BWCAW wildfire aftermath includes campsite closures

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — With just a few weeks before the spring camping season opens in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the U.S. Forest Service expects as many as 76 campsites on 23 lakes to be unavailable in a hangover from last year's big Pagami Creek fire.

Rangers had hoped to have most back in operation when paddlers returned. But spokeswoman Kris Reichenbach says standing scorched trees known as snags and burned latrines raise safety and sanitation issues that still must be addressed.

Foresters hope the wind and snow will take down some snags before crews return to the area.