Bears are active right now - Sept 17, 2015

Report from the USFS, Kawishiwi Ranger Station, Ely MN

Bears are really active right now—reports from the old Service Center on Central Avenue in Ely, to the Passi Road on Burntside, to the large island in the South Arm of Knife Lake and even Lakes One and Two.

Now is the time to put bird feeders away, stash any trash in secure buildings, and be extra mindful when camping in the BWCAW. Please remember, coolers are NOT bear resistant containers. Once a bear gets hold of food it will return many times to the same site looking for more food. Save a bear and be stingy with your left overs.

·        The report received from the large island in the South Arm of Knife included tents torn. This is likely a mother bear and cubs who have been pretty active in this area.

·        No specific details on the bear in Lake Two area. It may have damaged a tent.

·        A bear on Lake One got a group’s entire food bag. No information on which site.

Hang your food bag or use a bear resistant food barrel

·        The bear in the Service Center was easily scared away.   The bear on the Passi Road destroyed some bird feeders. 

Bear Encounter Report - August 17, 2015

This report is furnished by the USFS, Kawishiwi Ranger Station, Ely MN

•       On 8/11 on Spoon Lake south side, first site to the right of the south portage. At 5:30 a.m. bear wandered into camp and was chased away. 10 minutes later bear was in food pack tree. Was chased out but stayed near campsite for some time.
• .       8/15 and 16: south shore of Vera, second site to the south: Large bear pulled group’s food pack down while they were out on a day trip. Group returned before bear got into their food and they retrieved the pack. Bear continued to circle camp, woofing, most of the day.
• .       8/14 Knife Lake site 16 south of Thunder Pt: Bear tore into hanging food pack while group was on a day trip, managed to reach into cooler inside pack and pull all the food out. Group was experienced but pulled pack high and the pack came close enough to the tree for the bear to reach it. Group did not see the bear

Bear Awareness

1. Keep your campsite clean. Never eat or store food in your tent.
2. Take all precautions to discourage bears from visiting your site, including hanging your food pack or using a bear-resistant container, as well as garbage and anything that has a strong or sweet odor (soap, toothpaste, lib balm, etc.)
3. Some bears overcome their fear of humans and approach campsites looking for food. This includes island campsites since bears are good swimmers.
4. If you do encounter a bear, most will be scared off if you make noise (shout, bang pots, or throw fist sized rocks at the bear, etc)
5. A very persistent bear may be discouraged by spraying pepper spray into its eyes.
6. When scouting out a campsite and you spot bear scat (poop) in the campsite, assume bear frequent the site and move to another campsite. If you do not know the difference between bear scat and wolf poop, assume it is bear scat and move to another campsite.

Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters & Outdoor Store, Ely MN rents and sells bear resistant barrels and pack hanging systems. Give us a call at 218-365-3149 or 800-950-2709 today and start planning your September BWCA adventure.

30 liter, 60 liter barrels w/harness

Kondos pack hanging system

    

Swimming with turtles in the BWCA

Paul T and nephews Matt and Spencer are long time customers of ours. Each year they travel the Boundary Waters with their family and friends. Each year they return with wonderful stories of their adventures. This year they swam with turtles.

/youtu.be/YEZeW26muwA

2013 BWCA Swimming with a snapping turtle near Thunder Point on Knife Lake. The turtle came onto shore as they were eating lunch and Paul, Matt and Spencer joined it in the water. The turtle shell was about 2 feet in length - this was an old guy.

Thanks Paul and Matt for sharing your video.

Superior National Forest Fire Update 8/29/13

Campfire restrictions for the Gunflint and portions of the Tofte Districts will go into effect after midnight tonight.

Fires will be allowed only between 7 p.m. and midnight in the restricted area.

The restrictions apply only to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) and only to the eastern portions listed in the forest order.


Current Fire Activity:
Knife Lake Fire: 188 acres. Fire is north of the South Arm of Knife and south of Amoeber Lake: Township 65, Range 6 West, Section 18.

Fire managers have successfully suppressed a fire that was in an unsafe and inaccessible location by bringing it out to natural barriers. Suppression was implemented in an efficient and effective manner using limited aerial and hand ignition along with other holding resources on the ground. A weather front passed through last night but did not produce any rain. Gusty winds tested control lines and they held well. At 1:00 p.m. today rain was beginning to fall on the fire.

Containment is at 60% and rising steadily. The South Arm of Knife closures of campsites, waterways, and portages are still in place.

Fires now out:
• Disappointment Lake Fire: quarter acre, discovered Saturday evening, August 24, 2013. Declared out on 8/27/13.

•  Sedative Lake Fire, north of Ima: Township 64, Range 7 West, Section 17. Reported at three tenths of an acre in size. Called out this morning.

Resources: Sixteen fire fighters and four public safety staff on the Knife Lake Fire; two deHavilland Beaver floatplanes at the Ely Seaplane Base;

For a location map of the three fires, the South Arm of Knife Lake closure order, a closure map, fire restrictions order and map, and daily fire updates please see our website: www.fs.usda.gov/superior.

