Forest Service announces cuts in BWCAW permits for 2022

If you are planning a trip into the Boundary Waters this year, better get your permits sooner than later.

On Thursday, January 13 the U.S. Forest Service announce it was making a 13 percent reduction in permits for entry points into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

The reduction in permits will mean 23,000 fewer people will have access to the 1.1-million-acre non-motorized wilderness park.

The Forest Service announced its intent to cut back on permits following two years of increased use of the park that sparked complaints of abuse to campsites, trees were cut, human waste was not properly disposed of, trash was left in campfire rings, campsites were overcrowded and there was complaints of loud noise. Much of the park’s newfound popularity was spurred by the coronavirus and an increase in outdoor recreation during the pandemic.

While there will be fewer campers and canoers this summer, the Forest Service announced it was adding more forest rangers to patrol the BWCAW. The forest rangers will work to enforce rules and offer campers tips on the BWCA’s Leave No Trace Principle’s policy.

Permits will be cut from 285 per day to 248, with 23 access sites targeted. Paddle permits for water entry sites that have been cut by more than one permit per day include Saganaga Lake, Seagull Lake, Trout Lake, Kawishiwi Lake, and Little Indian Sioux River-North. The entry point from Sawbill Lake has been cut from 14 permits per day to 11.

Hikers will also be affected. The Forest Service is also limiting one permit per day for the Eagle Mountain Trail and the BWCA Brule Lake Trail.

BWCAW permits will become available beginning 9 a.m. January 26. Reservations for May 1 through September 30 can be booked using Recreation.gov, the online reservation and trip planning service for all federal recreation opportunities, or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Visitors are encouraged to have at least three travel options (dates and entry points) in mind and to ensure they have a current Recreation.gov account before reserving a permit.