Boundary Waters permits and education

Last year saw an unprecedented number of visitors in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. A number of these visitors were experiencing the canoe country for the first time and may not have had the knowledge needed for such an endeavor. The US Forest Service Ranger Stations which are responsible for issuing a large percentage of BWCAW wilderness permits were closed due to Covid. This lack of human interaction prevented campers from learning about important wilderness principles including information about Leave No Trace camping.  It was evident by the number of complaints about garbage left in campfire rings, damage done to trees and general unkempt campsites that education is necessary prior to taking a canoe camping trip into the wilderness.

In order to do a better job educating people heading into the Boundary Waters for the 2021 paddling season the USFS has created 3 short videos all permit holders must watch. I’m not sure how they will guarantee the leader actually watches the videos or that all members of the canoe group will watch all 3 videos.

I do know guests who come to Voyageur Canoe Outfitters will be able to watch the videos and interact with knowledgeable humans prior to beginning their canoe trip into the Boundary Waters.  I watched all of the videos and while the first two have some nice scenery the final video contains all of the educational pieces I consider necessary for a successful trip. Have questions about a canoe trip into the BWCA? Feel free to give us a call or drop us an email, we’d love to be a part of your trip.

218-388-2224 or vco@voyageurcanoeoutfitters.com

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