BOUNDARY WATERS — The Superior National Forest is starting to gather input from tribes, local communities and the broader public regarding management of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
In a news release, forest officials said the current management plan is more than three decades old and the service is considering updates to modernize it.
Increasing visitor pressure on the Boundary Waters is showing both social and ecological impacts, like light and noise pollution and littering. Updating the management direction would help to preserve the wilderness character and protect valuable features there, according to officials.
Also under review are the use of commercial towboats in the area and whether to allow lightning-caused wildfires to play a more natural role when it comes to forest fire management.
Several other topics may be covered in public comments, which will be accepted through May 17.
Both in-person and virtual open houses are planned for next month. The in-person open house will be 4:30-7 p.m. April 11 at the Superior National Forest headquarters in Duluth. The virtual event will be 4-6 p.m. April 18 via Microsoft Teams.
Visit the projects page on the Superior National Forest’s website for more information.