Well, after another stuggle through this:



Which left me waist deep in swamp muck at the end, I was wondering if there is any methind to propose a new portage. I often use Pickerel Lake, just north of the North Kawishiwi River near EP 31 as my entry instead of coming across Farm Lake. My route typically takes me up river, so I would really appreciate a portage at the east end of the lake. For example



Any suggestions on getting this done?

JD

How's the portage on the other end of the lake? Does it look like it gets used much? If not, you're asking to maintain two substantial portages that functionally do close to the same thing. Plus the work of clearing the new portage. To make it a bit easier, half of your proposed portage is outside the BWCA and so a chainsaw could be used on that part.

How's the dirt road from Fernberg Trail to Pickerel. I could actually see using this route (even with the existing portage).

I have no idea on who to contact but I have one I would like to add. How about one long one that connects Lake 1 to Lake 2 instead of making a congested area even worse with that small pond in the middle.

quote DeanL: "I have no idea on who to contact but I have one I would like to add. How about one long one that connects Lake 1 to Lake 2 instead of making a congested area even worse with that small pond in the middle. "

My outfitter has told me they along with other outfitters have been asking USFS for this for years, and even offered to do it. Maybe some hyperbole but a clear need.

With many portages closed because of PMI's why would the forest service open a new one a lot of what the forest service has down over the years is to limit access not create more.

A whole change of attitude in the forest service from the top down is what is needed

Across the country they have closed access to many areas.

quote andym: "How's the portage on the other end of the lake?

How's the dirt road from Fernberg Trail to Pickerel. I could actually see using this route (even with the existing portage)."

I've been on that road and portage. Its off Glipi Road which is in good shape. The portage down to Pickerel is in good condition too.

Thanks. Even for a day trip, that could be a fun route on a day when the winds are too high to make White Iron and Farm fun.

3Ball beat me to it. Glipi Road off the Fernberg and then a left hand turn a bit further back. I think the sign is 13670. That road was in great shape this year compared to years past.

JD