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Update thread

This one could ruin some trips unfortunately but safety 1st.

Fortunately we were able to somehow get a permit for Fall Lake.

They say seven days. I'm hoping that's all it is as I have a Mudro entry for August 9th. But the way these fires go, I'm putting together a backup plan now. It won't be what I was hoping for, but anywhere in the BW is a good day! Keep praying for rain!

Not surprised and appreciate the notice here. We have a mudro permit for August 2 so hoping this will be lifted but not going to hold my breath. Only our 2nd trip, not sure where we would be "redirected to" in this situation? Hoping for rain!

looks like we will only be able to see Basswood falls from one side.
of course I expect this closure to expand somewhere.

I don't usually wish for rain for BW trips, but in this case I'll make an exception.

Quetico fire map to help give some context to the fire which is right on the border by Iron/Crooked.

https://www.lioapplications.lrc.gov.on.ca/ForestFireInformationMap/index.html?viewer=FFIM.FFIM

I get it, but geez I am scheduled for the 27th at Mudro and we were only going to Gun. Not up to Basswood so nowhere near the fire. Ugh, looking more and more like this will be a bust. My only option right now is Trout and I know nothing about it, though I have been to Crab and Cummings which are accessibe from it.

roadracer: "I get it, but geez I am scheduled for the 27th at Mudro and we were only going to Gun. Not up to Basswood so nowhere near the fire. Ugh, looking more and more like this will be a bust. My only option right now is Trout and I know nothing about it, though I have been to Crab and Cummings which are accessibe from it."

I'm facing the same thing at the beginning of august. My choice was between Trout and South. I chose South. I wouldn't hesitate to go to Trout. Looks like there could be a lot of interesting lakes in there. Definitely not the same as Mudro though. Still, a day in the Boundary Waters no matter where you are is a good day!

The reason they can't let anybody in Mudro even if you stay below Gun is that there are eight permits per day into Mudro. Very quickly there would be massive traffic jams everywhere with nowhere to camp.

No I understand. My concern with Trout is crossing Vermillion. This will be my wife's first-time and not sure that is such a good idea. Going to research it a bit.

I know this might be a dumb question but are fires completely banned on Basswood besides small propane grills or are you still allowed to use the grates?

froggatherer: "I know this might be a dumb question but are fires completely banned on Basswood besides small propane grills or are you still allowed to use the grates? "

100% banned. Cooking is only allowed on the propane stoves you bring in. The only fires allowed in all of the Superior National Forest are in the paid sites in their campgrounds. I think that's the camp by your car scenarios...

You could do a tow if you are concerned about paddling across Vermilion. The boat traffic wouldn't bug me as much as the chance that it could get rolling.

wiroadracer: "No I understand. My concern with Trout is crossing Vermillion. This will be my wife's first-time and not sure that is such a good idea. Going to research it a bit. "

You can get a tow across Vermilion to and from if you prefer. That'd be better than scrapping her first trip! Also, early in the morning before sunup, even the big water is often very calm. Mostly true, but not always...

Trout was surprisingly good for us last year. It was the only permit we could get, my wife's first trip in 18 years and my son's GF first trio ever. They did fine on the 2 1/2 hour paddle across Vermillion. We got the island campsite north of the narrows. Beautiful site, just needed a sand beach to be 5 star. We base camped and day tripped for a few days (Pine Lake/Creek are very pretty and made the trip for my wife). No motor lakes and reputedly good fishing (we're not fishers) are just a paddle/portage away. So research it and look forward to it.

There are some great sites on Trout and Pine. Crossing Vermillion can be hairy but doable. Get an early start and you should be fine. I’m usually more concerned about boats than wind on that lake.

Dreamer: "

froggatherer: "I know this might be a dumb question but are fires completely banned on Basswood besides small propane grills or are you still allowed to use the grates? "

100% banned. Cooking is only allowed on the propane stoves you bring in. The only fires allowed in all of the Superior National Forest are in the paid sites in their campgrounds. I think that's the camp by your car scenarios..."

Small point of clarification: propane stoves are not the only stoves allowed. Stoves using liquid petroleum fuel with an “off switch” are allowed, including propane, butane, and white gas such as Coleman fuel used in an MSR Whisperlite. Alcohol stoves use liquid fuel but have no off switch and are not allowed. Twig stoves or other stoves burning tablets or biofuel are also not allowed.

