Visitors who wish to explore northeastern Minnesota’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness soon may need to dig a little deeper into their wallets.
The Superior National Forest has proposed to more than double entry permit fees for the federal wilderness area.
It’s not a done deal by any stretch. But federal officials have recommended substantially hiking the amount it charges for admission to the 1 million-acre stretch of relatively untouched canoe country.
At present, adults pay $16 per head to enter the BWCAW — a price that could increase to $40 if proposed increases take effect. Young people, less than 18 years of age, pay only $8 currently, but could be charged $20 for future admission.
The rate changes will be subject to public comment from now until Sept. 2, before any final decision by the Regional Recreation Advisory Committee.
A statement from the Forest Service said the proposed new rates would enable it “to increase education, maintenance and visitor experience.”
At present, the BWCAW has more than $11 million in deferred maintenance to address, according to Joy VanDrie, a public affairs officer for the Forest Service.
She noted that all the work is further complicated by restrictions that it must be completed by wilderness rangers using traditional hand tools. That includes felling and removing hazardous trees by hand saw and digging latrines one shovel spade at a time.
This is all the more challenging against the backdrop of recent Trump administration cuts that have reduced staffing, including the number of places where BWCAW permits are issued.
Higher prices are never welcome news, but Drew Brockett, outfitting manager for Piragis Northwoods Co., based in Ely, said he doubts the proposed increases will deter many people from visiting the Boundary Waters, given the unique wilderness experience they have to offer.
“Even at that price, it’s still a relatively cheap trip, if you ask me,” he said, comparing it to the per-night cost of a hotel, much less a trip to Disneyland.
In a reply to questions posed by the Duluth News Tribune, Forest Service officials said market analysis suggested the BWCAW would still offer a good deal compared with other similar destinations.
“Market comparisons of neighboring Quetico Provincial Park and Voyageurs National Park found that visitors pay two to three times more than those visiting the BWCAW for comparable trips,” the agency said.
Visitors to the BWCAW pay the same entry fee regardless of how many nights they stay. But a quota system is employed to stave off overcrowding.
Members of the public are invited to weigh in on the proposed rate increases, which could take effect in 2027 if approved.
Three public hearings are scheduled:
Brockett said he appreciates that members of the public will have an opportunity to share their thoughts. But he wasn’t overly concerned by the proposal.
“To come up here and enjoy what the Boundary Waters have to offer is more than worth it. The fees have been so low for so long,” he said.
Brockett noted that many things have gone up in cost since the Forest Service last adjusted the price of its entry fees in 2008.
“Part of this is going to be for the crews out there maintaining latrines and campsites and portages. So, we’ve got to have people doing that if people are going to have a good experience,” he said.
The BWCAW remains the most-visited wilderness area in the nation, welcoming more than 150,000 people per year. The reserve straddles a 150-mile border with Canada.
The annual economic impact of the wilderness area is estimated to be about $100 million, according to the Forest Service.
