Boundary Waters

The campfire ban across the Superior National Forest was lifted Aug. 24, 2026, as cooler temperatures reduce wildfire risk. Parts of the Boundary Waters remain closed due to wildfires.

Stauber, state officials and local mayors voiced their opposition at a press conference Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026.

Walz is instructing the DNR not to grant permits. This move bears a strong risk of litigation over Twin Metals, which wants to extract copper, nickel, cobalt and other valuable metals from underground veins.

Boundary Waters entry points near Big Moose Lake and Big Lake are also scheduled to reopen on Aug. 13, 2026.

Drew Brockett of Piragis Northwoods Co. in Ely said it was a huge relief to have Fernberg corridor entry points open. But outfitters are still feeling the impact of continued closures.

Aircraft play an essential role in fighting wildfires. Seaplanes from the Ely seaplane base drop water, fire retardant and deliver firefighters — and canoes — to the blazes.

The delayed Forest Service grants would have supported prescribed burns and other fuel-reduction efforts on thousands of acres near the Echo Trail, which has borne the brunt of this year’s fires.

The Superior National Forest announced the July 31, 2026, openings as Phase 3 of its reopening of the BWCAW, as well as the opening of recreation sites in the western forest.

Campfires are now allowed in designated fire rings at Superior National Forest campgrounds, but not at backcountry sites, after updates to fire restrictions July 29, 2026.

The reopened area is about 39% of the wilderness area and follows a partial reopening for day use on July 27, 2026. All other entry points remain closed due to wildfires.