10/6/07 – This news release from the U.S. Forest Service:
Superior National Forest Announces Changes in Wilderness Permits
Beginning in 2008, permit fees for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness will be:
Adult per trip fee: $16.00
Youth per trip fee: $8.00
Adult Seasonal Fee Card: $64.00
Youth Seasonal Fee Card: $32.00
The fee increase was approved by the Regional Forester, acting upon the recommendation of the Eastern Region Recreation Resource Advisory Committee. This is the first increase in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) user fees in the 10 years since fees were put into effect. The basis for the increase is an adjustment for inflation (using the Consumer Price index) over the past ten years with forward projections over the next five to ten years.
User fees generated through this program come directly back to the Forest and help to fund the wilderness management program, including staffing with wilderness rangers, and funding campsite and portage maintenance, permit issuance, and wilderness education programs.
Other news:
BWCAW Lottery: The dates for the lottery for 2008 BWCAW permits will begin on December 1, 2007. This is a change from previous years when the lottery began in November. The lottery allows people who know their desired entry date and location well in advance, to apply for permits.
National Reservations System: The national campsite reservation website (www.reserveamerica.org) will be closed from September 29 until 9:00 am on October 17. During this time, the system is being re-designed and expanded and will be re-launched as www.rec.gov. The BWCAW reservation system will be incorporated into and accessed through this new system which also offers reservations for developed campgrounds on national forests.