Boundary Waters closure extension + how to help
You may have seen headlines about the Boundary Waters closure being extended due to wildfires to October 1. But what does that mean?
- The Forest Service announced an update: Boundary Waters Day Use permits open at select Cook County Entry Points starting on Monday, July 27, and overnight permits for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are canceled through July 29.
Here's more about what that means:
- Boundary Waters Day Use permits open at select Cook County Entry Points starting on Monday, July 27.
- The Forest Service has canceled BWCA permits only through July 29.
- This means that your August or September trip may still happen if conditions are deemed safe!
- The closure is being evaluated daily.
- While an official procedural closure order remains in effect through October 1, officials say some areas could reopen as fire activity, weather, and resources allow.
How to support Ely, Grand Marais, other Wilderness-edge communities, and the Boundary Waters right now:
Donate to local nonprofits
Many local nonprofits provide essential services, preserve the area’s natural resources, support arts and education, or serve residents of all ages. Financial contributions can help them continue their work during a challenging season. Organizations to consider include:
- Ely Community Resource: Youth programs, community education, and outdoor experiences can help local families in transition or crisis. Donate here.
- Ely Area Food Shelf: Support the Ely Area Food Shelf to help alleviate hunger for residents. Donate here.
- Contented Critters: Send donations to help support food donations, pet boarding, air filters for the facility, and more! Learn more.
- The Gunflint Trail Volunteer Fire Department. Donate here.
- Northwoods Partners: Support community elders and their caregivers in the Ely area. Donate here.
- Voyageur Outward Bound School Emergency Relief Fund. Learn more here.
Support local businesses
Many businesses rely heavily on summer tourism. Outfitters, restaurants, lodging providers, retailers, guides, artists, and other small businesses may experience significant financial impacts from fire-related closures, smoke conditions, or canceled travel plans.
If you’re able to help, consider:
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Shopping online from local stores.
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Booking a future stay or guided trip.
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Not asking for a refund for existing trips.
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Ordering products from Ely businesses.
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Sharing your favorite local businesses on social media.
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Purchasing gift cards to use later.
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Visiting when conditions improve
Looking for other ways to get outside right now?
Here are a few ideas for outdoor experiences with great paddling opportunities outside of the Boundary Waters. Be sure to always check for safety and weather conditions before you go.
Visit Voyageurs National Park:
Located along the Minnesota-Canadian border, the state's only national park was established in 1975. Four large lakes make up most of the national park: Rainy Lake (Gojiji-zaaga'igan), Kabetogama Lake (Gaa-biitoogamaag-zaaga'igan), Namakan Lake, and Sand Point Lake. They are all part of the Rainy River watershed, which has headwaters in the Boundary Waters and flows north into Hudson Bay.
Superior National Forest:
Offers many types of campsites and countless lakes to suit a wide range of interests across its 3.9 million acres. Many sites include lake access for boating, canoeing, fishing, and swimming. Camping options include fee campgrounds, group campgrounds, primitive campgrounds, and backcountry campsites. You can also find dispersed camping options which don’t require a permit or reservation and are free! Check out which option best fits your interests.
Benson Lake, George C. Manitou State Park:
Has four remote carry-in campsites with non-motorized boat access. When you're done on the water, stroll the scenic 1-mile loop around the lake. You can also explore other park trails, including the dramatic Manitou River hike. Campsites require a reservation.
Bear Head State Park:
Is located about 20 miles southwest of Ely. Although the lake is open to motorized boats, it’s a larger lake with plenty of quiet bays and miles of shoreline to explore by canoe. The park also has a great beach and wilderness-like hiking trails. Much like the Boundary Waters, it is part of the boreal forest and filled with birch, tall white and red pines. Multiple types of campsites that can be reserved.
Wilderness-edge communities are resilient and rely on people power to thrive. Thank you for supporting the places you love.
