BOUNDARY WATERS — The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness will partially reopen for overnight use Thursday, July 30.
The Superior National Forest announced Monday evening that 41 entry points in the central and eastern wilderness will reopen, following a partial reopening for day use Monday.
The Boundary Waters entirely closed for the third time ever on July 14 as numerous lightning-caused wildfires exploded amid unprecedented dry conditions. The Forest Service cited public safety as the reason for the closure.
Permits for the still-closed entry points have been canceled through Monday, Aug. 3.
"The Forest Service is working closely with partners to determine when conditions are appropriate enough to reopen," a news release stated. "Protecting the public and firefighters’ remains the highest priority."
Those who have permits for the reopened areas will be able to enter as they had planned. For those with permits for closed entry points, forest staff pointed to alternative recreation in the national forest, including its campgrounds and 254 backcountry campsites, plus other recreation opportunities on nearby state and county land.
Phase 2 of the partial reopening includes roughly 39% of the Boundary Waters.
Forest staff noted if wildfire activity increases or conditions shift, the reopening plans may change. Conditions across the entire wilderness are being monitored daily.
"The Forest Service reminds visitors to be diligent in planning trips into newly reopened and all parts of the BWCA," the release stated. "Plan to be self-sufficient, ensure a travel plan is in place and shared with family or friends, know weather forecasts and fire conditions before your trip, travel with multiple means of communication, and understand that you are entering a remote Wilderness area with risks due to weather, access, and potential wildfire activity."
The latest wildfire conditions can be found on InciWeb.
Entry points reopening for overnight use Thursday
Gunflint Ranger District
| Kawishiwi Ranger District
LaCroix Ranger District
Tofte Ranger District
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