Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to be closed through May 4

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) closed Wednesday and will remain closed through the end of Gov. Tim Walz’s ‘stay at home’ order on May 4.

According to a release from the United States Department of Agriculture, the BWCAW will be closed for day and overnight use through May 4.

Reservations that were made through May 4 will receive a full refund.

The decision to close the BWCA was made to stay in alignment with current federal, state and local guidance to ensure social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Superior National Forest also announced that it will temporarily change permit pick up requirements beginning on May 5 for all BWCAW quota permits. Visitors will be given two options: they can either print their BWCAW reservation confirmation email and use that as their permit or pick up the permit in person at cooperating businesses that remain physically open. This will allow visitors to travel to their entry point without having to stop at a permit issuing station.