Current BWCA Fire Restrictions
Beginning Thursday morning (12:01 am) August 21, 2008, the Superior National Forest will prohibit the use of campfires and charcoal or wood burning stoves in the blowdown area inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This restricted area includes portions of the eastern two thirds of the BWCAW. In addition, the Kekekabic Trail (east of Disappointment Lake) and the Border Route Trail (with associated connecting trails) will be closed to visitor use.
General Fire Restrictions Due to the July 1999 Blowdown
Extensive fuel treatment has been accomplished to reduce the potential for wildfire to start and spread in the "blowdown fuels" that resulted from the July 1999 wind storm. However, heavy fuel loads in remaining areas of concentrated blowdown on the Superior National Forest still pose a high risk for wildfire, particularly in some parts of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).
To reduce the risk for visitors and surrounding communities during periods of increased wildfire potential, the Forest Service will restrict the use of campfires, wood/charcoal stoves, and trail access as indicated below under "General Information About Restrictions".
The level of restriction will be implemented depending on long-term fire risk conditions determined by fire experts. The restricted area is shown on the "Map of BWCAW and Surrounding Areas Visitor Use Restrictions" below. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to open these files. You can download it for free here. http://www.adobe.com/support/downloads/main.html
Current Restrictions in Blowdown Area
General Information About Restrictions in Blowdown Areas
Map of BWCAW & Surrounding Areas Visitor Use Restrictions
(black and white map) (color map)
Alphabetized Lake List
Maps of Restricted Zones by County
Cook County Map (black and white map)(color map)
Lake County Map (black and white map) (color map)
List of Lakes by County
Cook County Lake List
Lake County Lake List