Dreamer: "

wiroadracer: "No I understand. My concern with Trout is crossing Vermillion. This will be my wife's first-time and not sure that is such a good idea. Going to research it a bit. "

You can get a tow across Vermilion to and from if you prefer. That'd be better than scrapping her first trip! Also, early in the morning before sunup, even the big water is often very calm. Mostly true, but not always..."

I had the same concern prior to our trip to Trout last September, so I arranged a tow across Vermilion. As it turned out, Vermilion was fine both ways, but we spent an extra day on Trout due to high winds - it's only small in comparison with Vermilion. We had 3 days of non-stop high winds, not the usual diurnal pattern.

I was surprised to find that we had very good cell signal on Trout, which turned out to be a good thing, since we were able to let our employers (and parents) know that we would be a day late coming out. YMMV as to whether you consider that a pro or con.

I was checking permit availability around my planned EP on Rec.gov today, and found an associated Alert for BWCA closures:

Delta Lake Fire BWCAW Closure Order
Area(s): Kekekabic Trail East, Kekekabic Trail West

Date(s): Jul 17, 2021

Delta Lake Fire BWCAW Closure Order (7/9/21) and News Release with map

Closures:

Drag Pristine Management Area
#56-Kekekabic Trail East Entry Point
#74-Kekekabic Trail West/Snowbank Entry Point
Entire Kekekabic Trail is closed to hiking
The following lakes, campsites, and portages in the BWCAW are closed: Parent, Disappointment, Jitterbug, Ahsub, Becoosin, Benezie, Adventure, Rifle, Bridge, Fire

Closure orders are posted online at: https://www.fs.usda.gov/alerts/superior/alerts-notices/?aid=67245

Looks like a Snowbank entry is still possible, just need to go north to Boot, etc..

The thing I don't quite get is why other entry points near Mudro are not closed. For example, Angleworm or South Hegman. I have a permit for Angleworm in early August. Maybe the long portage in will be rewarded with lower numbers of paddlers in that area.

I’d tend to say prevailing wind is why they haven’t closed those. Mudro is a big feeder into Crooked Lake which was the main concern I’m sure and the PMA’s up close to Crooked lake.

I’m surprised they didn’t allow Mudro entry into Fourtown and Horse and the lakes in that area. Would have sucked though for anyone entering to get a campsite though if they had just left the southern part open.

Technically with a fall lake entry you could paddle up into horse lake, or upper Basswood falls, Wheelbarrow falls and anything east of Lower Basswood falls on the river portion.

My trip is Entry is Fall lake End of July and I’d planned on upper Basswood all the way up Crooked Lake to Curtain Falls this year. Might have to go to plan B and do Crooked Lake and the falls next year.

I just feel really bad for the MUdro entries in the next week that couldn’t find an alternate entry point! I look forward and plan all year for these trips!

Ryan

The Forest Service actually just closed pretty much everything west of Basswood and north of the Echo trail: Ely Echo - BWCA closures expanding to west

Now with 10 different entry points closed, many will be disappointed. Most dates don't have enough alternatives to allow for everyone to get a permit. What a bummer...

Canada's policy is to just let everything burn out on its own, unless it approaches populated areas. I don't see these closures opening up until the area gets saturated with rain. That could be mid August...

Wow! My backup plan is Moose Lake! I snagged an entry last night at midnight. Thank goodness at least so far knock on wood! I think I’ll just plan on that and end up letting my Fall Lake entry go. I realize that is still so far a good entry point it just has so little canoe only areas to access especially if everything West of Basswood is closed.

Forecast for a small amount of rain on Wednesday. Let’s pray it’s more than they are forecasting!!!!

Ryan

The latest map:

Restrictions Enacted on Saturday July 17, 2021 remain in effect.
The following are prohibited:
It is prohibited to enter the following entry points, lakes, and Pristine Management Areas which are
posted closed. 36 CFR 261.53(e) Special Closures, Public Health or Safety.
1. BWCAW ENTRY POINT CLOSURES:
• Blandin Trail - Entry Point #11
• Little Vermilion Lake (Crane Lake) - Entry Point #12
• Lac La Croix - Entry Point #12A
• Herriman Trail - Entry Point #13
• Little Sioux River (north) - Entry Point #14
• Sioux-Hustler Trail - Entry Point #15
• Moose/Portage River NORTH - Entry Point #16
• Stuart River - Entry Point #19
• Angleworm Lake - Entry Point #20
• Angleworm Lake Trail - Entry Point #21
• Lac la Croix -Entry Point #71 into and out of Canada
• South Hegman Lake - Entry Point #77

