Was informed by the Kawishiwi Ranger District today that they will be closed for issuing permits this season. All issuance will have to go through third party cooperators (outfitters). The woman I spoke with said the cooperators would have to issue the permit even if the visitor did not purchase outfitting services. We'll see...

SOB!!! This was our ranger station to get our permits. Thank you so incredibly much for posting this so I have time to look at alternatives!

Looks like Gunflint station in Grand Marais also issued email for closure. We are staying in GM and backtracking to Homer entry point, so not sure what the best option is- I suppose Tofte.

Is beartrack outfitter still open in GM?

I have used Stone Harbor in GM in the past. Always wound up purchasing something from there when I was picking up the permit. I see they have closed but I read that Northern Goods will be issuing permits (only place in GM it states). Yikes!

I'm more worried about the time to get a permit due to volume if they are the only place in town issuing them than I would be about using their facility if not purchasing or outfitting from them.

What a mess!!!!

I changed mine to Northern Goods which is downtown next to the CO-OP. I knew they were going through ownership change in January and recreation . gov still had stone harbor, so didn't pick that at the time. I called Northern Goods and they said as long as you can change it on your end, they are good to issue.

Anybody have any insight on PMA permits...?

LostInREI: "Anybody have any insight on PMA permits...?"

When I reserved mine with the Gunflint ranger station a few weeks ago the person on the phone said that if this happens they will likely email the pma permit.

Good to know about PMA permits. I've been worried

I usually picked up my permit at Sawtooth Outfitters in Tofte when going by; right on MN 61 near the Sawbill Trail.

brulu: "

LostInREI: "Anybody have any insight on PMA permits...?"

When I reserved mine with the Gunflint ranger station a few weeks ago the person on the phone said that if this happens they will likely email the pma permit. "

That likelihood has become reality. According to an email I received from the FS today, all ranger stations will issue PMA permits or you may contact them to send it to you by email.

Jefflynn06: "I have used Stone Harbor in GM in the past. Always wound up purchasing something from there when I was picking up the permit. I see they have closed but I read that Northern Goods will be issuing permits (only place in GM it states). Yikes!


I'm more worried about the time to get a permit due to volume if they are the only place in town issuing them than I would be about using their facility if not purchasing or outfitting from them.


What a mess!!!!"

I generally get mine at the Duluth Pack store in Duluth on the way up, and there are plenty of outfitters along the Gunflint that issue. I would not worry too much about the time it will take.

Frenchy19: "

Jefflynn06: "I have used Stone Harbor in GM in the past. Always wound up purchasing something from there when I was picking up the permit. I see they have closed but I read that Northern Goods will be issuing permits (only place in GM it states). Yikes!



I'm more worried about the time to get a permit due to volume if they are the only place in town issuing them than I would be about using their facility if not purchasing or outfitting from them.



What a mess!!!!"

I generally get mine at the Duluth Pack store in Duluth on the way up, and there are plenty of outfitters along the Gunflint that issue. I would not worry too much about the time it will take. "

Duluth Pack is where I get my permits ... But, They started charging a $2.00 issuance fee last year..

I sure hope that nobody here complains about outfitters charging a $2 fee for issuing permits, especially in light of this news. I mean, come on. It's $2. They should absolutely make something for the time it takes to issue the permit.

Jefflynn06: "I have used Stone Harbor in GM in the past. Always wound up purchasing something from there when I was picking up the permit. I see they have closed but I read that Northern Goods will be issuing permits (only place in GM it states). Yikes!


I'm more worried about the time to get a permit due to volume if they are the only place in town issuing them than I would be about using their facility if not purchasing or outfitting from them.


What a mess!!!!"

This is what I thought when I heard this. It will probably eventually work out but it will first be a pain the rear for those seeking their permits this year. It also speaks to the downsizing problems the FS will face in the future.

NEIowapaddler: "I sure hope that nobody here complains about outfitters charging a $2 fee for issuing permits, especially in light of this news. I mean, come on. It's $2. They should absolutely make something for the time it takes to issue the permit. "

Nope, no complaint here at all! I was just making folks aware... More than happy for the convenience as I summer on Park Point...

RW