Forest Service evaluating partial reopening of BWCAW

The U.S. Forest Service said it is evaluating whether portions of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness can safely reopen.

During a Monday press conference, Superior National Forest Supervisor Tom Hall said officials are reviewing the current closure, which remains in effect through Friday, July 24, to determine whether some areas can reopen

“At this time we are assessing opportunities to reduce the closure in the areas that make the most sense,” Hall said during the press conference. “Right now we don’t have the timing of exactly what that will look like or when that will occur, but that is something we’re working on presently.”

Representatives from the U.S. Forest Service, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, National Weather Service and other agencies participated in the briefing. Officials welcomed the rainfall received Friday and Monday, saying it provided a temporary reprieve, while emphasizing that warm, dry weather and lightning continue to pose a wildfire risk across the Arrowhead.

Shane Sturgill, with the Complex Incident Management Team, encouraged residents in areas under “Ready” or “Set” evacuation status to use the improved conditions to prepare in case evacuation orders are issued.

“I ask that you start planning now.  Think about what you might need to take, how you’re gonna leave, where you’re gonna go. Don’t wait until you’re in an evacuation to make those decisions,” Sturgill said.

Air Resource Advisor Josh Hall said air quality is expected to improve at times but warned that smoke could return as weather patterns change. He encouraged residents, particularly those most vulnerable to wildfire smoke, to prepare while conditions are favorable.

Now is the time to get ready if there is more smoke coming in the future,” Hall said. “Young, elderly, people with pre-existing conditions, pregnant women are all susceptible to smoke, and there’s likely a lot of people out in the community that are suffering. So this is a great opportunity to kind of take those mitigations.”

WTIP will continue to provide updates on the live update page.

Josh Hinke July 20, 2026