Evacuation of the BWCA, July 2026. Photo by Pam Wright
Boundary Waters Closure – The Process
By Joe Friedrichs
Smoky skies, closures, evacuations, and displacement of people have dominated conversations across the Boundary Waters region during recent days.
The BWCA Wilderness shut down July 14 amid a series of wildfires and excessive heat. The length of the closure is unknown at this time.
Aaron Kania was the district ranger for the Kawishiwi District of Superior National Forest in Ely during the previous shutdown of the BWCA, which took place during the Greenwood Fire in August 2021.
Kania, who retired last winter, shares his perspective and experience with what goes into shutting down the most visited wilderness in the nation.
The conversation between Joe and Kania, who is currently running for the District 3A seat in the Minnesota House of Representatives, took place July 15 from the Mid-Gunflint Fire Hall.
Watch the full video podcast below.
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