Off to BWCA

Things are pretty quiet around here. We're just getting ready to go to the Boundary Waters. There's lots to do. This trip there are eight of us going. Our biggest group yet. BWCA rules allow up to only 4 canoes and/or 9 people. The BWCA have lots of rules you have to abide by. Here's just a sampling:

TRAVEL PERMITS: You must enter the Bounday Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, BWCAW, in the Superior National Forests of Minnesota at the entry point and on the entry date shown on your permit.

USFS Travel Permit Fee: $12 for up to a group of 9 persons.
USFS User Fees(Apply to all BWCA overnight visitors)Adult: $16Youth 0-17: $8Golden Age/Access: $5Minimum: $20 You need not know what entry point to choose.

GROUP SIZE: A quota system that allows only a specific number of people into the canoe country each day at each entry point is in effect, and weekend permits are more popular. Nine (9) people and four (4) watercraft are the maximum allowed together in the wilderness. You may not exceed the limit at any time or anywhere (on water, portages, campsites) in the BWCAW. Smaller groups increase your wilderness experience and decrease your impact. Larger groups will need additional permits and must camp at more than one campsite.CONTAINERS: Cans and glass bottles are not allowed. Containers of fuel, insect repellent, medicines, personal toilet articles, and other items that are not foods or beverages are the only items allowed in can containers. Food may be packaged in plastic containers that must be packed out with you.

CAMPSITES: Camp only at Forest Service designated campsites that have steel fire grates and wilderness latrines. Make camp early in the day to ensure finding an available campsite. It is illegal to cut live vegetation for any reason. You may camp up to fourteen (14) consecutive days on a specific site.

CAMPFIRES: Fires are allowed within the steel fire grates at designated campsites or as specifically approved on your visitor's permit. Bringing a small camp stove may be a better idea because it heats food more quickly, has less impact than a fire, and comes in handy during rainy weather. Due to the potential fire danger, fire restrictions may be put into effect. Check on current conditions just prior to your trip. You may be required to use a camp stove if there is a campfire ban. If you build a fire, burn only dead wood found lying on the ground. Collect firewood away from campsites by paddling down the shore and walking into the woods where it is more abundant. Wood easily broken by hand or cut with a small folding saw eliminates the need for an axe. Drown your fire with water any time you are going to be away from your camp or at bedtime. Stir the ashes until they are cold to the touch with a bare hand.

CULTURAL HERITAGE: Leave archaeological, historical, and rock painting sites undisturbed. The use of metal detectors is prohibited. TOILET FACILITIES AND WATER QUALITY: Use latrines at designated campsites. Latrines are not garbage cans and should be used for the intended purpose only. If you're not near a latrine, dig a small hole 6 to 8 inches deep at least 150 feet or more back from the water's edge; when finished, fill hole and cover with needles and leaves. Bathe and wash dishes at least 150 feet from lakes and streams. All soaps pollute water including soaps labeled "biodegradable." Dispose of soiled water on the ground, at least 150 feet from the shoreline.
FISHING LICENSES & LIMITS: Anyone 16 years of age or older who chooses to fish in the BWCA is required to have a license. Fish eaten as part of shore lunch count towards daily fish possession limits.FISH REMAINS: It is illegal to dump fish remains in the water. Dispose of fish remain well away from shorelines, campsites, trails and portages, buried in at least six (6) inches of soil, well away from the campsite.

LEAVING THE AREA: When leaving your campsite, leave no trace you were there: eat it, burn it or carry it out. Sift through the ashes in your fire pit for twist ties, foil and other debris not completely burned. Pack them in your litter bag, along with cigarette butts and other trash, and carry it out. If you happen to see trash along your way please pick it up and carry it out also. Always try to leave an area cleaner than when you got there.