Features

New staircase creates long-lasting passage for visitors to the BWCAW

Within the Superior National Forest, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness attracts thousands of visitors every year who rely on hundreds of portage trails as they travel its pristine waters. Portages are human-made structures such as wooden staircases designed to minimize erosion over steep terrain as they create paths between waterbodies in the wilderness.

A Century Later, Arthur Carhart’s Recreation Plan for the Superior

On November 8, 1922, Regional Forester A.S. Peck approved a recreation plan for the Superior National Forest drafted and submitted in May 1922 by Arthur Carhart (1892-1978), a young landscape architect from Iowa that worked for the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) from 1919-1923.

Today’s technology provides windows to the past

Thanks to modern technology, an ancient Native American cooking vessel discovered in the BWCAW has been dated back to 1,750 – 1,600 years ago.

The Fourtown Fire - Fire Management on Boreal Landscape

Learn about the challenge of managing boreal fuels in a biome where most species have evolved and adapted to fire, where humans are the minority. 

Ten things to love about the Forest

Superior National Forest is a special place to all the flora and fauna that live here, and to all the visitors that come to reset from the business of everyday life. As we become more immersed and surrounded with technology, we need natural places to connect with our world. Join me as we explore 10 things to love about Superior National Forest, located in northeastern Minnesota.

Managing the Greenwood Fire Burn Area

Started by lightning, the Greenwood Fire was detected on August 15, 2021. In October 2021, the Forest Service deployed a Burn Area Emergency Response team.

Flying High Over Boundary Waters

The USDA Forest Service has more than its share of “cool” and interesting jobs. From forest ranger to climate scientist, and firefighter to urban forester and wildlife biologist, there are possibly hundreds of interesting occupations to pick from. One of them is the seaplane pilot.

Investing in Recreation on the Superior National Forest

The Great American Outdoors Act  (GAOA) responds to the growing $5.9 billion backlog of deferred maintenance on national forests and grasslands, which includes $3.7 billion for roads and bridges and $1.5 billion for visitor centers, campgrounds and other facilities. 

What happens after the fire is out?

A closer look at the Greenwood Fire Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) - By David Morley, Superior National Forest Soil Scientist, December 10, 2021

Work continues on historic pavilion for the enjoyment of present and future.

Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, Forest staff, Passport in Time, and the Northern Bedrock Historic Preservation Corps, the Superior National Forest’s historic South Kawishiwi Pavilion is close to getting a new deck!  

America's Great Outdoors

A promise to future generations.

Superior National Forest Tipline

Report suspicious or illegal activity, non-emergency issues or information directly.

Tofte Landscape Project

The Superior National Forest recently used a new format called a Story Map to share this project with the public.

Minnesota Research Reader

Provides highlights research topics and studies relevant to science and resource management in the State.

Recreation Commercial Services Analysis

Forest shares findings from Needs Assessment Analysis of commercial services offered to recreationists.

U.S. Forest Service Beaver Planes and Pilots Support Forest Missions

Predating even the iconic Smokey Bear, the long and rich history of the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) Beaver Program began in 1929.  

PLANTING TODAY FOR A CHANGING FUTURE

How the JW Toumey Nursery in the Upper Peninsula Helps Restock and Regenerate Forests in Northern Minnesota

Moose in Minnesota

Tribal governments, agencies and organizations have teamed up to gather more information that may explain higher than expected mortality of adult moose and a noticeable decrease in reported moose sightings over the past few years.