4/17/2020 – We are a small, family run business. One of the best parts of our job is connecting with everyone who visits our corner of the world. We are so eager for the day we can welcome you all back to Sawbill and the BWCA Wilderness. In the meantime, we are so thankful to each of you who have reached out, offered support, or ordered from our online store. We are still here answering the phone and responding to emails, so please don’t hesitate to reach out.
There are several updates today from both the USFS and the State of Minnesota concerning the BWCA Wilderness, National Forests, recreation and recreation businesses.
USFS (all restrictions are in place until further notice):
1. All camping on the Superior National Forest (and Chippewa National Forest) is prohibited until further notice. This includes in both developed campgrounds and dispersed camping.
2. Entering or being upon a developed campground or outhouse is prohibited. Forest roads, hiking trails and boat ramps are open unless they are within campgrounds. (We are seeking additional clarification on the issue of boat ramps within campgrounds.)
3. All fires are banned on the Forest.
4. Group size for any activity on the Forest is limited to 10 people.
As a reminder, earlier this week the USFS announced that the BWCA Wilderness is closed to all use until May 4. No day use, no overnight camping. This restriction is intended to coincide with Governor Walz’s Stay at Home Order.
State of Minnesota (all restrictions to coincide with Stay at Home Order, currently set to expire May 4):
1. When recreating, people should stay close to home, and are strongly encouraged to avoid unnecessary travel, or traveling long distances to engage in outdoor recreation.
2. Many outdoor activities are specifically allowed, including boating, fishing, biking and hiking.
3. Campgrounds are to be closed. No dispersed camping.
4. Outdoor gear retail and rental businesses should remain closed.
5. Bait shops and facilities that provide food and beverage for off premises consumption may be open at this time.
Sawbill’s Plan:
During this interim period of closures, we are developing a COVID-19 specific sanitation and operation plan for the three campgrounds that we manage. If this plan is approved by the Forest Service, the campgrounds may be allowed to operate once the Stay at Home Order is lifted.
We are also putting together a robust operations plan designed to promote social distancing and limit face to face contact. This plan will be designed to best protect both our staff and the visiting public. It will likely include: all gear rental transactions / interactions to occur outdoors; a window / “curbside” shopping experience for our store; enhanced gear cleaning and sanitation practices; and more.
We will continue to provide updates as we receive them. We appreciate everyone’s patience during this time. We also appreciate your understanding of our modified operations. It is of utmost importance to us that we are protecting our staff, visitors and our surrounding community when/if the time comes to open up for business.
-Dan
