BWCA To Close for Day and Overnight Use Through May 4
DULUTH, Minn. – Officials with the Superior National Forest announced on Wednesday that the Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness will be closed for day and overnight use starting tomorrow.
The closure will go through May 4 to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
Officials say any reservations made through May 4 will receive a full refund including reservation fees.
“In alignment with current federal, state and local guidance for social distancing and to ensure health safety of its employees, partners and members of the public, the Superior National Forest will temporarily change permit pick-up requirements beginning May 5, for all BWCAW quota permits,” said Superior National Forest officials.
Visitors will have two options beginning May 5:
- Print their BWCAW Reservation Confirmation Email at home and use this as their permit
- Pick up the permit in person at a cooperation business that remains physically open and that is under an agreement with the Forest Service.
For current updates and other recreation closure, you can visit “Alerts” on the Superior National Forest’s website.
Additionally, the Forest has set up a specific “hotline” number 218-626-4395 and email inbox for questions related to the BWCAW and/or permit reservation system.
“The National Forests understand and acknowledge that Tribal members may fulfill their federal treaty rights within boundaries of their treaty ceded territory and are exempt from the restrictions, but they may be subject to restrictions by applicable tribal authorities.”
