BWCA permit reservations open Jan. 28 — but plan your trip first

DULUTH — Permit reservations for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness open 9 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28.

Visitors need a quota permit if they plan to visit the BWCA between May 1 and Sept. 30.

The U.S. Forest Service encourages visitors to make their reservations online, but they can also be made by calling 877-444-6777.

Visitors should only reserve permits that they can use. When a permit holder makes overlapping reservations or multiple reservations in their name on the same entry date, the Forest Service will cancel all but one permit without notification.

BWCA permit cancellations have been climbing, and Paddle and Portage reports some outfitters and paddlers blame the Forest Service's process, which they say creates a "book now and figure out the details later" mentality.

A backcountry trip takes careful planning. To ensure a successful reservation and trip, Superior National Forest managers recommend:

• Visiting the SNF and BWCA websites
• Review the BWCA trip planning guide
• Have multiple dates and entry points in mind before you reserve
• Look online for route planning guidebooks, trip ideas and information. You can also contact local outfitters, guides, resorts or cooperator permit issuing stations.

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