6/27/11 – We’ve been getting a lot of calls and emails about the possible shutdown of Minnesota state government, due to a legislative budget impasse, scheduled for July 1st. The BWCA Wilderness and the Sawbill Lake campground are federal facilities, so they will not be affected. However, if Minnesota state government shuts down on July 1st, as is widely expected, Minnesota fishing licenses will not be available from that date until the shutdown ends. If you are planning to arrive here after July 1st, you should buy your fishing license now. You can buy them directly from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources online or by phone (1-888-646-6367).
If the shutdown occurs, state park campgrounds will be closed immediately. I assume that the National Forest campgrounds, like Sawbill Lake and Crescent Lake, which will remain open, will get quite a bit busier. You can reserve sites in the above campgrounds at www.recreation.gov.
As always, feel free to contact us if you have questions. – Bill