BWCAW CAMPSITES, PORTAGES AND LAKES CLOSURE:
• All trails, campsites, portages, rivers and lakes that are accessed by the closed entry points listed
above, including but not limited to - Loon Lake, Lac la Croix, Ge-be-on-e-quet Lake, Oyster Lake,
Shell Lake, Angleworm Lake, Hustler Lake, Sterling Lake, Ramshead Lake, Lake Agnes, Sterling
Lake, White Feather Lake, Chippewa Lake, Gun Lake, Jackfish Lake, Lake Agnes, Fourtown Lake,
Nina Moose Lake, Sunday Lake, Wagosh Lake, and Horse Lake.
• All zones of the Sundial Pristine Management Area (1 through 5), and the Weeny Pristine

Official update: https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/fseprd932182.pdf

Weather Forecast:

Doesn't look like much relief according to the forecast. Hot and pretty much dry through the end of the month. Let's hope that changes.

Pray for rain and pray for the guys and gals working the fires

wiroadracer: "No I understand. My concern with Trout is crossing Vermillion. This will be my wife's first-time and not sure that is such a good idea. Going to research it a bit. "

I did this with my 2 kids and partner last week. The boats are obnoxious. We were very lucky and had 0 wind. The good thing about this section is that I think that if you had a wind, it's broken up enough that you could probably hang out in a wind shadow on one side or the other of the lake long enough that it wouldn't be too bad. Still I'd shoot for morning rather than afternoon.

wiroadracer: "No I understand. My concern with Trout is crossing Vermillion. This will be my wife's first-time and not sure that is such a good idea. Going to research it a bit. "

Have you considered getting a tow across Vermillion from an outfitter?

New to BW. With these closures, is there a lot more pressure for campsites in other areas? Are there a lot of illegal campers without permits or who had permits canceled but are entering other locations illegally? Just trying to get a feel for campsite availability in this situation. Heading in with a number of youngsters and will not be able to paddle out in the dark if we don’t find a site. (We will head in 7am at farm lake, and have a number of emergency routes planned).

Thanks for your thoughts.

Make sure to have lots of water, protein bars, sunscreen, lip balm, and hats! It’s worth the trouble to carry water in the heat. You don’t want kids to have a meltdown.

Sorry, posted to wrong thread.

Stormh20: "New to BW. With these closures, is there a lot more pressure for campsites in other areas? Are there a lot of illegal campers without permits or who had permits canceled but are entering other locations illegally? Just trying to get a feel for campsite availability in this situation. Heading in with a number of youngsters and will not be able to paddle out in the dark if we don’t find a site. (We will head in 7am at farm lake, and have a number of emergency routes planned).


Thanks for your thoughts."

They are not expanding the number of openings at other entry points, and this covers a very large swath of territory so I don't think this adds much additional pressure. Maybe fills the other EPs with last minute bookings, but these are all tailored for the lakes. I don't think it adds much.

Excellent clarification!

Jaywalker: "

Dreamer: "

froggatherer: "I know this might be a dumb question but are fires completely banned on Basswood besides small propane grills or are you still allowed to use the grates? "

100% banned. Cooking is only allowed on the propane stoves you bring in. The only fires allowed in all of the Superior National Forest are in the paid sites in their campgrounds. I think that's the camp by your car scenarios..."

Small point of clarification: propane stoves are not the only stoves allowed. Stoves using liquid petroleum fuel with an “off switch” are allowed, including propane, butane, and white gas such as Coleman fuel used in an MSR Whisperlite. Alcohol stoves use liquid fuel but have no off switch and are not allowed. Twig stoves or other stoves burning tablets or biofuel are also not allowed. "

For those interested, and with access to Facebook, the USFS-SNF is hosting a live Virtual Fire Update on their FB page at 6:00 CDT tonight, Wed July 21. Both the Delta Lake and Canadian fire situations will be covered. Fire weather report, summary of operations, closures, and evacuation planning. Opportunities for questions, too. It will be recorded for future playback, and probably available on their website, etc.

They actually had a really good update they already put out today and talk about the live stream tonight. Would have copy pasted it but didn’t want to let me copy it.

Ryan

Biggest news I took from this update:

I asked about the timing of cancellation of permits in the western closure area. They replied that permit holders would be given a heads up 7 days before their entry date that the entry point listed on the permit is presently closed, and to stay tuned. They went on to say that permit holders would also be informed 3 days before their entry date that the permit had been cancelled, if that entry point was still closed at that time.

