To keep out nosy bears, Forest Service extends food storage order in the Boundary Waters
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The Superior National Forest is extending an order that places stricter limits on food storage in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
Officials say that since the temporary order was put in place last spring, toughening the rules, there's been a sharp drop in conflicts between humans and bears.
The order will now be kept in place another five years, through Feb. 1, 2031. It requires visitors to hang food, garbage and scented items such as toothpaste and soap at least 12 feet above the ground, or store it in a certified bear-resistant container.
“We’re a fan,” said Matt Ritter, co-owner of Voyageurs Canoe Outfitters at the end of the Gunflint Trail. "I've seen a lot less issues with bears in camp and bear issues. And I think people are more aware and trying a little bit harder."
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Forest officials have long recommended that campers hang their food or take other precautions to prevent bears from being able to access it and view campers as a food source.
On several occasions in past years, the Forest Service has imposed temporary orders covering limited sections of the BWCA where there have been flare-ups of bear-human encounters.
Last year, Cathy Quinn, acting wilderness program manager for the Superior National Forest, told MPR News that rangers even discovered a cache of goodies a bear had made near a campsite it frequented, where it stored food and other equipment it pilfered from multiple groups of campers.
“It’s pretty clever behavior,” Quinn said.
Outfitter Ritter said his shop now sends campers out with a bear rope kit, with multiple rolls of cord, carabiners, and instructions on how to properly hang a food pack. In the past, he said, they included much more basic supplies.
He feels people have responded well to the tougher rules.
"It feels that way, and even if seven out of 10 groups take it more seriously, that helps, because we don't want bears to become an issue,” said Ritter.
The Forest Service says the main goal is education, but people can be fined $50 for not complying.
People can make reservations for trips to the Boundary Waters for next summer beginning on Jan. 28.
