‘Unhealthy’ air quality expected in eastern Minnesota through Monday afternoon due to wildfire smoke

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The U.S. Forest Service announced Thursday it will open day-use access permits for a limited portion of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

It’s a first step toward reopening the wilderness that was completely shut down last week as a result of large wildfires that continue to burn — but have been relatively calm over the past few days.

Get the latest information on wildfires in Minnesota

Day-use access permits for select points of entry in Cook County starting Monday, July 27, are now open. The Forest Service 

Overnight camping permits for all BWCA points of entry are still canceled through at least next Wednesday, July 29. 

The Forest Service said Thursday that if there is no major wildfire activity over the weekend, parts of the BWCA could reopen for overnight camping next week. 

“We are trying to balance visitor and firefighter safety with people’s desire to visit the wilderness,” Drew Stroberg, acting supervisor for the Superior National Forest, said in a statement. “We take both responsibilities very seriously.”

For people using the day-use permits that are available starting Monday, the Forest Service said visitors should ensure 

 of entering the area due to weather, closures and wildfire activity.

The agency said the Superior National Forest has faced more than 

. Public access to the BWCA has been closed since July 14.

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Day-use access permits for select BWCA points of entry in Cook County will be open starting Monday. Overnight camping permits for all BWCA points of entry are still canceled through at least next Wednesday. 

Some Boundary Waters day-use permits will be available starting Monday

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