All Things Are a Go

The fishing opener is almost here! Are you ready? We sure hope so.

SUPERIOR NATIONAL FOREST CONDITIONS GOOD FOR FISHING OPENER

May 11, 2016, Duluth, MN – Conditions across the Superior National Forest are encouraging for the official opening of fishing season. All but a few campgrounds are open, the ice is off of the lakes, boat ramps are accessible, and most docks are in the water.

Current precipitation and cooler temperatures will reduce wildfire risk over the next several days. However, the forecast in the coming week is for windy, dry, warm weather which will cause fire danger to become high to extreme again.

Forest managers do not plan to implement campfire restrictions for the coming weekend. It remains critical to continue to be careful with any outdoor fire, including camp fires, wood-burning camp stoves, and charcoal. Use the provided fire rings in campgrounds and established fire grates at Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) campsites.

Remember that a permit is required for entry into the BWCAW all year. Visitor/fee permits for overnight travel are required between May 1 and September 30. You may find fallen trees and branches on portages and campsites that crews have not yet removed, especially on the east side of the Forest. The Tofte and Gunflint Ranger Districts were particularly hit hard during the winter of 2015-2016. Heavy snowfall caused significant damage to trees and shrubs on roads, and along portage and hiking trails on the Forest, including the BWCAW.  Forest Service crews are in the process of assessing and clearing downed and overhanging trees from trails and campsites and continuing to clear Forest roads.  Use caution and allow extra time to travel to your destination.

Please don’t forget to wear your life vest while you are out on the water. Lakes and streams that recently thawed still have water temperatures that are barely above freezing. There is a high potential for hypothermia if you fall in the water.  Be prepared with a dry change of clothing.

Keep our local lakes and streams clean by properly disposing of fish remains and other garbage. You can help prevent the spread of non-native invasive species that can harm our fisheries by putting un-used live bait in the garbage and cleaning your boat as you leave.

Water is one of the most important natural resources flowing from forests. National Forests play a vital role in protecting water quality that supports abundant fisheries. The Forest Service manages the largest single source of water in the U.S., with about 20 percent originating from 193 million acres of land.

For more information about conditions on the Superior National Forest, visit:  www.fs.usda.gov/superior
or contact any of our Forest offices.  Details about fishing and camping opportunities can be found by clicking the Recreation tab on the home page of our web site. You may also follow us on Twitter or like us on Facebook.

Information regarding active fire on the Superior National Forest is available at www.inciweb.gov.
Fire restrictions and information about wildfire in other areas of the state are posted on the Minnesota Incident Command System website: www.mnics.org

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