Superior National Forest Fire Update - 8/28/13

Ely, MN

Update August 28, 2013

CONTACT: Becca Manlove, Information Officer, West Zone, Superior National Forest, 218-365-2093; 218-343-3026.

A closure was put in place for the South Arm of Knife Lake yesterday which includes the waterway of the South Arm, twenty four campsites, and nine portages. All entry points into the BWCAW remain open.

The fire danger remains high. BWCAW visitors are asked to use extreme caution with campfires. Campfires are safest in the evening after 7:00 p.m. when temperatures cool, winds are usually lighter, and relative humidity increases. Drown fires and embers completely.

Current Fire Activity:

• Knife Lake Fire: now at approximately 100 acres, fire is north of the South Arm of Knife and south of Amoeber Lake: Township 65, Range 6 West, Section 18. Fire fighters are taking full suppression actions and are pleased with the progress. Control lines are being created and are holding well. The smoke column may increase today due to the ignition of unburned fuel between the fire and the control lines. Containment is estimated at 40%.

• Sedative Lake Fire, north of Ima: Township 64, Range 7 West, Section 17. Reported at three tenths of an acre in size and 60 % contained yesterday afternoon. A two person crew camped nearby and will be working it again today.

• Contained and Controlled Fires: Disappointment Lake Fire: quarter acre, discovered Saturday evening, August 24, 2013. Declared out on 8/27/13.

Resources: Sixteen fire fighters and four public safety staff on the Knife Lake Fire; two staff on Sedative Fire; CL215 air tanker, small helicopter, and an air attack fixed wing stationed at Ely Tanker Base; two deHavilland Beaver float planes at the Ely Seaplane Base.

For a location map of the three fires, the South Arm of Knife Lake closure order, a closure map, and updates please see our website: www.fs.usda.gov/superior.

West Zone Fire Update

                                                                                   Ely, MN

                                                                        Update August 27, 2013

                                                              

CONTACT:  Becca Manlove, Information Officer, West Zone, Superior National Forest, 218-365-2093; 218-343-3026.

The fires listed below are both within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) but they are affecting a very small portion of the BWCAW. All entry points remain open.  Closures of campsites or portages will be listed as needed. Nearby visitors will see and hear increased arial and crew traffic.

Both BWCAW fires are under full suppression. Visitors are asked to give aircraft landing on lakes a wide berth for their own safety and the safety of fire fighters. Closures posted on campsites and portages are for the safety of both public and fire fighters.

Current Fire Activity:

·   Knife Lake Fire: fifteen to twenty acres burning north of the South Arm of Knife and south of  Amoeber Lake: Township 65, Range 6 West, Section 18. Three foot flame lengths, creeping, occasional torching, light west winds. Fuel type is mix of balsam, Jackpine, and blowdown. The fire area received no appreciable rainfall last night. Sixteen fire fighters will be in place today. Campsites and portages on the South Arm of Knife Lake will be closed.  A closure order and map will be provided soon. Forest Service Beaver floatplanes will be shuttling crews and assisting with suppression. More aircraft resources may be used. A public safety crew will use a square stern with motor on the South Arm of Knife Lake. All BWCAW entry points remain open.

·   Un-named fire near Sedative Lake, north of Ima: Township 64, Range 7 West, Section 17. A single tree was burning when discovered. Staff will be on site today. More resources may be ordered.

Contained and Controlled Fires:

·   Disappointment Lake Fire: quarter acre, discovered Saturday evening, August 24, 2013. Controlled as of 8/26/13.

Canada:

·   Two smokes were discovered in Canada yesterday afternoon—one near Crane Lake and another one north of Knife Lake well into Canada.

Lake trout are hitting on Knife Lake this week. BWCA travelers reported using silver/blue spoons with an egg sinker ahead of the spoon going down 30-40 feet while trolling. Early morning and evening hours were best times.

Leeches and night crawlers are picking up as the bait of choice for walleyes and bass. Bass are just beginning to move into their summer feeding habits and hitting on top water while on some lakes the bass are still on their nests. Be prepared to change your fishing tactics to try both 6-8 feet down and on top water.

Lake trout caught on Burntside lake, Ely MN

Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters and Bait Shop, Ely MN has a wide choice of minnows, leeches, night crawlers and wax worms. Open 6am-9pm daily for your one-stop shop for fishing, canoe rental, outfitting, maps, live bait, tackle, Columbia Sportswear and footwear, Teva sandals, camping gear and more.

Ice Condition Report - May 14, 2013

Superior National Forest Ice Update

Tuesday PM, May 14, 2013

A strong crosswind grounded the fire patrol this afternoon. New information from observers:

Generally the smaller lakes in the south east are open or mostly open. Larger lakes are still frozen.