(This is an improvement over the original information which insinuated that decisions would be made each Saturday on permits for the upcoming week.)

I continue to struggle with how soon I ought to pull the plug on our August 1st Mudro entry with July 31st bunkhouse stay. Not only to help with the timing of our own personal logistics of groceries, shared gear, and members coming from far corners of the state, but also to be fair to the folks at VNO who are holding a room and setting aside canoes, etc.

It has been my thought that if the western area remains closed through next Saturday, the 24th, (and how could it not?? that's only 3 days away) I would need to cancel. It pains me to do it, but I don’t see us waiting until July 29th to definitively learn one way or the other.

schweady: "Biggest news I took from this update:


I asked about the timing of cancellation of permits in the western closure area. They replied that permit holders would be given a heads up 7 days before their entry date that the entry point listed on the permit is presently closed, and to stay tuned. They went on to say that permit holders would also be informed 3 days before their entry date that the permit had been cancelled, if that entry point was still closed at that time.

(This is an improvement over the original information which insinuated that decisions would be made each Saturday on permits for the upcoming week.)

I continue to struggle with how soon I ought to pull the plug on our August 1st Mudro entry with July 31st bunkhouse stay. Not only to help with the timing of our own personal logistics of groceries, shared gear, and members coming from far corners of the state, but also to be fair to the folks at VNO who are holding a room and setting aside canoes, etc.

It has been my thought that if the western area remains closed through next Saturday, the 24th, (and how could it not?? that's only 3 days away) I would need to cancel. It pains me to do it, but I don’t see us waiting until July 29th to definitively learn one way or the other.
"

I feel bad for VNO. We had to pull the plug on them as well as secured a permit on the Gunflint along with a bunkhouse and canoe rental (we put in on Sunday). I actually feel lucky that we are still going! If I were you I’d be looking right now to make new bookings. As of now there is one permit for Little Isabella River and 12 for Trout Lake. That’s it if the closure is still in place on the 3rd….

Thanks for the thoughts, brux. We're locked in on an August 1st permit, and there is NOTHING for that date right now -- east side or west side -- except Angleworm and Lac LaCroix Only, both of which are also currently closed.

I just received that initial email from the FS, the one that says that our reservation is in an area that is currently closed but has not been cancelled, YET.

So, 11 days before our permit date. Links were embedded for many of the suggested sites to visit, but no time to paste them all in here:

"Dear Permit Holder or Alternate,

Your reservation is located in an area of the BWCAW that is currently under a closure order due to wildfire activity. Your reservation has not been cancelled. However, there is the potential that your permit could be cancelled as conditions change.

For those wishing to rebook a permit for an alternative entry point in the BWCAW, check current availability at: Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Superior National Forest - Recreation.gov and click on “Explore Available Permits” or contact your BWCAW cooperator. Additionally, there are 254 backcountry campsites outside the wilderness that offer remote paddling, camping, and fishing where you can experience solitude without reservations, fees, or permits and still have a latrine and fire grate (campfire ban in effect for Superior National Forest). Visitors must follow the same Leave No Trace principles listed on page 5 of the BWCAW Trip Planning Guide. For more information on recreation alternatives outside the BWCAW, please visit: Superior National Forest - Water Activities:Boating - Non-Motorized (usda.gov) For a list of canoe routes with backcountry campsites in the Superior National Forest, visit: Canoeing 2012 rev 0415 final.pub (usda.gov)

Emergency restrictions are necessary for the public's health and safety due to wildland fires in the vicinity of the affected lands, waters, trails, portages, canoe routes, and all recreation sites. Local officials continue to monitor the changing conditions. For the latest information on wildfires and closure orders, please visit Superior National Forest - Home (usda.gov) and scroll to “Alerts & Warnings” on the right side of the Forest home page. Follow the latest postings on Twitter (@SuperiorNF) or on Facebook at: U.S. Forest Service-Superior National Forest - Home | Facebook.

Visitor Services
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Forest Service
Superior National Forest
p: 218-626-4300
SM.FS.R9BWCAW@usda.gov
8901 Grand Ave Place
Duluth, MN 55808
www.fs.fed.us
Caring for the land and serving people"

schweady: "I just received that initial email from the FS, the one that says that our reservation is in an area that is currently closed but has not been cancelled, YET.
……
"

On the 7/21 FS Fire Update video They said they were sending out these “heads up” type emails about a week before to make sure people know of the issues, and that they are sending cancelation notices 3 days before if needed.

