Hi everyone!
As permit time approaches doing my due diligence..
In watching some YouTube's appears that the boardwalk on the portage has been removed and only a small bridge remains.. The videos show this is now a wet mess and even the new bridge in underwater...

Will this be replaced? The original pilons still remain..

Thanks in advance

RW...

Maybe call and check with the Ely ranger station to see if they know of any specific timeline. It was a hot mess this fall. It is possible to cut to the north side of the pond and walk on top of the beaver dam, but would be much better if they can get that boardwalk rebuilt.

DMan5501: "Hi everyone!
As permit time approaches doing my due diligence..
In watching some YouTube's appears that the boardwalk on the portage has been removed and only a small bridge remains.. The videos show this is now a wet mess and even the new bridge in underwater...

Will this be replaced? The original pilons still remain..

Thanks in advance

RW...

"

I hiked this trail a few years ago and that whole boardwalk area past the beaver dam was underwater- made for 100% soaked through boots! I would be happy to help a crew if there was one going to fix it up

Some years ago the boardwalk had fallen into disrepair and I recall a beaver damn just south of it that I crossed. The footing wasn't great but it was better than the alternative.

I went through last summer in late July and had shin deep marsh mud in that section. Just about lost a shoe! Hope it's replaced this year, but I have no info.

Call for best info.

But the current theme of the FS has been to get rid of man-made structures like this. I doubt it gets replaced with something new that's wooden. New wood, new fasteners, etc don't fit the route they've been going down lately. Removing the stairway portage, removing stairs elsewhere.

If it was up to the FS, I'd think they'd attempt a re-route or something earthen before building something from home depot.

I did call the Ely ranger station and spoke with Maggie (who is absolutely awesome, a native and avid BWCAW'r) she actually runs the Angleworm Trail and is well aware of the lack of boardwalk issue.. That said, she is uncertain as to the FS next steps.. Reroute, Rebuild or Leave Alone.... Won't have a positional update until March/April timeframe... Added bonus she took my number a said she'd give me a call with an update.... NOW that's service! Thanks Maggie!!

RW