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06/04/2023 07:59PM |
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06/01/2023 11:57AM |
small burn
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06/01/2023 01:06PM |
Pinetree
05/25/2021 03:05PM
Lot of speculating on my part, but the trend looks like a very hot summer and super dry. Get that gas stove out if this trend continues.
Whitewolf your forecast is welcome.
In 1976, peat bogs were burning down 20 feet due to lack of moisture which is usually present at the surface. Out west, after record fire season, this year is starting out worst in many western states.
One good sign, bugs were almost zero in the summer.
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06/01/2023 02:08PM |
I'm more concerned about mid July and later. That is when it can get hot and a fire ban is much more likely.
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06/01/2023 06:51PM |
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06/02/2023 01:48PM |
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05/31/2023 04:57PM |
adam: "
Quetico is starting a fire ban tomorrow."
Dang that stinks. My first Q trip is June 7. I don't have the heart to tell my trip partners yet.
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05/31/2023 07:10PM |
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06/02/2023 01:45PM |
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06/01/2023 07:40AM |
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05/28/2023 05:55AM |
Interesting though that there is still a lot of water just below the surface in Duluth. I dug a hole behind my shop for a shed post and my three foot hole filled up with water right away. The ground is still saturated.
Of course things are different on the Canadian Shield where it is mostly rock and very little top soil.
Tom
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05/28/2023 07:31AM |
tumblehome: "It is getting dry but I wonder if ample rain stays in the forecast, a fire ban will be averted.
Interesting though that there is still a lot of water just below the surface in Duluth. I dug a hole behind my shop for a shed post and my three foot hole filled up with water right away. The ground is still saturated.
Of course things are different on the Canadian Shield where it is mostly rock and very little top soil.
Tom"
Just guessing but a few factors that might influence a fire ban decision is that the soil has plenty of moisture so there isn't so much danger of a campfire crawling away in the duff layer. Also there are ample firefighting resources available, unlike 2021 when there were big fires everywhere. Plus green up helps too.
Maybe I'll be proven wrong.
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05/28/2023 08:43AM |
MN Drought Monitor
That said, if the wind is whipping up along the border, I could see a fire ban being issued to keep campfire embers and ashes from being picked up and carried into dried-out duff down the line somewhere. I'd love to hear from the firefighting (wildfire especially) experts among us. I'm sure that there is concern over high winds.
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05/28/2023 10:39AM |
Topsoil is dry and near dusty.
JW
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05/28/2023 11:27AM |
Red Flag Warning
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05/28/2023 03:35PM |
LindenTree: "IMHO, I do not think we will see Fire Restrictions until it is determined how much precipitation we get this coming Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Then it will probably be a week or two before any restrictions take effect, if it continues to be dry.
Remember, fire restrictions do not always start with a fire ban, they often start with limited times that fires are allowed. Usually between the hours of 6 pm and 8-10 am.
This is one link that fire managers use to determine fire danger indexes. "
Thank you for your input LindenTree. Helps put my mind at ease. We will definitely be cautious when we make our steaks over the campfire night 1. Might pivot and make pizza for supper instead of lunch which isnt a big deal at all.
D
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05/29/2023 09:40AM |
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05/28/2023 12:54PM |
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05/28/2023 07:27PM |
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05/29/2023 10:33PM |
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05/30/2023 08:38AM |
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05/28/2023 09:28PM |
Bugs are not bad at S Kawish campground. Just your normal bugs for late May , though was up just 10 days ago and world of difference.
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05/27/2023 04:44PM |
Tuesday - Friday there is a chance of rain/thunderstorms daily. I suppose that means the humidity levels will be increasing.
We are planning on wood fired pizza for one meal. I am considering pivoting to something different.
I tend to overthink things and I probably am here as well :-)
D
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05/27/2023 07:27PM |
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05/27/2023 09:11PM |
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06/13/2023 06:51AM |
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05/28/2023 10:16AM |
Remember, fire restrictions do not always start with a fire ban, they often start with limited times that fires are allowed. Usually between the hours of 6 pm and 8-10 am.
This is one link that fire managers use to determine fire danger indexes.
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05/27/2023 09:43PM |
egknuti: "I saw fire trucks and ambulance headed down the new tomahawk out of Babbitt this evening. "
The feds posted this on Facebook about an hour ago:
"The MN DNR coordinated the response to a wildfire that started on state lands near Slate Lake (near Highway 1 and the Stoney River) this afternoon (5/27/23). This is a different wildfire than the one southwest of the City of Ely. Numerous aircraft were dispatched to drop water on the fire. Last report had the size estimated at 10 acres and the aircraft response had been effective."