Jaywalker: "

schweady: "I just received that initial email from the FS, the one that says that our reservation is in an area that is currently closed but has not been cancelled, YET.
……
"

On the 7/21 FS Fire Update video They said they were sending out these “heads up” type emails about a week before to make sure people know of the issues, and that they are sending cancelation notices 3 days before if needed. "

Right. Just what I heard. That’s why I was pleased to get even this initial word 10-11 days prior.

We had a Mudro permit for July 17th. We left the Cities morning of the 15th to visit family near Grand Marais. When we arrived in Ely at 3pm July 16th to get our permit, we found out about the initial closure order and that they had canceled our Mudro permit. We were given the following choices on the spot: Go in Mudro that very afternoon (of the 16th) go in at Stuart River or Moose Lake on the 17th, or go to an entry point in another district.

Fortunately, I chose Moose Lake. We went through Wind Lake and paddled to Jackfish Bay on the 17th. By the time we were having lunch at Upper Basswood Falls on the 18th, a ranger came through and informed us of the greatly expanded closure area. That ranger told us to not expect that area to open back up for a very long time, maybe the rest of the summer.

USFS to announce today that all reservations for all of BWCA are cancelled:
https://wtip.org/forest-service-shut-down-bwca-amid-drought-and-wildfire-concerns

We were to go in tomorrow, received cancellation notice from USFS

Tofte had some thunderstorms last night with heavy rain- not sure if it fell up on the Gunflint Trail or not.

The actual order is more open ended than 7 days, “ restrictions will remain in effect until terminated by the forest supervisor”. Just got to play it by ear.

bump...

Does anyone have an update for when permits will be available again?

Pretty sure nobody has a clue! They had 4 new fires start yesterday and Greenwood is 0% contained. They probably need like a week of rain before it will get opened again. I know they have rain in the forecast for Ely over the weekend but I’ve watched those forecasts change and turn into nothing or not much precipitation all summer.

Ryan

Anyone heard at least anything about extending the closure? ATM my entry permit is still good. Doubt it will stay that way but I’d really like to know before I start the drive.

Blitton23: "Anyone heard at least anything about extending the closure? ATM my entry permit is still good. Doubt it will stay that way but I’d really like to know before I start the drive. "

I am shocked they haven’t announced yet. Last week they did it on Tuesday and made it sound like that would continue so people could plan their travel and trips better. Saw no announcements yet. At this moment it looks like it will,open back up on Saturday…my gut feeling is it won’t though. Not sure how far you have to travel maybe give the FS a call?

T

We've got a crew coming up from Nebraska and Missouri for a Sept 5th entry. It's going to be tight...

Every single EP is blocked out in REC.GOV

AmarilloJim: "Every single EP is blocked out in REC.GOV"

Has been for awhile (as I recall...since 21 Aug). For a couple of days, there were two alert messages on the REC site. The second one said the BWCAW was closed until 20 Sep. Several days later, they deleted that message.

I’ve got an entry of 9/5 an about a twelve hour drive. I thought they’d continue with the Tuesday updates as well but that has come and gone.

Blitton23: "I’ve got an entry of 9/5 an about a twelve hour drive. I thought they’d continue with the Tuesday updates as well but that has come and gone. "

Me too. Coming from K.C. hoping to hear something soon.

Hard to believe that the FS hasn’t notified 9/5 EP permit holders one way or the other. I’ve got a 9/8 permit and hate to think that I wouldn’t know for sure, one way or the other, 3 1/2 days out.

I just called them and they corrected me on semantics that the park is “closed until further notice” and that “permits have been cancelled through the 3rd”. They also said an announcement should be coming later today or tomorrow. I expect more cancellations. Would like to know if I need to start packing though.

I don't think anyone will be getting in before winter, honestly. If I were you, If be making alternate plans to Voyageurs, Sylvania, northern Wisconsin, somewhere! So sorry you're having to go through this. Crazy stuff...

This was my backup plan. Now looking at getting a cabin or something.

I’ve got a 9/5 permit and this delay in announcing has me slightly optimistic. If they are to close down until the snow flies, I would think out of respect to permit holders they would make the announcement already.

TomT: "I’ve got a 9/5 permit and this delay in announcing has me slightly optimistic. If they are to close down until the snow flies, I would think out of respect to permit holders they would make the announcement already. "

I have the faintest amount of hope that this is the case as well, but I’d be pretty shocked if they opened up at this point. They are still sweeping the area looking for people to clear out.