BWCAW winter access increased

More of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness has been reopened to winter campers near where the Pagami Creek fire burned last fall.

Superior National Forest officials said yesterday, they are allowing access to several lakes and areas adjacent to and outside the burned area. Areas most affected by the fire will remain closed, however, because of the danger of burned trees that can fall unexpectedly in winds.

Meanwhile, quotas have been lowered for seven of the BWCAW entry points where the fire affected campsites. About 114 campsites were affected by the fire, although most were damaged only slightly.

Forest officials also noted that some small wildfires have occurred in recent days, apparently from unattended fires left by winter visitors. They urged extreme caution because of dry and low-snow conditions in parts of the forest.

Information on current conditions, closures and quotas along with what to expect if you camp in the burned area is available at either the Tofte or Gunflint Ranger stations.