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05/30/2023 10:08PM |
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05/31/2023 09:12AM |
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05/31/2023 07:44AM |
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05/30/2023 10:42PM |
nctry: "Raining cats and dogs in Goodland and heading that way..."
It was a rain in Brainerd-a small area got a lot, the rest zero.
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05/31/2023 02:05PM |
Quetico is starting a fire ban tomorrow.
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05/31/2023 12:51PM |
Stay safe out there!
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06/01/2023 08:58PM |
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06/02/2023 08:22AM |
Pinetree: "Very old post-but history does repeat itself:
Pinetree
05/25/2021 03:05PM
Lot of speculating on my part, but the trend looks like a very hot summer and super dry. Get that gas stove out if this trend continues.
One good sign, bugs were almost zero in the summer."
Very true. I recorded only 0.35 inches of rain during the entire month of May after a very wet December to April north of Two Harbors. The landscape has really dried out.
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06/02/2023 07:20AM |
Pinetree: "Very old post-but history does repeat itself:
In 1976, there was a fire ban that changed into a total ban on people entering the BWCA.
Pinetree
05/25/2021 03:05PM
Lot of speculating on my part, but the trend looks like a very hot summer and super dry. Get that gas stove out if this trend continues.
Whitewolf your forecast is welcome.
In 1976, peat bogs were burning down 20 feet due to lack of moisture which is usually present at the surface. Out west, after record fire season, this year is starting out worst in many western states.
One good sign, bugs were almost zero in the summer."
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06/02/2023 09:28AM |
Pinetree: "I think tomorrow they are going to have prescribed burns in the Isabella area-total 500 acres."
I heard the prescribed fire is by Dumbell Lake and the 172/Wanless road.
If the USFS is doing prescribed fires, they will not be implementing fire restrictions any time soon (IMO). I think Isabella got around .35 inches of rain over Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday/.
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06/02/2023 04:59PM |
Predictive Services fire danger for the USA summer 2023
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06/02/2023 05:22PM |
LindenTree: "This does not bode well for the great lakes region of MI, WI and MN including the BWCA. It isn't very often that the predicted fire danger for the summer is worse in MN than many places out west.
Predictive Services fire danger for the USA summer 2023 "
Thanks for the info.
I know the last 5 weeks in north central Minnesota temperatures have been like 10-15 degrees above normal and here in Brainerd about 1 inch of rain for the last 5 weeks. Lucky the swamps were full of water from this winter, but they are dropping fast,
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06/04/2023 07:19PM |
Hammertime: "Everyone do your rain dances!"
Looks like rain coming from the north. Hopefully it helps.
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06/03/2023 12:05AM |
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06/05/2023 05:38PM |
North America Temperature Outlook for next 2 weeks
I though the first map on this site was unnerving (40 year historical trend temp wise for North America), page down until you see the outlooks for heat and precipitation for CONUS.
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06/06/2023 09:46AM |
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06/08/2023 04:50PM |
It is drier than a popcorn fart out there.
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06/08/2023 04:50PM |
It is drier than a popcorn fart out there.
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06/08/2023 05:29PM |
LindenTree: "I just got back from Kawashiwi to Sawbill via the lady chain.
It is drier than a popcorn fart out there."
What is scary no precipitation of any amount for at least two weeks and there upping the temperatures for the long-term forecast.
Maybe Linden you will have to come out of retirement?
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06/08/2023 06:41PM |
If not I doubt I will have a fire, even if there is no fire ban.
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06/08/2023 08:58PM |
airmorse: "I'll be entering on the 18th. Hopefully there will be rain b4 then.Smart, it stays light until 10 pm anyway. Without a fire I feel more in touch with the woods, it is nice.
If not I doubt, I will have a fire, even if there is no fire ban."
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06/08/2023 09:23PM |
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06/09/2023 10:05AM |
Quetico Weather
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06/09/2023 01:37PM |
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06/09/2023 03:15PM |
HighnDry: "It looks like some rain is heading that way. Let's hope it makes it!
Quetico Weather "
The best chance with that forecast is for 30% on Saturday, as I understand it that means that 30% of the forecast area could see some rain. I would not get up my hopes with that forecast. That kind of precip can often bring lightning with little rain in my 30 year wildland fire fighting career.
