THE LATEST: Due to dry conditions, the Superior National Forest will ban the use of campfires and charcoal or wood-burning stoves in the blowdown area inside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) starting today until further notice.
"The potential for wildfire is high across the Forest and Arrowhead region," a Superior National Forest statement said. "It is extremely important that people are careful with campfires in areas where they are allowed."
THE RESTRICTED AREA includes portions of the eastern two-thirds of the BWCA.
A MAP SHOWING THE RESTRICTED AREA along with a list of lakes affected is available at Superior National Forest offices, BWCA permit stations and on the forest website (www.fs.fed.us/r9/superior).
Gas or propane cook stoves will still be allowed at all hours in the restricted area.
Also, the Kekekabic Trail (east of Disappointment Lake) and the Border Route Trail (with associated connecting trails) will be closed to visitor use.
PAUL WALSH
