2019 permits for BWCA not available until after Feb. 19

After an unsuccessful attempt last week to launch a new system by which permits are purchased and secured for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in 2019, the Forest Service said another attempt to launch the online system will not take place before Feb. 19.

Following a meeting in Ely on Monday, Feb. 4 that included regional outfitters, Forest Service personnel and staff representing several Minnesota members of Congress, Gus Smith, the district ranger for the Kawishiwi Ranger District, said the website recreation.gov will not go live for BWCA permits until sometime after Feb. 19.

The online permit system crashed on opening day, January 30.

Shortly after the BWCA permit reservation system went live to the public, the U.S. Forest Service discovered the situation. A few users were able to obtain permits while others were essentially locked out. Those who did secure permits Jan. 30 for the 2019 season later discovered the permits would not be valid. 

The Forest Service plans to meet with regional outfitters, resort owners and others again this week regarding this situation.