We thought we would take a minute to catch you up on Moose Lake and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area wilderness general comings and goings. It finally turned cold enough for Moose Lake to freeze on December 5th.  About normal, I guess. Now we find ourselves luxuriating in Arctic cold and thinking of the summer gone by.  

Wildfires In the BWCA

As you recall, there was a tumultuous ending to our 2021 canoeing season.  Due to fires in the Quetico Park and fires south of us in the Boundary Waters and a multitude of other factors, the Forest Service made the decision to close parts of the Superior National Forest, including the Boundary Waters Canoe Area to visitors on August 21st.

We were convinced that was it for the year and without any inkling to the contrary from the Forest Service, we began to close down, only to find out a couple weeks later in September, that the Wilderness was to be reopened.  So, we got to undo everything we had just put away and get it back out again.

 I felt like I was back in the Army. So, we were able to get a bunch of our guests into the woods at the end anyway.  It’s enough to make an old guy go gray. All’s well that ends well, right?

Changes at One of Our Major Competitors

Well now for some good news, our major competitor on Moose Lake for years has been Canadian Border Outfitters (CBO). They are located just south of us on Moose Lake.  Even though, we competed with them as outfitters, it was always professional and collegial. 

We were good friends with the proprietors, Pat and Chickie Harristhal. They sold years ago, left Ely, and headed to Arizona, while the business had since traded hands a few times, it was only this Fall that Cindy and Eric Smyka purchased the company and have created a business plan that does not include canoe trip outfitting.

The Smykas reached out to our Team here at Williams and Hall and asked if we would work with them to reach out to their (CBO) customers and offer them a Moose Lake outfitting alternative going forward. So, we have spent the last couple of months incorporating their marketing information into the Williams and Hall program in an effort to ensure the CBO folks were well taken care of. 

To any of those folks that may have occasion to read this post, we want you to know that we would be honored to help you going forward with any outfitting needs you may have. 

We have the ability to provide pretty much all of the services that CBO had. We have a fleet of towboats, land transportation, lodging, a dining room, and full or partial outfitting as you may require. Above all, we just want you to know that we welcome the opportunity to fulfill any outfitting needs you may have. Contact us anytime.

Quotas For BWCA Entry Permits

The second piece of news to share with you is that, as some of you may have read, the US Forest Service has decided to reduce entry permit quotas at some BWCAW entry points. This is true.

However, the Moose Lake quotas are apparently not affected this summer. So, while that is good news for now, I am not convinced that keeping people out of the wilderness is the correct solution. We will hope for something a bit more thoughtful to intercede. I’ll keep you posted.

January 26, 2022 is the day that permits become available. Contact us now to be ready to apply for your permit that day.

Thank You and Happy New Year

Most of all we want to thank all of you that made the trip “Up North” to the Boundary Waters this year and wish you all the brightest of Holidays and the Happiest of New Years.      

Charlene, Dave, Kevin and Blayne