Boundary Waters Wildfires and Border Closings, Oh my!
It is so hard to believe that it is late August already. Here on Moose Lake, it seems like yesterday that we were putting in the water system and putting the towboats back in the lake. It is just crazy how fast the time goes. We have had a whirlwind summer here at the end of the road.
Sunset on Moose Lake
Weather-wise, it has been hot and humid, and then some more hot and humid, and then toss in some wind just for fun. The great news is that the bugs have been at what seems like an all time low, which is a good thing. The best part about the summer has been that we have seen many of you here and there’s still a lot of you planning trips our way yet season.
In my post today, let me provide you some updates on some topics that are often of concern. We’ll let you know about the US/Canadian border status, the wildfire and campfire situation, and yes, the bears and bugs. We get lots of calls from folks with questions about these topics, so let’s give you the straight scoop.
US/CANADIAN BORDER
First, the US/Canadian Border status has taken a giant positive leap. The border between the US and Canada has officially reopened. Well, we have at least made it over that large hurdle.
However, the Canadian Immigration officials have “suspended” the Remote Area Border Crossing (RABC) program until “they get things worked out.” So even though the border is open, the Quetico Park cannot be accessed from Prairie Portage or Cache Bay.
Additionally, we were recently notified by the Park that they were not going to even open Prairie Portage this year. They gave us two reasons. First, the RABC issue, and second the wildfire situation would cause a large area of the Park to be closed anyway.
Well while it has been tough to have the Quetico closed for, the second straight year; we are quite confident that things will be sorted out for next year. We know many of you will be very happy to get back on the canoe trails up in Canada. Continue to follow us and we will keep you updated.
WILDFIRES
Second, many of you have enjoyed seeing and inhaling the smoke from the many Canadian wildfires. We had a few serious fires on the US side of the border most starting in early July, but as of now, they are contained. The US Forest Service jumped on the new fire starts as they sprang up and brought in a lot of resources to fight them and had great results. The fires are still burning but have remained relatively small so far, with the exception of the Greenwood fire.
BWCA Wildfire Map
Unfortunately, however, the entire Boundary Waters Canoe Area wilderness was closed on August 21st until further notice by the officials of the Superior National Forest. The lingering consequence of all this hot, dry, windy weather is that the forest is very dry and the US Forest Service has wisely banned campfires until we get some moisture.
We know this is disappointing to some of you, but Mother Nature is a fickle lady and we can only play the cards we are dealt, right? We will keep everyone posted as if and when the BWCA is open again.
BUGS & BEARS
Finally, the bears and bugs. People call and ask, “How are the bears / bugs?” Well, how do you answer that question? “They are doing fine”, I say.
A good consequence of the fires is the fact that our bug population, including black flies, has decided to pretty much hang it up for the year. Basically, there are very few bugs out there to annoy you at this point. A very good thing.
Same with the black bears, keep a clean camp, clean your fish away from camp, hang your food pack, and don’t take food into your tents and you will do fine.
For those of you still thinking about a September canoe trip, come on, we would love to see you Up North and are hopeful that the Boundary Waters will be open again by then.
