From the Superior National Forest - July 7, 2021

Starting on Monday, July 12, most Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness visitors will need to pick up their wilderness permits in-person. The Superior National Forest is phasing out the virtual permit issuance option, with the exception of Sunday sessions for the remainder of the permit season. The forest’s virtual option was developed as a temporary modification in response to the Covid19 pandemic. 

After this week, permit issuance and Leave No Trace & Tread Lightly education sessions will only be offered on Sundays at 9:00 am for permit holders who selected the LaCroix District Office or Tofte District Office as their issue stations, due to these offices being closed on Sundays this year. The first Sunday this change will be in effect for is Sunday, July 18, 2021. 

This is the last full week of virtual permit issuance. If you have an upcoming reservation and have already received an email to a virtual session this week, this change does not affect you.  

For all other reservations, the forest asks visitors to plan to pick up permits in-person. Permits can be picked up at a Forest Service district office or a cooperator. For a full list of cooperators, visit this link. Be sure to confirm hours of operation and location when choosing a cooperator.  

“Again, we want to thank our visitors for being flexible as we transition back to offering in-person services on the Forest. This is one of the last steps in the process and we are looking forward to in-person interactions with guests regarding their trip plans and Leave No Trace ethics,” said Shannon Rische, deputy forest supervisor for the Superior National Forest. 

Forest Service offices are open and offering in-person services; however, hours vary by district. Gunflint and Kawishiwi district offices are open seven days a week, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm. LaCroix and Tofte district offices are open Monday – Saturday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. The Laurentian District Office and the Supervisor’s Office are open Monday – Friday, 8:00 am -4:30 pm.  

All permits (virtual and in-person) must be issued on the entry date or one day prior. If you plan to visit one of our facilities and you are unvaccinated, please wear a mask and practice social distancing in accordance with federal guidance. 

Please plan ahead for your trip and Leave No Trace & Tread Lightly while visiting the Wilderness. If you have questions regarding your permit issue station during the transition, please contact the Forest Service office closest to your entry point.