Superior National Forest

The public can learn more about ongoing projects in the forest on Thursday, April 23, 2026.

The Senate's 50-49 vote on April 16, 2026, reverses a 20-year mining ban in the Superior National Forest in the Rainy River watershed, within which the BWCAW is located.

The fires will help reduce overgrown vegetation and protect local communities from wildfires.

The U.S. Forest Service will close its decades-old Grand Rapids research office as part of a national reorganization. The lab produces world-renowned work on woods and water.

The office is one of 47 research and development facilities closing amid a major reorganization of the agency. The Superior and Chippewa offices and their staffing are not impacted.

Forest staff will share information on upcoming road and trail construction, prescribed fire activities and recreation projects.

Events this week include an open house for Superior National Forest in Aurora and the start of a new season of Bemidji Adventures in Lifelong Learning.

Permits are needed to visit the Boundary Waters in May through September. The Superior National Forest encourages planning your backcountry trip and only reserving permits you can use.

The area is located in the Rainy River Watershed, next to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, and contains deposits of copper, nickel and cobalt.

The U.S. Forest Service will maintain its rules restricting how food, food containers and other attractants are stored in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.