A BWCA update kiosk as seen Aug. 10 in Ely’s Whiteside Park. Photo by Joe Friedrichs
Nearly 75 Percent of BWCA Wilderness Campsites to be Reopened by August 13
By Joe Friedrichs
The U.S. Forest Service and its partners continue to make progress containing a series of wildfires that led to the complete closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in mid-July.
By August 13, nearly 75 percent of all the campsites located inside the BWCA Wilderness will be open again for overnight use, the Forest Service reports. That percentage means 1,500 of the 2,000 campsites will have opened by August 13.
Updated BWCA opening map effective Aug. 13. Image courtesy of U.S. Forest Service
The BWCA Wilderness was shut down entirely July 14 due to numerous wildfires. Though gradual, the reopening is welcomed news for paddlers and outfitters.
Joe from Paddle & Portage Podcast spoke with Michelle de Leon, the recreation program manager for Superior National Forest, outside the ranger station in Ely about the latest developments regarding the reopening of the BWCA Wilderness. The conversation took place Monday, August 10 at the Kawishiwi Ranger Station in Ely.
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