Small business owners in northeastern Minnesota told their state legislators Friday that the wildfires that have been burning in and around the Boundary Waters for almost a month have had a “disastrous” impact on their bottom lines. One canoe outfitter says he lost 98 percent of his revenue to cancellations in July.
Lee Frelich, director of the University of Minnesota Center for Forest Ecology, explained the impact more consistent wildfires has on boreal forests in Minnesota.
Fire crews have reached about 60 percent containment on the wildfires burning in northeastern Minnesota and in Canada, though firefighters remain on alert for new lightning-caused ignitions.
MPR News All Things Considered host Clay Masters spoke with Jason Zabokrtsky, who runs Ely Outfitting Company, to get a picture of how he's feeling about it all.
Small business owners can begin applying for the aid today, Friday, July 31, and all local organizations actively responding to the wildfires are eligible to request funding, too.
Several popular lakes in the Boundary Waters will reopen to day use beginning July 31, including Moose Lake and the Number Chain of lakes near Ely, and Saganaga and Seagull Lakes at the end of the Gunflint Trail.
The Forest Service Thursday reopens about 40 percent of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to overnight campers. But some outfitters say more access should be allowed as the wildfire risk wanes.
Most businesses in the area saw a huge hit to their foot traffic due to wildfire smoke and are expecting to see a big return this weekend, Sarah Jorgenson-Hallberg, who owns Java Moose Cafe in downtown Grand Marais, told MPR News.
A tornado has struck northeastern Wisconsin, causing widespread damage and power outages. The National Weather Service confirmed Monday afternoon's tornado in Winnebago County. Cities including Appleton and Menasha reported severe impacts, with roofs ripped off homes and vehicles flipped over.
Part of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness will reopen for overnight travel Thursday after crews made progress battling wildfires in northeastern Minnesota.
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