One would be better off if there were no rain predicted, rather than 10 - 30% chances.
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06/09/2023 03:26PM |
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06/10/2023 09:18AM |
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06/12/2023 01:20PM |
This year is going down in record books so far a way below normal.
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06/12/2023 04:47PM |
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06/12/2023 08:47PM |
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06/12/2023 05:38PM |
nctry: "DNR has a fire ban from Lake Superior to Itasca county. So bring your stoves and be careful. Don’t let linden light his popcorn farts!"
I think you still can have campfires?
campfires maybe still?
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06/13/2023 06:21AM |
cowdoc: "SNF fire ban starts 6/14 it appears"
I'm looking at the SNF website and do not see any information about a campfire ban. Do you have a link for us?
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06/13/2023 06:42AM |
But at least in the summertime the guidance usually shows where there is a "chance". The following is not good news for the next 7-8 days--(anything further out than 7-8 days in the summer for precip is a real crap shoot)-- and if it comes to fruition-- fire bans are increasingly likely. Just my .02.
First image is the latest Euro guidance followed by the US (GFS) model.
The one good thing going for 2023 compared to 2021 is water levels. I just returned from Insula and stayed at the same campsite as I did in 2021 and at the same time frame. Water levels are up at least 3' compared to the 2021 on the Kawish flowage.At least they were from May 29th through June 3rd.
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06/13/2023 12:51PM |
From the release:
"campfires are allowed only in an established fire ring associated with a home, campground, or resort. No campfires are allowed for dispersed, remote, backpacking, or backcountry camping."
MN Burning Restrictions
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06/13/2023 10:53AM |
Pinetree: No campfires are allowed for dispersed, remote, backpacking, or backcountry camping.
where do you see this part? It is not in the official MN DNR order. Or are you just connecting the dots since the only fires allowed are in a residence/dwelling/resort/campground.
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06/13/2023 11:15AM |
jwmiller39: "Pinetree: No campfires are allowed for dispersed, remote, backpacking, or backcountry camping.
where do you see this part? It is not in the official MN DNR order. Or are you just connecting the dots since the only fires allowed are in a residence/dwelling/resort/campground."
Its from the just-released Minnesota DNR New issues from a few hours ago. No That is their wording and copy above and below
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06/13/2023 02:22PM |
From Superior Natl Forest - note it specifically mentions the BWCAW:
Campfires are allowed ONLY within Forest Service provided campfire structures (fire
rings) at designated recreation sites, which include fee campgrounds with campfire
structures designed/installed by the Forest Service as well as designated campfire
structures at U.S. Forest Service permitted Resorts, Recreation Residences, or
Organizational Camps. A list of the designated recreation sites, Resorts, Recreation
Residences, or Organizational Camps where campfires are allowed, as shown on Exhibit
A in the following areas on the Superior National Forest or on website:
www.fs.usda.gov/superior . The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW)
designated campsites, no-fee rustic campgrounds, or dispersed/backcountry campsites are
NOT exempt from this order.
...Gravelroad was quicker than I was....
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06/13/2023 10:22AM |
Northeast Minnesota burning restrictions begin Wednesday, June 14
To help ensure public safety and protect natural resources, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is activating burning restrictions beginning 12:01 a.m. Wednesday for Carlton, Cook, Lake and St. Louis counties.
In the area affected by the restrictions, burning permits will not be issued for brush or yard waste; no fireworks may be ignited on any public or private land outside city limits (check with the local community for any additional restrictions); and campfires are allowed only in an established fire ring associated with a home, campground, or resort. No campfires are allowed for dispersed, remote, backpacking, or backcountry camping.
The burning restrictions (files.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/wildfire/commissioner-order-nne-burning-restrictions.pdf) will remain in effect until terminated by the DNR Commissioner when weather and environmental conditions indicate a reduction in fire danger.
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06/13/2023 10:31AM |
https://wtip.org/forest-service-enacts-campfire-ban-in-bwca-across-superior-national-forest/
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06/13/2023 11:19AM |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 13, 2023
For more information:
Contact the DNR Information Center
by email or call 888-646-6367.
In This Issue
Northeast Minnesota burning restrictions begin Wednesday, June 14
DNR announces lands for sale
Northeast Minnesota burning restrictions begin Wednesday, June 14
To help ensure public safety and protect natural resources, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is activating burning restrictions beginning 12:01 a.m. Wednesday for Carlton, Cook, Lake and St. Louis counties.
