Photo Credit: USDA Forest Service / BWCA Wilderness Reopenings
(GRAND MARAIS, Minn.) – Phase 10 of the reopening of areas affected by the Superior National Forest fires, most notably parts of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) Wilderness, began on September 8 for day and overnight use.
Entry points 12, 12A, 12, 22, 23, and 24, and recreational areas near Echo Trail, including Ed Shave Road, Meander Lake, and the Fire and Ice Interpretive Trail, are now open. Several other areas in the BWCA remain restricted or closed.
Despite the reopening, the USDA Forest Service has issued a few safety precautions, warning visitors to watch for wildfire hazards, burnt stump holes, and fire-weakened trees. Visitors should expect delays due to ongoing wildfire efforts.
Photo Credit: Scott Wickham / Ely Minnesota BWCA
Anyone planning to stay in reopened areas should research available campsites, keep shortened daylight hours in mind, and ensure they have proper equipment for the colder weather before their visit. When all was said and done, the fire burned over 71,000 acres in the BWCA Wilderness.
This fire was extensive, but wildfires are a natural occurrence in forested areas during especially violent storms and dry weather. Some old-growth pine trees are irreplaceable, but new plants, trees (maple and aspens), wildflowers, and moss are already beginning to grow back in some areas.
Over 1,000 firefighters worked tirelessly for months, using ground and air crews, heavy equipment, boats, canoes, and aircraft to contain the fire. The fires are contained now, but the Forest Service warns that some hot spots may continue to smolder until winter hits Minnesota.
To add to or correct any information in this report, please contact me at kristin.h@lead4earth.org.
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