In my email from the USFS for my upcoming trip this week, there is some end-of-email details about phasing out virtual offerings around mid-July.

Here is the exact verbiage from the email:

"The virtual Leave No Trace program was a temporary modification due to covid19. The Forest Service is in the process of phasing out the virtual Leave No Trace sessions offered daily by mid-July. Permits for trips later in the season will need to be picked up in-person."

This is in direct contrast to what had been stated earlier this season that virtual permit issuance would be available April 30 - Sept. 30.
Verbiage here: "Virtual education sessions will be offered via Adobe Connect every day of the week from April 30 to September 30. Sessions are scheduled for 9:00 am CDT. Permits will be issued the day before or the day of Wilderness entry."

May be of interest to those planning later trips who weren't building in face-to-face time at the ranger station or the operator.

Also note that Laurentian, Tofte and LaCroix Ranger Districts and the Supervisor’s Office are operating Monday through Friday only.

Unclear if those hours will change in mid-July when the virtual issuance is replaced by in-person only.