Pretty straight forward question - are electric mini pole saws allowed in the BWCA. I have a small one with a 6" chain that is used for small-medium sized shrubbery and branches. Without the pole attached, it weighs less than 3 lbs and would easily fit in one of our group community backpacks that we'll be taking in.

Before I just assume this is allowed, I wanted to check and see if there are any regulations against using them in the park.

Pretty sure that's a no. FS uses all hand saws for portage work. They had to get special permission to use chain saws after the big blow down. No battery powered ice augers either. I didn't look in the regs to quote it, but I'm sure someone will.

Good to know. Thanks for your input! Not a big deal either way, just inquiring because of the time and energy it would save from using a hand saw. Likely going to just leave it home.

I would off the top of my head also say no for reasons already stated. I agree the battery operated ones are much quieter. I have one here at home. Based on my BW trips, they would not really serve any needed purpose I could not achieve with hand saws and would be extra weight. Also, once the battery runs out they are worthless

No, you would be in violation.

From the source: USDA / USFS

§ 261.18 National Forest Wilderness. The following are prohibited in a National Forest Wilderness: (a) Possessing or using a motor vehicle, motorboat or motorized equipment except as authorized by Federal Law or regulation.

From a recent article in Paddle and Portage

"The most common violation during this time frame, by far, is for people “possessing or using a motor vehicle, motorboat or motorized equipment” in the BWCA. There were 1,294 such violations during the past 23 years, according to the report shared with Paddle and Portage from the federal government. The penalty for taking a motor into the wilderness, which could be a motorboat, gas-powered auger, or snowmobile, is $200."

While the article mentions gas-powered, regulation 261.18 does not - just motorized equipment, which could be gas or electric powered.

An electric motor is the same no after what you have it attached to.

A chain saw
A trolling motor

Mechanical propulsion only not matter what you are propelling.
Tom

Legality issues aside, I don't understand why anyone would want to take an electric saw into the wilderness. Yeah, it's a bit easier to cut firewood with it than a handsaw, but if/when the battery dies you're screwed. Plus cutting firewood ranks fairly low on the list of physically demanding tasks on a canoe trip imo. This seems like a solution in search of a problem.

NEIowapaddler: "Legality issues aside, I don't understand why anyone would want to take an electric saw into the wilderness. Yeah, it's a bit easier to cut firewood with it than a handsaw, but if/when the battery dies you're screwed. Plus cutting firewood ranks fairly low on the list of physically demanding tasks on a canoe trip imo. This seems like a solution in search of a problem. "

With the ability to recharge electronics using portable solar panels, I can see the idea of bringing one viable. Also, mobility issues may make bringing an electric saw appealing.

Minnesotian: "

NEIowapaddler: "Legality issues aside, I don't understand why anyone would want to take an electric saw into the wilderness. Yeah, it's a bit easier to cut firewood with it than a handsaw, but if/when the battery dies you're screwed. Plus cutting firewood ranks fairly low on the list of physically demanding tasks on a canoe trip imo. This seems like a solution in search of a problem. "

With the ability to recharge electronics using portable solar panels, I can see the idea of bringing one viable. Also, mobility issues may make bringing an electric saw appealing. "

Then the BWCA is not the place for you. There is no viability to bringing motors there.
99% of Minnesota permits electric motors.
Tom

tumblehome: "

Minnesotian: "

NEIowapaddler: "Legality issues aside, I don't understand why anyone would want to take an electric saw into the wilderness. Yeah, it's a bit easier to cut firewood with it than a handsaw, but if/when the battery dies you're screwed. Plus cutting firewood ranks fairly low on the list of physically demanding tasks on a canoe trip imo. This seems like a solution in search of a problem. "

With the ability to recharge electronics using portable solar panels, I can see the idea of bringing one viable. Also, mobility issues may make bringing an electric saw appealing. "

Then the BWCA is not the place for you. There is no viability to bringing motors there.
99% of Minnesota permits electric motors.
Tom"

Are you speaking to the "proverbial you" or are you addressing me specifically? Because yeah, I agree in that I would never bring one myself, but just pointing out how someone could think this way.

It’s really easy to not have a fire. Just saying.

Definitely not. The USFS rangers have been specifically bringing that up in the permit pickup sessions because they have noticed a huge uptick in people bringing small handheld electric saws. Thanks for checking.