BWCA reopens with limited access and one outfitter says it's a welcome relief
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Starting Monday, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is open again at certain entry points where the wildfire threat has ebbed.
The U.S. Forest Service is allowing visitors into campgrounds in Cook County for day-use. Although overnight camping isn’t available until at least Thursday, the change provides some economic help to local outfitters who rely on the seasonal clientele.
“We were reaching a point where we were going to have to make some tough decisions, so it's a big deal to have people be able to get back into the woods again.” Clare Shirley, the third-generation owner of Sawbill Canoe Outfitters north of Tofte, told MPR News
Her campgrounds are one of the few entry points open to the public. The day permits are free, unlimited and easy to get, she said. They’ll be located at entry points and with a form and a carbon-copy receipt underneath.
“You can portage, you can paddle, you can fish, you can swim, you can picnic, you can hang out on a campsite all day,” Shirley said. “You just have to exit.”
Phase 2 of reopening the Boundary Waters is set to begin Thursday.
Listen to the full conversation by clicking the player above.
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