Boundary Waters Quetico Forum :: Trip Planning Forum :: Quetico Permit for Basswood River Portage?
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Magneticnorth |
“It being understood that all the water-communications, and all the usual portages along the line from Lake Superior to the Lake of the Woods; and also Grand Portage, from the shore of Lake Superior to the Pigeon river, as now actually used, shall be free and open to the use of the citizens and subjects of both countries.” |
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billconner |
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Banksiana |
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tumblehome |
Back when it was written, a person using Lake Superior for travel wanting to continue into the interior would have to use the Grand Portage as it was one of the only routes available. Maybe I answered my own question. I would think yes, even today the treaty still stands so long as you are traveling along the lake. Wow that’s crazy. Tom |
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billconner |
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timatkn |
“The Grand Portage trail itself was a focal point in developing the international boundary between Canada and the United States, and today remains an international road. Under the terms of the Webster- Ashburton Treaty of 1842, use of the trail remains free and open to citizens of both the United States and Canada. Without the Grand Portage, Canadian and American political history and national boundaries might have been quite different.” T |
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billconner |
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Argo |
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Magneticnorth |
Not wanting to waste a good entry permit, and definitely don't want to make a very long side trip to a ranger station. Any insight is helpful, Including tips for this kind of a trip. |
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Argo |
Some of these officials are perhaps temporarily assigned to these remote regions from more popular crossings in other parts of their respective countries and it wouldn't be a stretch to imagine they have no knowledge of this unique cross-border entitlement. If that's the case it wouldn't be a bad idea to store a copy of the treaty in your map case if you're forced to litigate this in the woods. |
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tumblehome |
In one of my advanced hobbies, I have to deal with an alphabet government agency for licensing and inspections. More than one I had to correct the gov’t employee of the rules and code and have pulled out the book showing them the law. LE is not always knowledgeable in all facets of their career. In this case, a historical treaty may not be in their knowledge-base. Tom |
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Magneticnorth |
At any rate, for my case it seems like it is casually understood that portages are open without extra permitting and are frequently used by US and Canadian citizens in this way, so I won’t sweat it. But you know, i feel like there’s always some legal gotcha just in case either nation wants to add some level of regulation without it technically being a restriction. |