BWCA Permit pick up Boundary Waters Listening Point - General Discussion
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jwmiller39
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06/22/2020 10:35AM  
Are people still able to print their permits from recreation.gov and skip the standard permit pickup and video/test part? I did a trip in late May and we were able to just print our permit and avoid the in-person check in.

I have another trip this week, but I am not the trip leader so haven't gotten any emails or anything on it. We typically pick up our permit at Duluth Pack, which I believe is open, but I also think any in person public visits that can be avoided should be. Anybody have any official announcements or anything on the current permit pick up procedure?
 
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06/22/2020 10:46AM  
That was still the expectation when we went in June 12.
 
06/22/2020 11:46AM  
I assume this will be the protocol for the entire season.

I booked my late July trip a few weeks ago and selected the outfitter I am renting a canoe from as the pick up location but it said it was online pickup and when I spoke to the outfitter they confirmed that I am to print everything myself.

 
06/22/2020 07:25PM  
Depends on the issuing station. Recently returned from a Clearwater EP, and the folks at Clearwater printed my permit.

On another note, I have never seen so many people this early in that area. I know it is a popular area with a lot of permits (John, North Fowl, Pine, East Bearskin and more), but the sheer number of people allowed in is not acceptable. The number of permits needs to be cut back and the fee needs to be increased. The park (or, Wilderness for those offended by the use of the word park) is being loved to death.

Time to follow Quetico's numbers management.
 
06/22/2020 07:57PM  
Bearskin Lodge told us to use our confirmation email from Rec.Gov

I echo what Frenchy19 said... in fact... I happened to run into him on the Johnson Falls trail!!!
 
06/22/2020 10:12PM  
You can print the email as your permit, or pick it up, or both. That is what I was told when I picked up my permit a week ago. As for the larger usage numbers, I saw the same at the Snowbank EP. I think it is great that people are getting out and enjoying the BWCA. I love the isolated feeling of being the only person around as much as anyone, but I’d rather introduce as many new people to the area as possible. I just hope the outfitting businesses and communities are benefiting from what I perceive as an influx of more activity.
 
mjmkjun
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06/23/2020 06:47AM  
paddlinjoe: "You can print the email as your permit, or pick it up, or both. That is what I was told when I picked up my permit a week ago. As for the larger usage numbers, I saw the same at the Snowbank EP. I think it is great that people are getting out and enjoying the BWCA. I love the isolated feeling of being the only person around as much as anyone, but I’d rather introduce as many new people to the area as possible. I just hope the outfitting businesses and communities are benefiting from what I perceive as an influx of more activity. "


Agree! Now, if only there was a method to filter out those that trash the sites from those that do respect the rules. ha!

 
scotttimm
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06/23/2020 10:14AM  
MN_Lindsey: "Bearskin Lodge told us to use our confirmation email from Rec.Gov


I echo what Frenchy19 said... in fact... I happened to run into him on the Johnson Falls trail!!!"


I was expecting large numbers at the Kawishiwi Lake EP on up to Polly, entered June 8 for 8 days, was pleasantly surprised. Polly was nearly empty. We saw people during the week, and on the weekend it filled up, but wasn't crazy at all. I guess it depends on location...
 
scramble4a5
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06/23/2020 04:52PM  
paddlinjoe: "You can print the email as your permit, or pick it up, or both. That is what I was told when I picked up my permit a week ago. As for the larger usage numbers, I saw the same at the Snowbank EP. I think it is great that people are getting out and enjoying the BWCA. I love the isolated feeling of being the only person around as much as anyone, but I’d rather introduce as many new people to the area as possible. I just hope the outfitting businesses and communities are benefiting from what I perceive as an influx of more activity. "


I agree with you. The number of permits is static as far as I know so there was always the possibility they could all be taken. I suspect this could be a short term “boom” due to the pandemic. Time will tell.

 
andym
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06/23/2020 11:42PM  
One’s experience always varies. Once in late August we made it from Lake One to Insula while barely seeing a person. And in July, we once went 5 days while seeing only a canoe a day. We were in a pretty remote area but it was still striking. Even when the BW is supposed to be busy, you may luck into some solitude.

I also hope the outfitters and the towns are getting some benefit from supporting a healing activity and place. Our beach town in California is overrun with day visitors who are looking to get outdoors and cool off (it can be 30 degrees cooler here than 10 miles inland). Weekdays now look like crowded weekends. We are going to resort to dawn walks and paddles to get some peace and calm. I just hope some of them are buying lunch in town.

 
KarlBAndersen1
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06/24/2020 06:40AM  
scotttimm: "
MN_Lindsey: "Bearskin Lodge told us to use our confirmation email from Rec.Gov



I echo what Frenchy19 said... in fact... I happened to run into him on the Johnson Falls trail!!!"



I was expecting large numbers at the Kawishiwi Lake EP on up to Polly, entered June 8 for 8 days, was pleasantly surprised. Polly was nearly empty. We saw people during the week, and on the weekend it filled up, but wasn't crazy at all. I guess it depends on location..."

We went in Kawishiwi on the 12th. Up to Malberg. There were numerous interactions with people and it took only a normal amount of effort to get a site the first night. When we came out a week later it was like we had the whole route to ourselves. Malberg was empty except for our group of three and we only encountered maybe 5-6 people the entire way out.
All of the camp sites were empty except maybe 2-3 the entire way.
 
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