Thought this was interesting. Maybe I missed it in other threads. Star article

Wonder what it cost the taxpayers for the round trip Washington - Ely.

I hadn't seen it until now. Thanks for posting the link. Good read

Link to article in Timberjay about meeting with forest service. Some upset people like this quote from Dan Waters, owner of Ely’s Canadian Waters, Inc., who claimed he was the oldest outfitter in the building, said he doesn’t expect anything to change. “For 55 years, there has been very little that the Forest Service has done that has come from suggestions of outfitters and cooperators, and I don’t look for that happening this time. You are looking for a quick answer again and it’s probably going to be an abortion of a fix.”

Also talks about the 38% of motor permits that are no shows and go unused. More then 1/3rd of motor permits issued disappear!!

Interesting.
Learned a bit about Calvin Rutstrum too. (end page link)

It sure sounds like classic mismanagement tinged with arrogance. I feel bad for the outfitters and other businesses that depend on the wilderness.

"Five or six years ago, most, if not all, Boundary Waters permits were issued via lottery for trips between May 1 and Sept. 30. More than 100,000 people a year applied for about 26,000 permits to a range of entry points throughout the so-called quota season"

Really Tom... why anyone reads newspapers is a wonder these days with completely made up facts?

Can you imagine the uproar if the system crashes again. People are planning vacation s etc... screwed up deal.

dr bob

DrBobDerrig: "Can you imagine the uproar if the system crashes again. People are planning vacation s etc... screwed up deal.


dr bob"

shhhhh.

We've worked with Dan Waters a few times, and bought our canoe from him. I can just imagine his impassioned speech!

I trust Dan Waters. MY Rant: It wasn't broken and they Fixed it anyway. Again. I like the idea of the "call center" in Ely. Well,....they wanted a "local input meeting" to appease and then show up with earplugs, basically.

If it crashes again, I'd imagine, like myself, many people will just go somewhere else. I bet many may even just enter BWCA without a permit. If the permitting incompetence continues, I can't say I blame anyone for doing either of those things.

Great article. Thanks.