Photo: Maxime Doré on Unsplash.com

By Laura Durenberger-Grunow - Boreal Community Media - July 14, 2025

The US Forest Service - Superior National Forest (SNF) is continuing to seek public comments on proposed recreational fee changes for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This week kicks off a series of public, in-person, and virtual open house events, beginning in Ely, MN. With these changes, the SNF plans to reinvest directly into education, access, safety, maintenance, and the overall visitor experience within the wilderness area. Additionally, support for additional staffing needs during operating seasons could be included. 

The public comment period is open through September 2, 2025, and can be submitted at one of the open house events (listed below), by postal mail, or by email. Learn more here.

• In-person Open House (Ely, MN): July 14, 4-6 p.m. at the Kawishiwi District Office.

• Virtual Open House: July 15, 4-6 p.m. via MS Teams.

• In-person Open House (Grand Marais, MN): July 22, 4-6 p.m. at the Gunflint District Office.
  
  

After public comments are reviewed, the proposal will be forwarded to the Regional Recreation Resource Advisory Committee for review and recommendation. If the proposal is approved, the increased fees are expected to take effect in January 2027.