Just got this in my email from Forest Service:
"Planning to pick up a permit at the Kawishiwi Ranger Station? Effective immediately, this location will not be issuing BWCAW permits this year. You will need to modify your reservation and change your Issue station to a Forest Service location that is open or a BWCAW Commercial Permit Issue Station (Cooperator)"

SO there's a whole discussion about "what the heck?" But more immediately...

We'd been planning to pick up a permit at the Kawishiwi RS on May 1 - either for paddling if ice is out or for hiking the Sioux Hustler trail if not. We'd chosen the ranger station because they open at 8, and because I hate to bother an outfitter with a permit when we aren't getting any gear.

I guess I'm going to just have to get over it as far as bothering an outfitter. But...the one that we've used, Piragis, doesn't open till 9 AM that early in the season. Another outfitter I'd contacted about lodging isn't even open at all that early in the year. Anybody know an outfitter in the Ely area that opens earlier than 9 that early in the season? And that wouldn't mind somebody coming in for a permit and not spending money?
Thanks.

Voyageur North