In the area affected by the restrictions, burning permits will not be issued for brush or yard waste; no fireworks may be ignited on any public or private land outside city limits (check with the local community for any additional restrictions); and campfires are allowed only in an established fire ring associated with a home, campground, or resort. No campfires are allowed for dispersed, remote, backpacking, or backcountry camping.
The burning restrictions (files.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/wildfire/commissioner-order-nne-burning-restrictions.pdf) will remain in effect until terminated by the DNR Commissioner when weather and environmental conditions indicate a reduction in fire danger.
Allissa Reynolds, wildfire prevention supervisor, said while residents and visitors in Carlton, Cook, Lake, and St. Louis counties may still see plenty of green vegetation, the current fire situation remains dangerous. “Unusually dry conditions have increased the risk of fire. One unintentional spark in these conditions could result in thousands of charred acres and property damage,” Reynolds said, “This is a dangerous time for wildfires in northeast Minnesota.”
With little precipitation and more warm weather in the extended forecast statewide, fire danger is likely to remain high into through the end of June. While the DNR and wildfire agencies are ready to respond, Reynolds said the responsibility for preventing fires in the first place largely falls to the public. “We don’t issue burning restrictions lightly. It’s a matter of public safety and resources. Minnesotans have a history of making a difference on wildfire prevention when they keep safety top of mind,” she said.
Fire prevention is a shared responsibility. Checking current fire danger conditions at the DNR statewide fire danger and burning restrictions map (mndnr.gov/forestry/fire/firerating_restrictions.html) and following the fire prevention tips above will help prevent wildfires during high fire danger. People who do spot a wildfire should call 911.
For more information, visit the DNR wildland fire information webpage (mndnr.gov/forestry/fire).
#
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06/13/2023 12:01PM |
"Campfires or recreational fires are allowed only in a designated fire receptacle designed for such use
and associated with a residence, dwelling, campground, or resort;"
Thoughts?
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06/13/2023 12:09PM |
NorthernPikeFan: "Campfires still allowed. This is pulled from the fire ban order --
"Campfires or recreational fires are allowed only in a designated fire receptacle designed for such use
and associated with a residence, dwelling, campground, or resort;"
Thoughts?"
Not sure what your asking but it means that you are still allowed to have campfires in the fire rings at campgrounds such as Sawbill but not in the backcountry.
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06/13/2023 12:11PM |
NorthernPikeFan: "Campfires still allowed. This is pulled from the fire ban order --
"Campfires or recreational fires are allowed only in a designated fire receptacle designed for such use
and associated with a residence, dwelling, campground, or resort;"
Thoughts?"
I think this means fires in established campgrounds. No back country fires.
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06/13/2023 02:41PM |
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06/13/2023 12:58PM |
"campfires are allowed only in an established fire ring associated with a home, campground, or resort. No campfires are allowed for dispersed, remote, backpacking, or backcountry camping."
Since alot of campers in the effected areas are in the bwca, the press release should have specifically stated the restrictions for the Boundary Waters. I don’t really consider the bwca dispersed, remote, or to be backcountry camping, and I’m also not backpacking. They do not provide definitions for these terms for everyone to work from. I could understand from the untrained reader that the notice actually allows fires in the bwca still.
I’ll go back to yelling at the clouds now.
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06/13/2023 12:56PM |
After 40+ trips into the BWCA this will be my 4th time experiencing a ban. Twice I have seen partial bans where fire is only allowed at certain times of day (not the case with the order going into effect tomorrow). This will be the 2nd time seeing a total ban.
A few years back my wife and I had our permit cancelled due to fire.
While I am sad to not have a fire it really does give a different feeling to the wilderness at night that we will embrace. We enter on June 20th right when there will be a new moon. Not having a fire will give me a good excuse to do some star gazing.
Be safe out there!
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06/13/2023 07:59PM |
scottiebaldwin: "Is anyone canceling their permits due to the fire ban effective Wednesday at 12:01am? I’ve got a EP50 that I may cancel.
https://wtip.org/forest-service-enacts-campfire-ban-in-bwca-across-superior-national-forest/"
Just wondering (not judging) why would you cancel a trip just because of no fires?
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06/06/2023 09:54AM |
nctry: "At least it cooled a bit. What a great night last night."
Yes it was a great night and we got our biggest rain in 4 weeks east of Brainerd- .05 inches
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06/13/2023 02:14PM |
YaMarVa: "From the release:
"campfires are allowed only in an established fire ring associated with a home, campground, or resort. No campfires are allowed for dispersed, remote, backpacking, or backcountry camping."
