BOUNDARY WATERS — Superior National Forest will reopen over 1,500 campsites in the Boundary Waters on Wednesday, Aug. 13.
Superior National Forest stated paddle areas near Big Moose and Big Lake will also reopen in a Saturday news release.
The entire Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness closed July 14 due to extreme wildfire conditions. Wednesday's updates are the seventh installment in a phased reopening plan that began July 23.
The St. Louis County Sheriff's Office also announced an ease of of wildfire-related restrictions in a Friday Facebook post, lifting all remaining wildfire evacuation zones in the county.
The office stated it would also reopen Echo Trail near Ely at 8 p.m. Friday for all public travel. However, the office cautioned drivers to expect delays.
"Travelers using the Echo Trail are encouraged to exercise caution and limit travel unless necessary," the sheriff's office stated. "Please slow down, obey all traffic control devices, and be prepared for intermittent stops to allow crews to safely complete fire mitigation activities."
The U.S. Forest Service stated closures remain in some areas of the Boundary Waters. Several fires, including the over 30,000-acre Bear Trap Fire, continue to burn in the area under partial containment.
Up-to-date information on the Superior National Forest wildfires can be found at InciWeb.
