BWCA Are Sleds (Human or Dog Pulled) Allowed in the BWCA? Boundary Waters Winter Camping and Activities
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      Are Sleds (Human or Dog Pulled) Allowed in the BWCA?     

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LuvMyBell
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07/06/2012 02:30PM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
If they are, what's the difference between using sleds in the winter and portage wheels in the summer?

I think the restriction of portage wheels is more than potential impact to the ground or plants. I think it's because they want the experience to be more "wilderness-like".

I understand from reading about the Lewis and Clark expeditions that they sometimes used wheels and logs to transport their heavier wooden canoes up and over rough terrain.

Can't get more 'wilderness-y' than that expedition.

 
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tonyyarusso
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07/06/2012 02:48PM  
Yes, they are. I believe it's a two-fold issue of both being a far more ancient mode of travel for the area than anything wheeled and the difference in erosion impact. Lewis and Clark's expedition was only 200 years ago, but dog sleds have been in use for thousands of years.
LuvMyBell
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07/06/2012 05:45PM  
I wouldn't use portage wheels, even if they were allowed. Most portages in the BWCA are more than manageable. I was just curious about dog sleds.

Thanks.
07/06/2012 06:30PM  
I take students dogsledding/winter camping every year in the dub.
07/06/2012 11:56PM  
portage wheels would be useless on most bwca portages. rocks, mud, and windfall would quickly stop all progress. in the winter, pulling a sled over a portage is a whole different matter.
if you are a minnesotan this would be obvious. last winter did not count.
07/09/2012 10:45PM  
The difference that there is snow on the ground and any marks left by sleds will be covered with more snow or will melt away. Wheels leave ruts and do not go away unless they are covered by ...snow. :)

 
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