Since alot of campers in the effected areas are in the bwca, the press release should have specifically stated the restrictions for the Boundary Waters. I don’t really consider the bwca dispersed, remote, or to be backcountry camping, and I’m also not backpacking. They do not provide definitions for these terms for everyone to work from. I could understand from the untrained reader that the notice actually allows fires in the bwca still.
I’ll go back to yelling at the clouds now. "
To clarify:
1. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced a fire ban.
2. The United States Forest Service has also announced a separate fire ban, the terms of which explicitly ban all campfires in the BWCAW:
"Campfires are allowed ONLY within Forest Service provided campfire structures (fire rings) at designated recreation sites, which include fee campgrounds with campfire structures designed/installed by the Forest Service as well as designated campfire structures at U.S. Forest Service permitted Resorts, Recreation Residences, or Organizational Camps. A list of the designated recreation sites, Resorts, Recreation Residences, or Organizational Camps where campfires are allowed, as shown on Exhibit A in the following areas on the Superior National Forest or on website:
www.fs.usda.gov/superior . The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) designated campsites, no-fee rustic campgrounds, or dispersed/backcountry campsites are NOT exempt from this order."
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE FOREST SERVICE SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST FIRE RESTRICTIONS
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06/13/2023 07:50PM |
OMGitsKa: "It's really not that confusing lol why would they implement a fire ban in the SNF but NOT the BWCA... Of course the BWCA is included, probably one of the main factors. "
The Superior National Forest manages the BWCA so anything that applies to the forest applies to the BWCA.
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06/13/2023 08:45PM |
The most enjoyable part of the last fire ban I camped in was the sounds of the wilderness during the closing daylight hours. Normally, this would be missed as the group started to migrate to the fire.
Each evening we could hear a blue heron start calling on the opposite side of the lake as the last light hit. It would end up landing in a small bay off our campsite. On the last night, it landed 5 feet from us on shore and just stared at us with its beady eyes. There are many great songs of the wilderness that play this time of night.
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06/13/2023 11:39PM |
scottiebaldwin: "wxce1260: "scottiebaldwin: "Is anyone canceling their permits due to the fire ban effective Wednesday at 12:01am? I’ve got a EP50 that I may cancel.
https://wtip.org/forest-service-enacts-campfire-ban-in-bwca-across-superior-national-forest/"
Just wondering (not judging) why would you cancel a trip just because of no fires?"
Fair question. The answer is that I usually make around four to six trips up per season so I can afford to skip this trip or wait until hopefully the ban is lifted for maximum enjoyment. I find fire meditative and have replaced fishing with wood processing so the cutting, processing, and wood gnoming firewood for myself (and others) is a large part of my enjoyment of the park. I most likely will leave behind the cast iron, the fire grate cookware, etc and just grab a JetBoil, some dehydrated food, and my axes and prioritize the wood processing without enjoying the fruits of my labor in the evening. All will be well. "
That’s legit. As a parent of 2 young kids who only gets one trip a year I can’t imagine canceling. We went in July 2021 under a ban and had a blast. Less time hanging around the fire led to more late night card games. We have 5 weeks until put in and hoping for rain but will have a blast regardless.
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06/13/2023 11:22PM |
wxce1260: "scottiebaldwin: "Is anyone canceling their permits due to the fire ban effective Wednesday at 12:01am? I’ve got a EP50 that I may cancel.
https://wtip.org/forest-service-enacts-campfire-ban-in-bwca-across-superior-national-forest/"
Just wondering (not judging) why would you cancel a trip just because of no fires?"
Fair question. The answer is that I usually make around four to six trips up per season so I can afford to skip this trip or wait until hopefully the ban is lifted for maximum enjoyment. I find fire meditative and have replaced fishing with wood processing so the cutting, processing, and wood gnoming firewood for myself (and others) is a large part of my enjoyment of the park. I most likely will leave behind the cast iron, the fire grate cookware, etc and just grab a JetBoil, some dehydrated food, and my axes and prioritize the wood processing without enjoying the fruits of my labor in the evening. All will be well.
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06/14/2023 06:57AM |
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06/14/2023 07:08AM |
scotttimm: "I just saw a post on FB about a fire on Ogish. Anyone know anything?"
Spice Lake Fire thread
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06/02/2023 02:00PM |