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REGIONAL—The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is now open for day use, including hiking and canoeing, but will remain closed to overnight use at least through May 17. That’s in order …
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REGIONAL—The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is now open for day use, including hiking and canoeing, but will remain closed to overnight use at least through May 17. That’s in order to comply with Gov. Tim Walz’s Stay-at-Home order, which extended the current travel restrictions until then. The governor implemented restrictions back on March 27 as part of the fight to slow the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
“Continuing to restrict access to the Superior National Forest is a particularly difficult decision,” said Superior National Forest Supervisor Connie Cummins. “I want people to enjoy their public land and know that re-opening the BWCAW for day use is a step in that direction. I’m looking forward to the day when we can safely re-open sites for overnight use.”
Even day use in the BWCAW had been prohibited until Tuesday as part of an effort to discourage unnecessary travel by people from outside the area. According to a Forest Service statement, the loosening of access for day use is consistent with the governor’s request that people recreate close to home and avoid unnecessary travel. By allowing day use of the wilderness, the Forest Service is providing some additional opportunities for local recreation and businesses.
While most day use of the Boundary Waters is subject to self-issuing permits, users must still apply and pick up day use motor permits. In order to reduce the risks associated with permit pick-up for both the public and Forest Service personnel, the Forest Service has modified its procedures for pick-up. For additional information on this process, please visit the Superior National Forest’s website at https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/superior/specialplaces/?cid=fseprd555184.