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BWCAW Phased Re-opening
Due to wildfires from a lightning storm on July 7, 2026, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) closed all access with Forest Order 09-09-06-26-07 Emergency Closure Order. See most recent Exhibit A – List of recreation sites and Exhibit B – Map of area below under Associated Documents.
Press releases for the BWCAW Phased Re-openings are available on the website's Newsroom (About–Newsroom) or in the attached document Previous Press Releases also listed under Associated Documents: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/newsroom/releases
Alert Start Date: July 12, 2026
Alert End Date: October 1, 2026
Order Number: 09-09-06-26-07
Contact Information
Contact Name: Joy VanDrie–Public Affairs Staff Officer
Contact Email: joy.vandrie@usda.gov
Associated Documents
Forest Order
U.S. Department of Agriculture, U.S. Forest Service
Superior National Forest
BWCAW Multiple Wildfire Area Closures
PROHIBITIONS
Pursuant to 16 U.S.C. § 551 and 36 C.F.R. § 261.50 (a), the following is prohibited on the
National Forest System (NFS) lands in Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
(BWCAW), Superior National Forest, described below and shown on the attached map
incorporated into this Order as Exhibit A (the “Described Area):
The following are prohibited:
1. Going into or being upon the Described Area. 36 C.F.R. § 261.52 (e)
EXEMPTIONS
Pursuant to 36 C.F.R. § 261.52 (e), the following persons are exempt from this Order:
1. Persons [TH1.1] with Forest Service Permit No. FS-7700-48 (Permit for Use of
Roads, Trails, or Areas Restricted by Regulation or Order), specifically
exempting them from this Order or a written determination by a Forest Service
authorized officer that a permit is not required under 36 C.F.R. § 251.50(e)(1) or
(2).
2. Any Federal, State, or Local Officer, or member of an organized rescue or
firefighting resource in the performance of an official duty.
DESCRIBED AREA
The Restricted Area is within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, within
multiple Ranger Districts on the Superior National Forest; in Lake, St. Louis and Cook
Counties, and as depicted in Exhibit B-Map(s) of this Order.
PURPOSE
The purpose of this Order is for the public’s health and safety due to an active wildfire.
These restrictions will remain in effect from 12:01 pm CT on July 11, 2026, to 12:01 pm
CT on October 1, 2026, or until rescinded, whichever occurs first.
IMPLEMENTATION
1. This Order shall be in effect starting July 11, 2026, though October 1, 2026 or
rescinded.
2. A map identifying the Described Area is attached and made part of this Order as
Exhibit A. For a digital version of this Order and Exhibit A, go to
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts
3. Unless otherwise expressly defined in this Order, the terms used in this Order are
defined by the regulations of the Secretary of Agriculture, 36 C.F.R. Chapter II,
Parts 200-299. If there are terms in this Order that are not expressly defined in the
Order or 36 C.F.R. Chapter II, Parts 200-299, their meaning shall be determined
by their plain language definitions.
4. A violation of the above prohibitions is punishable as a Class B misdemeanor by
a fine of not more than $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for organizations, or by
imprisonment for not more than six months, or both. 16 U.S.C. § 551; 18 U.S.C.
§§ 3559, 3571, and 3581.
5. Contact the Superior National Forest Supervisor’s Office in Duluth (218) 626-4300,
for more information about this Order.
6. This Order supersedes any previous Orders prohibiting the same or similar acts in
the same Described Area.
Signed on July 11, 2026.
/s/ Drew Stroberg
_____________________
Drew Stroberg
Acting Forest Supervisor
Superior National Forest
Maps
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