REGIONAL— The U.S. Forest Service has responded to questions posed by the Timberjay last week for its story on proposed camping fee increases for visitors to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Here are the questions posed by the Timberay and the answers provided by USFS spokesperson Joy Vandrie.
How much has the wilderness management budget increased since 2008?
The Superior National Forest (SNF) hasn’t raised fees since 2008, while costs for staffing and maintaining campsites, portages, and access points have grown significantly. Proposed fees will directly support public safety, access, and preserving the wilderness.
 Is wilderness management being reduced because of DOGE cuts? How many people work in the program now versus 2008?
The Superior National Forest still has about 30 people working in the wilderness this season, plus a seasonal youth crew. Since 2019, the program has relied entirely on recreation fees, not appropriations. Fees help maintain visitor safety, repair facilities, and fund critical maintenance. Around 100 staff supported operations in 2001 funded by a combination of appropriations and fees.
 Did SNF staff propose the fee increase?
Yes. The SNF began developing this proposal in early 2024 after years of discussion. The increase is based on rising use, growing resource damage, and a market comparison showing similar experiences cost more elsewhere. By law, 80 percent of these fees stay on the forest and directly support the BWCAW.
 What analysis supports this fee increase?
The SNF reviewed more than 20 years of data on budgets, staffing, resource conditions, and visitor use and determined a need to increase fees.