[BWCAW info coming]
DULUTH, MN – Beginning April 1,the Superior National Forest shut down restroom facilities at recreation sites across the national forest until further notice, however, trails and roads may be open for use depending on conditions. Rustic campgrounds and group sites will remain shut down until further notice. These shutdowns are to protect the health and safety of employees and members of the public during the COVID-19 outbreak in accordance with guidance from federal and state authorities.
Fee Campgrounds operated by concessionaires are currently closed for the season. However, as we work through this public health emergency the reopening of our campgrounds may be subject to change. Recreation information pertaining to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness will be released soon.
Roads, trails, dispersed campsites, boat landings and launches may be open without restroom facilities. “We are committed to the health and safety of our recreational visitors and employees,” said Connie Cummins, Forest Supervisor on the Superior National Forest. “We are following the guidelines from our department and the CDC regarding COVID-19, closely monitoring the situation and responding to current conditions.”
As we work through an unpredictable and rapidly changing public health emergency, health and safety for visitors, partners and employees is our number one priority. We ask Forest visitors to recreate responsibly and be aware of the following:
- Avoid visiting the forest if you are sick and/or experiencing COVID-19 symptoms.
- Follow CDC guidance on personal hygiene and social distancing before and during your visit to the forest.
- Take your trash with you when you leave. Trash overflowing the receptacles becomes litter and can be harmful to wildlife and attract predators.
- Please make arrangements to use the restroom before or after your visit to the forest. Unmanaged waste creates a health hazard for our employees and for other visitors.
- If an area is crowded, please search for a less occupied location. Also consider avoiding the forest during high-use periods.
- Practice social distancing when recreating outdoors – wait your turn from a distance at vistas, maps, and self-issue permit kiosks, trail heads, docks, and other areas where visitors congregate. Maintain at least 6 feet between each other along trails and avoid groups of 10 or more.
- Recreate close to home to help prevent further spread of covid19. Forest actions have been taken based on the best available medical advice to limit gatherings of large numbers of people and to promote social distancing.
Visitors to our National Forests are urged to take the precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and tips in preventing illnesses like the coronavirus, go to: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention.html.