Teresa Floberg at a property managed to reduce wildfire risk near Ely. Photo by Joe Friedrichs
Firefighters Talk of ‘Protecting Structures’ Near BWCA, She Helps In Advance
By Joe Friedrichs
Protective measures done in advance, that’s the key, she says.
“We try to encourage homeowners to think in advance about the risks of wildfires,” says Teresa Floberg, the project director for Dovetail Partners and the Firewise coordinator for St. Louis County, which includes Ely.
A resident of Ely, Floberg is playing a major role in local forest restoration, wildfire mitigation, and community resilience near the Boundary Waters. She collaborates with the U.S. Forest Service when it comes to fire protection for structures near the BWCA.
Following the temporary shut down of the entire BWCA Wilderness in July 2026, Floberg has been active in engaging with the Forest Service and people who live on the edge of the Boundary Waters, particularly near Ely.
She spoke with Joe from the Paddle & Portage Podcast about the BWCA closure and wildfire protection outside the wilderness. More on Firewise and structure safety when it comes to fire near the Boundary Waters here.
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