Not sure how I feel about this one. Figured I'd throw it out here and watch the fireworks. Happy 4th all! :)

Star Tribune Article

Crossing from the US to Canada and back has always been pretty easy. I can not picture that lasting forever. Like it or not, I would think it will get more complicated and paperwork ridden and more heavily patrolled.

That being said, if I were a border officer, you are darn right I would rather be paddling the Arrowhead than chasing drug runners between Mexico and Texas like the guys in that article.

I am all for border patrol. Once on the Canadian side of Prairie Portage, I was checked by three Canadian agents. All very friendly. I was asked a few standard questions, showed them my RABC and was on my way.

~JOE~

I've never seen them in a canoe. However, I have seen them in the air many times. One time we were stopped crossing the border back into the US on snowmobiles. We all had our RABC permit so we chatted for thirty minutes and then we were all on are way.

Glad to know they are looking out for us!

Interesting read. I'm usually up on these sorts of things but was unaware of the distinction between Border Patrol (green stripe on vehicle) vs Customs and Border Protection (blue stripe on vehicle). Anyway, that's a hot looking helicopter above. Too bad Arctic Cat doesn't set those guys up with some white and blue/green striped custom sleds.

My nephew is in the border patrol in Yuma Az. He and his friends have some interesting tales to tell. A few years ago, I was in El Paso and visited the BP museum. There was a whole display of them patrolling along the Canadian border in the 1920's. Mostly looking for illegal booze.

The article did not quote any numbers on arrests or seizures - have they had any?
We did have news last year of a Canadian who waded/swam across the Pigeon River near Highway 61, but an informer, not officers on patrol, was responsible for the arrest.

Maybe these three officers could be cross trained to inspect campsites and nab BW vandals while on patrol.

We will now need to carry our IDs in case these officers stop us and ask us to prove we are in the US legally. It's also probably the end of informal cross border visits to Rebecca Falls and the top of Warrior Hill.

I don't want to appear cynical about border security, but I think the resources need to allocated to the highest risks - in my experience the BW seems to be at low risk of serious breaches of the border.

What thinkest thou? Do any of us have any inside info on Border Patrol policies?

Since it seems they follow the BWCA rules of no motors (on the no motor lakes) camping at designated sites etc.... I wonder if they have to pull a permit that counts against the quota? ie. could the USFS check them for a valid permit?
Just curious- that is all.

Is there a ban on laptops in canoes if your point of origin is from one of the Middle East countries?

It just seems like other border entries would be a higher priority than a wilderness crossing in the middle of two million acres. A terrorist would likely stick out like a sore thumb, especially if the officer asked them how to rig a slip bobber, or which direction do you use a bent paddle.

Tomster

Jaywalker, thanks for pointing out the difference between the green and the blue. About 90% of the time, the people I see have the blue stripe. I have seen the helicopter over the BWCA a few times. I think it flies out of North Dakota.

quote WhiteWolf: "Since it seems they follow the BWCA rules of no motors (on the no motor lakes) camping at designated sites etc.... I wonder if they have to pull a permit that counts against the quota? ie. could the USFS check them for a valid permit?
Just curious- that is all."

Well, on Sag, I don't think it would be much of an issue? There always seems to be several extra OP permits available?

quote OtherBob: "The article did not quote any numbers on arrests or seizures - have they had any?

We did have news last year of a Canadian who waded/swam across the Pigeon River near Highway 61, but an informer, not officers on patrol, was responsible for the arrest.

It's also probably the end of informal cross border visits to Rebecca Falls and the top of Warrior Hill. "

I don't think that really changes anything as Warrior Hill and Rebecca have been off limits forever, with actual enforcement by the Canadians ramping up in the early 2000's. I know there have been a few posts of people getting nabbed and getting hundreds of dollars in fines...with a warning if Immigration had caught them without an RABC it would of been thousands of dollars in fines. I know people get away with it, but it has always been illegal.

T

I would have a problem if they were taking motor boats in or otherwise destroying the solitude we all go in for. I really think it is overkill.

US border patrol approached us while we were winter camping on the US side of Rose Lake several years ago. Rode over on their snow machines, didn't ask to see papers, just seemed to be checking up on us.

Not sure if they're exempt from the wilderness rules prohibiting snowmobiles? They were certainly on the US side of Rose...

Like it or not there are people intent on doing the unimaginable and will exploit our weaknesses, biases, and freedoms. I applaud beefing up border Security......it is, after all, the #1 job of the Federal government despite its fixation with societal issues which are outside the scope of the enumerated powers of the constitution.

quote mastertangler: "Like it or not there are people intent on doing the unimaginable and will exploit our weaknesses, biases, and freedoms. I applaud beefing up border Security......it is, after all, the #1 job of the Federal government despite its fixation with societal issues which are outside the scope of the enumerated powers of the constitution. "

I agree. I doubt the border the in the BWCA is a high threat for terrorists entering the US, but I guess I'd rather have money spent on that than other things too numerous to mention.

Mike

quote quark2222: "Is there a ban on laptops in canoes if your point of origin is from one of the Middle East countries?


It just seems like other border entries would be a higher priority than a wilderness crossing in the middle of two million acres. A terrorist would likely stick out like a sore thumb, especially if the officer asked them how to rig a slip bobber, or which direction do you use a bent paddle.


Tomster"

I am amazed at how many people use a bent backwards.

The Border Patrol does not need permits, just as the DNR, USFS, or any other law enforcement agency does not.

They also are not required to refrain from the use of motorized transportation because the Wilderness Act does not trump the Homeland Security Act. They try to when possible, but that's not always practical, especially in the wintertime.

As far as resources being better spent elsewhere...that's why there are only a handful of BP agents in MN compared to TX, CA, AZ and NM. Illegal activity here is much lower. Is it completely nonexistent? No. Is it wise to mass all of our border protection assets down south and leave the northern border unprotected or unmonitored? I don't think so.

The Border Patrol does not need permits, just as the DNR, USFS, or any other law enforcement agency does not.

They also are not required to refrain from the use of motorized transportation because the Wilderness Act does not trump the Homeland Security Act. They try to when possible, but that's not always practical, especially in the wintertime.

As far as resources being better spent elsewhere...that's why there are only a handful of BP agents in MN compared to TX, CA, AZ and NM. Illegal activity here is much lower. Is it completely nonexistent? No. Is it wise to mass all of our border protection assets down south and leave the northern border unprotected or unmonitored? I don't think so.

I guess our northern border needs some patrolling too; but as far as the BWCA/Quetico line is concerned.... I thought Fish guts' crew had that under control. :) There used to be some pics of the crew here; but I can't find them anymore. :) oth

quote jrlatt: "

quote quark2222: "Is there a ban on laptops in canoes if your point of origin is from one of the Middle East countries?



It just seems like other border entries would be a higher priority than a wilderness crossing in the middle of two million acres. A terrorist would likely stick out like a sore thumb, especially if the officer asked them how to rig a slip bobber, or which direction do you use a bent paddle.



Tomster"

I am amazed at how many people use a bent backwards."

That is why I never use a bent shaft. Might be looked at as a potential terrorist if I used it backwards. Or, possibly get a ticket for CWI (Canoeing While Intoxicated).

Tomster