Boundary Waters businesses need your help: support economic relief due to recent wildfires

82 Northeastern Minnesota businesses and nonprofits call for Boundary Waters wildfire economic relief

The “2026 July Lightning Incident” brought several wildfires, heavy smoke, uncertainty, and disruption to Ely and other Wilderness-edge communities in northeastern Minnesota. Businesses across the region have been hit hard by the temporary closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and other recreation areas.

On August 6, 2026, we delivered a letter to Governor Tim Walz and members of the Minnesota Legislature signed by 82 businesses and nonprofits from the four Boundary Waters counties—St. Louis, Cook, Lake, and Koochiching. Together, they are urging state leaders to provide critically needed economic relief for Wilderness-edge communities facing significant financial losses after July's lightning-caused wildfires led to Wilderness closures and a sharp decline in tourism and visitation. 

The message is clear: our local communities need relief, and there is something you can do right now. 

Governor Walz is considering calling a Special Session of the Minnesota Legislature to pass an economic relief package for the businesses and organizations impacted by the Boundary Waters closures. 

Contact your state legislators today and urge them to support a Special Session that includes meaningful economic relief for northeastern Minnesota's Wilderness-edge communities. Our neighbors need our support now. 

MESSAGE YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS 

Strong Wilderness-edge communities are essential to a thriving Boundary Waters. When these communities succeed, Minnesota succeeds. We've seen firsthand the challenges local businesses, nonprofits, and families continue to face because of this summer's wildfires. We hope the Legislature will come together to pass an economic relief package that gives our neighbors the support they need, strengthens local economies, and helps these communities recover and thrive.