I just sat thru the online 3rd video. I'm not impressed with this process. They make a statement that after we submit our registration, they will first go through the ones for today's entry, and then go through the ones for tomorrow. The said those entering today, should have their permits emailed to them by 4:30 pm!

I think that time would be unacceptable for most entering the bwca. Even the forest service would probably recommend getting out early, and not waiting until late in the day to enter. That would lead to people not finding a campsite, portaging in the dark, potentially getting hurt, or perhaps creating their own temp camp. All of which are undesirable.

I'm leaving to head north in 2 hours. How am I supposed to print my permit?

They did NOT think through this process very well. I tried to call the ranger station, but it rolled into voicemail. I'm sure they get dozens of calls every day.

I am not very impressed.

I'll let you know when my permit shows up in my email. I don't want to wait until 8 am tomorrow morning to go to the ranger station. That's too late in the day, and we're staying at the Rockwood, so it would be an hour round trip out of the way.

Such a stupid process. I’m also frustrated at this “New” way. You should be able to instantly access your permit if it’s a virtual process. Good luck.

Apparently all the virtual permits are processed by hand, out of the tofte office, so it takes time.

The email, for the 3rd video, states that you can only watch it the day before entry, or the day of. I was told by Susan, out of the Gunflint ranger station, that that is not accurate. When you get your email for the 3rd video, which for me, came about 4 days in advance, you can watch it any morning at 9 am, not just the day before/day of.

They just want to encourage people to wait, because stuff happens, and their group size may change, if they watch it too early.

I spoke to Bill at the Tofte Ranger station, and he was kind enough to expedite the permit process for us.

Thanks Bill!!

Luckily my permit is for a Monday this year (not Sunday like normal), so I will now be picking it up in person so I can avoid any virtual related issues. So glad that’s an option now that Tofte is open for in person M-F

I watched the video Sat at 9am and was emailed a permit midday Sunday for our Monday entry. Also called the Ranger station to change my physical pickup location in case the virtual plan failed. Thankfully all steps went off without a hitch.

I had a Saturday permit and was emailed mine on the Friday before at around 8:00 am. I also watched the 3rd video around 5 days prior even though it lists day of or day before. Seemed easy enough?

naturboy12: "Luckily my permit is for a Monday this year (not Sunday like normal), so I will now be picking it up in person so I can avoid any virtual related issues. So glad that’s an option now that Tofte is open for in person M-F"

So if you can now pick up your permit in person, do you not have to watch the 3rd video prior to pick up? I'm still confused by this whole thing.

OneMatch: "

naturboy12: "Luckily my permit is for a Monday this year (not Sunday like normal), so I will now be picking it up in person so I can avoid any virtual related issues. So glad that’s an option now that Tofte is open for in person M-F"

So if you can now pick up your permit in person, do you not have to watch the 3rd video prior to pick up? I'm still confused by this whole thing.



"

You can use the in-person pickup option now if the ranger station hours work for your trip. You will watch video #3 there. Or you can decide to do the virtual option. Your choice.

straighthairedcurly: "

OneMatch: "

naturboy12: "Luckily my permit is for a Monday this year (not Sunday like normal), so I will now be picking it up in person so I can avoid any virtual related issues. So glad that’s an option now that Tofte is open for in person M-F"

So if you can now pick up your permit in person, do you not have to watch the 3rd video prior to pick up? I'm still confused by this whole thing.



"

You can use the in-person pickup option now if the ranger station hours work for your trip. You will watch video #3 there. Or you can decide to do the virtual option. Your choice. "

Thank you for that info!

OneMatch: "

naturboy12: "Luckily my permit is for a Monday this year (not Sunday like normal), so I will now be picking it up in person so I can avoid any virtual related issues. So glad that’s an option now that Tofte is open for in person M-F"

So if you can now pick up your permit in person, do you not have to watch the 3rd video prior to pick up? I'm still confused by this whole thing.



"

This is exactly what I did. Showed up at Gunflint Ranger Station the day before, watched the three-minute video while the ranger printed my permit. From beginning to end: less than five minutes.

Mike

The virtual process worked well for me, as I documented on another thread, but proved the next day to be far more valuable than expected. On the drive between Minneapolis and Duluth, I had to stop to fill a tire with low pressure several times. Had to stop in Duluth and wait to get it worked on. There was a piece of metal causing the leak seemingly in a place that rendered it unrepairable. Anyway, it was a substantial delay and my permit was for that day. I usually don’t mind a stop at the ranger station, but was very glad I already had my permit in my pocket. I started paddling hours behind plan and set camp just before dark.

straighthairedcurly: "You can use the in-person pickup option now if the ranger station hours work for your trip. You will watch video #3 there. Or you can decide to do the virtual option. Your choice. "

With that said, could I pick up the permit at a ranger station if I previously requested to pick up the permit at an outfitter? Or would I have to go through the process to change the issuing station from outfitter to ranger station?

I only ask as I feel it may be more convenient and efficient for us to pick up the permit at the ranger station as opposed to outfitters. Just curious.

HangLoose: "

straighthairedcurly: "You can use the in-person pickup option now if the ranger station hours work for your trip. You will watch video #3 there. Or you can decide to do the virtual option. Your choice. "

With that said, could I pick up the permit at a ranger station if I previously requested to pick up the permit at an outfitter? Or would I have to go through the process to change the issuing station from outfitter to ranger station?


I only ask as I feel it may be more convenient and efficient for us to pick up the permit at the ranger station as opposed to outfitters. Just curious.
"

The ranger station folks can change where you pick up your permit, so it should not be a problem. I suspect if you just showed up they could do it right then and there, but it takes little effort to call them on your drive up and have them change it over the phone before you get there. One less thing for them to do (and you to wait for) if they are busy with multiple permits before you arrive.

Keep in mind not all ranger stations are open on Saturday and Sunday this year - only Ely and Grand Marias are open 7 days a week.