2019 permits for BWCA now available, system working

Reports were mostly positive this morning as many anxious paddlers, canoe outfitters and resort owners hoping to book a permit for the 2019 paddling season in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness were having success.

After two delays, reservations went live at 9 a.m. this morning (March 4) to reserve BWCA permits for the upcoming season.

The March date follows the initial crash of the system from late January, an event that essentially forced the Forest Service to cancel a collection of issued permits that did process on the opening day.

The relaunch was originally planned for Feb. 27 before that date was also pushed back.

Reports of both private parties and commercially outfitted trips were positive Monday morning regarding the ability to both use the new system and book a permit.