Fire question

[Fishahollik]

I am a bit confused. The bwca is supposed to be off limits to all but foot trafic and canoes. This is to prevent the area from being disturbed and kept in its "natural state". But when lighting (which is perfectly natural) strikes a dead tree, (again perfectly natural) and starts a "forest fire". Why the big rush to put it out? Fires are natures way of starting over. repleneshing the earth with nutrients and allowing new growth which provides food for the entire animal and bird polulation.

Maybe its all tourist driven for the al mighty dollar and not really about keeping things natural.

[luvnlife]

That is some deep thinking. I never thought about that, it'll be interesting to see if anyone has that answer. LUVNLIFE

[Nanook]

I am confused by your question.  I believe the forest service will allow a wildfire to burn until it becomes a safety threat or a threat to public property.  

[Nanook]

I cannot speak directly for the forest service, but the below quote is from the "Final Turtle Lake Fire Update" located at:

http://www.fs.fed.us/r9/forests/superior/fire/documents/turtleupdate9_06_06.pdf

'Wildland fire use events are nature's way of managing and balancing its resources, including restoring and maintaining healthy forests and wetlands and supporting ecosystem diversity.  WFU (Wildland Fire Use) managers actively oversee wildland fire use events to allow the fire to play its natural role on the landscape while, at the same time, balancing the social and economic needs of people who operate businesses and recreate in the area of the WFU fire.   

[BDub]

First of all, the BWCA is not off limits to all but foot and canoe travel.  There is allowable motor boat use on 16 of the 1100 lakes.

Secondly, Nanook's reply states the Forest Service's position on fires.  They have reintroduced prescribed burns to restore and maintain healthy forests.

In the case of wildfires, the Forest Service will let them burn to a point.  When the fire starts moving toward populated areas outside of the Boundary Waters, they must protect people and their property. 

Having adequate thinning of trees at the Boundary Waters' borders aids in preventing the spread of wildfires that will endanger lives and private property.

[UncleDave]

My big beef about the BWCA (Not BWCAW) is the fact that the Feds are now running the show.  What the crap does someone from the Federal government who has never lived here let alone visited the area know about the local economy, the area and landscape, etc to pass laws regarding it?  I remember when permits were local and easy to get (and free).  Now there is a fee and you call an 800 #.  Harder to get permits from my past experience.  How did this happen?

[BDub]

Yes, the permit system is frustrating, but the Boundary Waters is a federal wilderness area and it is governed by the federal government. I think the whole contracting out the permit reservation system was a result of fewer budget dollars and the government goes with the lowest bidder.  The reservation system is for all national parks and wilderness areas, not just for the Boundary Waters.

Here is Ely we have been trying to get the reservation system back in Ely, seeing that Ely has a call center that could take this on.  Navigant Travel is now Carlson Wagonlit.  We'll see what happens when the contract comes up for renewal.

[Dr.Bob]

"Yes, the permit system is VERY frustrating"

I only have ONE overnight motor permit for Prairie Portage this year!  If anyone needs to cancel one PLEASE let met know first!

D*mn Treehuggers ::

[WoodChuck]

   HEY DOC!  i resemble that rebark !! i always hug my tree before i chew ir down. ? demn, demn, demn danged tree huggers i love everyone of demn treehuggers in demn petrified forests. 

                                     woodchewer 

[QuillGordon]

Now I understand why I joined here!!! People like me that share the same views... I still wear my "Keep the BWCA open to everyone" button.. QG

[BDub]

QuuillGordon,

Hope you're a CWCS supporter.  Alot going on in the Grand Marais area.  The preservation groups are at it again.

I'll start another post.

[jigglestick]

there should be a rule disciplining the people who obtain permits and do not use them.
they may not apply for another permit ofr two years perhaps?
this might be a way to keep those who have no intention on using the access permits from applying to block other people who would like to visit the area and further stimulate the area economy.

d@mned tree huggers  ::

[UncleDave]

 ::dito