be. National Wilderness Areas can be diminished by that sample rain and snow weekly to check its • Learn About Air Pollution haze. Haze can reduce the distance you see and chemistry. Precipitation that falls here has higher Even if you live hundreds of miles away, your even change the apparent colors and textures of than natural levels of acidity, but at this time, is actions can affect the air quality here on the the landscape. Recognizing the importance of visu - not thought to be dangerous to the forest. Sulfates Superior National Forest. The air here on the al air quality, Congress passed legislation to fix this and nitrates are the two main sources of acid rain. dirtiest day in 2001 was over Texas 5 days earlier problem through research and emission reductions Sulfate pollution is primarily due to coal combus - and picked up air pollution all along the way as from pollution sources. Natural haze caused by fog tion while nitrate pollution is from all fuel burning it traveled to one of our air quality stations. The can decrease visibility, but the addition of air pol - activities, especially automobiles. Sulfate pollution more you know the more you can do to reduce lution makes visibility worse. Our air monitoring has been decreasing due to state and federal air air pollution. shows us that air emissions from human activities pollution control regulations while nitrate pollu - reduce the visibility on an average day to about tion has been increasing.

boundary waters 14 canoe area wilderness Page o‘ Fun Travel Methods Safety Supplies There are different methods of travel in the BWCAW. Fill in the When planning a BWCAW trip, safety is important. Finish the letters to finish the methods of travel. The circled letters will letters for the safety supplies to bring with. The circled letters be used for the trivia! Hint: Think of all seasons! will be used for the trivia! 1) ___ A ___ D L ___E 1) ___ I ___ E ______C ___ E ___ 2) D ______S ___ E ______I ___ G 2) ______A S ______I ___ H ___ 3) M ______O R 3) ______P 4) ___ I K ______G 4) ___ O ___ P ______S 5) S ______I N ___ 5) ___ I R ______- ___ I ___ - K ___ T

Trivia Section Use the circled letters from the Travel Methods and the Safety Supplies sections to finish the phrase below. Hint: We follow these ethics while in the BWCAW.

“______V ______A ______.”

Coloring Finish and color the pictures. Be creative!

superior 15 national forest Your User Fees At Work!

n increasing number of people recreate • Additional seasonal staff for increased field work, on Forest Service managed lands every assistance at contact stations and law enforcement A year, yet funding training for routine back- does not keep pace with country patrols. the existing need. Meeting • Campsite improvements the increasing needs of such as transplanting these visitors; delivering native vegetation to quality recreation, heritage encourage campsite and wilderness recovery, improving tent opportunities; and pads, cleaning and protecting our natural and repairing fire grates, cultural resources has latrine replacement, and become very difficult. erosion repair and These fees are used, in the prevention. same places where visitors paid them, to maintain • Winter dog sled program BWCAW permit issuing stations have extended and improve natural hours during the quota season. as a means of transporting resources, recreation equipment and/or facilities, and services. Many wilderness projects supplies needed to complete maintenance work were completed during the season using your on campsites, portages and trails as well as for BWCAW Overnight User Fees! public user education and law enforcement • BWCAW visitor education videos are part of a contacts. visitor’s wilderness experience. A short video is • Portage and hiking trail improvements such as shown to visitors when they pick up their clearing brush and fallen trees, installing water wilderness permit and reviews rules and barriers to prevent erosion, repairing eroded areas, Portages are inspected and rehabilitated regulations. A long version is available for those and hazard tree removal from campsites. for resource protection and visitor safety. in the pre-trip planning stage. (From top: before and after rehabilitation.)

