Some wanting to adventure into Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness are not happy campers. 

The current permit system for Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) faces significant challenges with permit hoarding and lots of late cancellations.

Some visitors reserve multiple permits far in advance, holding them as backup options before ultimately canceling close to their dates.

Northern Minnesota BWCAW-Google Maps
Northern Minnesota BWCAW - Google Maps
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Permits for the BWCAW in northern Minnesota open on the last Wednesday of January each year.

Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness-Canva
Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness-Canva
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Today at 9 AM the permit booking system was open. By 9:30 this morning many entry points appear to have already been sold out.

Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness-Ben Davis
Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness-Ben Davis
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Last year over 10,000 entry permits to Minnesota's Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness were reserved then cancelled.

This practice severely limits permit availability for others planning trips, creating artificial scarcity during peak seasons.

The impact ripples throughout the system.

Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness-Ben Davis
Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness-Ben Davis
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Genuine visitors often find themselves unable to secure permits for their preferred entry points and dates, forced to either remain flexible for last-minute cancellations or alter their plans entirely.

This uncertainty makes it difficult for groups to plan time off work, arrange travel, and coordinate with outfitters.

While the system aims to protect the wilderness by managing visitor numbers, the current reservation process may inadvertently favor those willing to game the system rather than those committed to specific trips.

Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness-Ben Davis
Minnesota Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness-Ben Davis
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Some suggest implementing stricter cancellation policies or limiting the number of concurrent permit reservations per person.

Others propose a shorter advance booking window or increased cancellation fees to discourage permit hoarding.

As more people seek outdoor experiences in the Boundary Waters, finding a fair and efficient permit allocation system becomes increasingly crucial for preserving both the wilderness and the visitor experience.

You can make reservations online at Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. 

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