Forest Service Considers Phased Reopening of Boundary Waters Wilderness
The Forest Service is considering reopening more areas of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) by July 30, contingent on wildfire conditions. This potential second phase of reopening would include overnight use at 37 additional entry points, covering over…
Minneapolis St. Paul, MN, July 24, 2026 —
The U.S. Forest Service is weighing a potential second phase of reopening for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), with a target date of July 30. The decision remains contingent on prevailing wildfire conditions.
This proposed expansion of access would permit overnight use at an additional 37 entry points, encompassing more than 420,000 acres. This area represents approximately 39% of the total BWCAW. A final determination regarding this phase of reopening is anticipated by Monday.
The potential new entry points are primarily located in Lake County. The plan also includes maintaining existing entry points in Cook County and incorporating one entry point in St. Louis County, situated near Trout Lake.
Story summarized from the original created by Sabrina Salguero Del Cid on kstp.com, see more information here.
