From the back of your permit
Welcome to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness! To preserve the values that you expect to experience, some regulations have been established. Test your knowledge of BWCAW regulations by answering the following questions.
- IS IT NECESSARY TO ENTER THE BWCAW AT THE ENTRY POINT AND DATE SHOWN ON YOUR PERMIT? WHY?
- Yes! Entry points and dates regulate visitor distribution and support solitude. Your permit must be in your possession while you are in the BWCAW.
- WHERE MUST YOU CAMP IN THE BWCAW?
- At one fo the campsites designated by a U.S. Forest Service firegrate and a latrine, or within designated Primitive Management Area as specifically approved on your visitor's permit.
- IS IT OKAY TO CUT, PEEL , OR DEFACE A TREE OR SHRUB OR PICK FLOWERS?
- No! It is unlawful to damage any living plant. Even minor damage adds up. Remember, You are only one of 200,000 annual visitors.
- FIREWOOD: WHAT SHOULD YOU GATHER AND FROM WHERE?
- Paddle well away from camp. Walk out of sight of the shoreline. Collect only dead wood that is no longer standing.
- WHERE CAN YOU HAVE A FIRE?
- Only within U.S. Forest Service firegrate or as specifically approved on your visitor's permit. Put fires out cold - at night and each time you leave your campsite.
- EXPLAIN THE NINE PERSON RULE AND THE FOUR WATERCRAFT RULE.
- No more than 9 people can be together at any place in the Wilderness - on the water, on portages, or in camp. Smaller groups have less impact on the land and other visitors and are more likely to see wildlife. Four watercraft are the maximum allowed in a group.
- WHAT RULES APPLY TO CANS AND BOTTLES IN THE BWCAW?
- Carry your food and drinks in reusable plastic containers. Cans and glass bottles are not allowed expect for fuel, insect repellent, medicines, and toilet articles.
- WHAT SHOULD BE DONE WITH FOOD LEFTOVERS AND FISH REMAINS?
- Try to plan your meals so you don't have leftovers. If you do, pack them out. Dispose of fish remains well away from campsites, trails, portages and shorelines.
- CAN I BURN MY TRASH OR THROW IT IN A LATRINE
- No! Latrines are not meant for trash. Trash in a latrine can cause wildlife problems. It is illegal to burn trash of any kind, including paper, in Minnesota. Burning trash in a firegrate can release dangerous chemicals into the air and soil Burning trash often leaves behind a mess of partially burned items. If you pack it in, pack it out.
- IS IT OKAY TO WASH YOURSELF AND YOUR DISHES IN THE LAKE OR STREAM?
- No! To preserve water quality, wash at least 150 feet from water sources and bury the waste water in a shallow hole. This allows for filtering through soil and breakdown by bacteria.
- A QUIET CAMPER IS A NO-TRACE CAMPER. WHY?
- Noise impacts other people's solitude and scares off wildlife.
- IS MOTORIZED EQUIPEMENT ALLOWED IN THE BWCAW?
- Motorized watercraft meeting specific horsepower limitations are allowed only on designated routes. No other motorized or mechanized equipment (including pontoon boats, sailboats, and sailboards) is allowed, except for use of portage wheels on specific routes.
- SHOULD YOU BRING YOUR DOG? IF YOU DO, WHAT RESPONSIBILITIES DO YOU HAVE?
- Dogs impact wildlife and barking intrudes on the experience of others. Dogs must be under control at all times. Dispose of fecal matter 150 feet from water sources, campsites, and portages, or deposit in a latrine.
- WHAT RULES APPLY TO FIREARMS? FIREWORKS?
- Discharging a firearm is prohibited within 150 yards or a campsite or occupied area, or in any manner or location that places people or property at risk of injury. State game laws apply in BWCAW. Fireworks of any kind are strictly illegal.
After you break camp and load you watercraft, do a final inspection of your camp. Pick up any remaining litter. Your fire must be cold to the touch. Please treat the BWCAW with care. Leave No Trace of your visit to protect this special place for future generations!
The above are enforceable Forest Service regulations ( maximum penalty of $5000 and/or 6 months in jail).