BWCAW Permit Issuing Stations/Cooperators* Aurora Area Grand Marais/Gunflint Area Ely Area Northern Tier BSA Forest Service Office – Aurora Forest Service Office – Grand Marais Forest Service – Kawishiwi Outward Bound Wilderness Adventurous Christians Ranger District, Ely Packsack Canoe Trips & Log Cabins Cook/Orr Area Bearskin Lodge Big Lake Wilderness Lodge Piragis’ Northwoods Co. Forest Service Office – Cook Bear Track Outfitting Co. Camp Voyageur, Inc. River Point Resort & Outfitting Co. Anderson Canoe Outfitters Boundary Country Trekking Canadian Border Outfitters Smitty’s on Snowbank Fortune Bay Resort Casino Clearwater Canoe Outfitters Canadian Waters, Inc. Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters LaCroix Outfitters Gunflint Northwoods Outfitters Canoe Country Outfitters Timber Trail Lodge & Outfitters Voyageurs Lutheran Ministry Gunflint Pines Resort Cliff Wold’s Canoe Trip Outfitting Co. Veterans on the Lake Zup’s Fishing Resort & Canoe Outfitters Hungry Jack Canoe Outfitters Custom Cabin Rental Voyageur North Outfitters Nor’Wester Lodge Duane’s Outfitters White Iron Beach Resort Duluth Area Rockwood Lodge & Outfitters Echo Trail Outfitters Wilderness Bay Lodge Forest Service Office – Superior National Seagull Canoe Outfitters Jordan’s Wilderness Shop & Outfitters, Inc. Wilderness Outfitters Forest Supervisor’s Office Seagull Creek Fishing Camp Kawishiwi Lodge & Canoe Outfitters Wilderness Wind, Inc. The Canoeist, in Two Harbors Tuscarora Outfitters Land of Lakes - Girl Scouts Williams & Hall Wilderness Voyageur Canoe Outfitters LaTourell’s Resort & Outfitters Guides & Outfitters Tofte/Isabella Area Way of the Wilderness Lodge of Whispering Pines YMCA Forest Service Office – Tofte Wilderness Canoe Base Moose Track Adventures Forest Service Work Station – Isabella YMCA Camp Menogyn North Country Canoe Outfitters Beaver Bay Sports Shop Knotted Pine Inn Maple Grove Motel & Bait Shop Sawbill Canoe Outfitters *A cooperator is a business that has an agreement with the Forest Service Sawtooth Outfitters to issue BWCAW permits at their location. For more information BWCAW Reservation Center Kawishiwi Ranger Station Voyageurs National Park St. Louis County Sheriff PO Box 462 1393 Hwy 169 3131 Hwy 53 Ely/Cook area Ballston Spa, NY 12020 Ely, MN 55731 International Falls, MN 56649 (218) 749-6010 877-550-6777 (218) 365-7600 218-283-9821 On the web (218) 365-7561 (5/1–9/30) www.voyageurs.national-park.com Customs and Immigration www.recreation.gov La Croix Ranger Station Canadian Immigration Forest Service Offices 320 N. Hwy 53 Travel to Quetico (807) 274-3815 Forest Supervisor’s Office Cook, MN 55723 Quetico Provincial Park www.cic.gc.ca Canadian Customs 8901 Grand Avenue Place (218) 666-0020 District Manager Duluth, MN 55808 Laurentian Ranger Station Ministry of Natural Resources (807) 274-3655 (218) 626-4300 318 Forestry Road Atikokan, Ontario POT 1CO U.S. Immigration (807) 597-2735 On the web Aurora, MN 55705 (218) 720-5207 www.ontarioparks.com www.fs.fed.us/r9/superior (218) 229-8800 www.dhs.gov Gunflint Ranger Station Tofte Ranger Station In Case of Emergency U.S. Customs 2020 W. Highway 61 Box 2159 (218) 720-5201 Grand Marais, MN 55604 Tofte, MN 55615 In case of emergency or if search www.customs.ustreas.gov (218) 387-1750 (218) 663-8060 and rescue assistance is needed, Isabella Work Station call 9-1-1 or the nearest county MN Department of People who are deaf or hard-of-hearing 3989 Forest Service Dr., sheriff’s office. Natural Resources call 800-627-3529 or 711 License Bureau Isabella, MN 55607 Cook County Sheriff (218) 323-7722 500 Lafayette Road The USDA Forest Service is an equal Grand Marais/Tofte area (218) 387-3030 St. Paul, MN 55155-4026 opportunity service provider. REVISED 11/09 Lake County Sheriff (651) 296-2316—Metro area (800) 450-8832 — In Minnesota (800) 285-2000—In Minnesota THIS INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE IN LARGE PRINT UPON REQUEST. www.dnr.state.mn.us

boundary waters 16 canoe area wilderness