BWCAW Revised Rules for 1995

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In 1995, several changes will occur in BWCA Wilderness (BWCAW) rules and regulations. A new management plan for the area takes efect, and here are the changes.

1. Beginning in May, group size will be limited to 9 people (previously 10).

2. Beginning in May, the number of watercraft per group will be limted to 4 (previously no limit).

3. Beginning in May, the number of motor quotas (day and overnight) will be reduced, except for during the fall, when recalculated figures have allowed for an increase. Tow boats will no longer be counted against the day-use motor quota, which means that there will generally be more day-use permits available for the public. Day-use motor no-shows will not be put back into the reservation system for reissue. They will, however, be overbooked (along with overnight motor quotas) based on the previous year's no show rate.

4. By September 30, canoe rests will be removed.

5. Beginning in October, permits will be required year-round for all uses, including non-motorized day-uses (paddling and hiking) and all winter uses (like skiing and dogsledding). No quotas will be associated with these permits, unless conditions warrant that in the future. We are working to develop the administration process for these permits.

6. Several things have been defined: SAILBOATS, which are prohibited, are defined as, "watercraft designed to be propelled by the wind;" GUESTS, who are exempt from the day-use motor quota, are defined as: "a person receiving overnight lodging at a home or resort, and who lodges with the consent of the keeper or owner." CUSTOMERS, i.e. those who purchase a meal, rent a boat or pay for parking, are not considered guests.

These changes were made in keeping with the goals of the Wilderness Act of 1964 and the BWCAW Act of 1978. They provide visitors the opportunity to experience the BWCAW and protect the resource for future generations.

EVERYTHING ELSE: numbers of campsites and entry points, miles of trails, and the number of permits available (already reduced last year), will stay the same. There is another change that's not related to the new plan, which is administrative in nature:

The reservation fee for BWCAW travel permits for the 1995 season will be $9.00 (up from $7.00). Processing of mail-in reservations begins January 15 (mail will be accepted beginning December 1). The address is:

Phone-in reservations will be accepted beginning February 1 by calling:

If you don't wish to make a reservation, travel permits, if available, can still be obtained for free within 24 hours of your planned trip by stopping at a Superior National Forest office or cooperating business.

Take me back!

© 1996 Josh Schoenick BWCAW enthusiast.