• Disappointment is open.
• Parent Lake (near Snowbank) is iced. Snowbank is still iced in.
• Rice and August Lake are open.
• Vermilion Lake was iced in yesterday.
• Big Lake was reported open yesterday, but southerly winds pushed the ice pack to the northern half today.
• The North Arm of Burntside is still frozen. The East Arm is full of dark ice.
This information is from Monday’s flight:
• Moose Lake: southwestern third is open; northeastern two thirds frozen but dark ice.
• S. Kawishiwi R. and Gabbro Lake are mostly open.
• Turtle is open.
• There is ice in the middle of Bald Eagle.
• Clearwater and Pietro are frozen (thin ice) but Gull is open.
• Quadga and Bog are open.
• Isabella and Perent still have a lot of ice in the middle.
• Polly and Phoebe are open.
• Alton and Sawbill are still frozen.
• Alice is frozen.
• Insula south of The Rock is open, the northern portion is frozen.
• Lake 3 is mostly open.
• Knife Lake including the South Arm is mostly ice.
• Saganaga is still frozen.
FS Pilot report—this information is from a flight late Sunday afternoon.
• Jackfish- 40% open
• Open: Pipestone, Stuart, Agnes, Nina Moose, Ramshead, Upper and Lower Pauness
• Frozen: Oyster
• Bald Eagle- 60% open
• Gabbro- 75% open
• Open: Gull, Turtle, Lakes 1 and 2
• Clearwater- frozen, but open around the edges.

Today’s safety message: 
Bears are awake and hungry. Keep a clean camp.
Winds are drying fine fuels quickly. Be careful with fire.
Give yourself a fighting chance. Wear your PFD.

Superior National Forest Fire Report - Sept 15, 2012

Special Notifications:  Various closures are in effect due to the Parley Fire, the Hoist Bay Fire, and the Canadian Emerald Fire near Knife Lake. Please see the details below. 

• Public Safety crews are posting these areas. 
• Fire restrictions remain in effect in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Campfires are allowed only between 7 p.m. and midnight.

NOTE:  There was very little change, overall, with the small wildfires on the Superior National Forest.  Public safety crews are notifying people in the Wilderness.  Wind direction is expected to shift to northwest Sunday and push smoke from these fires towards populated areas.

Current Fire Activity: 

Parley Lake Fire, Currently 35acres, within the BWCAW, T66 R12 S18, east of the Beartrap River, north of Sunday Lake, west of Sunday Bay of Crooked Lake, discovered Sept 12.

• Aircraft are continuing water drops. Ground crews are on scene. Containment – 40%.   
• Closures:  Campsites on Sunday and Saturday Bays of Crooked Lake, the Beartrap River, and Zones 1, 2, and 5 of the Sundial Primitive Management Area are closed.
• Travel through Sunday and Saturday Bays is still being allowed.

Hoist Bay Fire:  Remains at  2 1/2 acres, T64 R10 S17, between Hoist and Back Bay of Basswood Lake. This fire was detected on 9/12/12.

• Aircraft water drops continue.  Fire crews are on scene.  100% containment today.

Closures:

• Four Mile Portage, Ella Hall, Muskeg, Slumber, and Mud Lakes (out of Fall Lake) plus Back Bay and Hoist Bay of Basswood. 
• Additional portage closures include Pipestone to Back Bay, Back Bay toward Half Dog Island/Basswood (a.k.a. Frog Portage), and from Hoist Bay to Good Lake. 
• Public Safety crews are notifying visitors in the area. 

Fort Frances #53, also known as the Norway Point Fire, 52 acres, remains on Canadian soil and is being monitored by Quetico and U.S. personnel.

Fort Frances #59/Emerald Lake Fire, between Knife Lake and Emerald Lake, approximately 500 acres, and continues to be very active.

• The fire remains on the Quetico side and a Canadian fire crew is on scene. 
• Forest Service crews are monitoring this fire and are prepared to actively support Canadian fire crews as needed.
• Tomorrow the winds are predicted to be out of the northwest.  Areas along the Gunflint trail will likely experience smoke. 
• A closure has been put in place on the U.S. side to ensure visitor safety. 

Closure:  From the US/Canadian border heading south along the section lines of T65N, R7 W, sections 21 and 28, including all campsites on islands and peninsulas on adjacent lands.

• The following lakes, portages, and campsites are closed:  from the US/Canadian border on Knife Lake to the east end of Swamp Lake, South Arm of Knife Lake, Little Knife Lake, Amoeber Lake, Topaz Lake, Cherry Lake, Hanson Lake, Clam Lake, Lunar Lake, Lake of the Clouds, Rivalry Lake,  Gijikiki Lake, Ester Lake, Ottertrack Lake, Rabbit Lake, Ashdick Lake, and Swamp Lake. 
• Portages from South Arm of Knife Lake to Bonnie Lake, South Arm of Knife Lake to Sema Lake, South Arm of Knife Lake to Eddy Lake, Swamp Lake to Saganaga Lake are closed.  Northbound travel from Bonnie Lake, across the Bonnie Lake to South Arm Knife Lake portage, and west bound transit through the South Arm Knife Lake to Knife Lake and out of the closure area is allowed.  Closure signs will be posted.

A new small fire was detected yesterday on the east side of Windy Lake on the Tofte Ranger District.  Crews immediately responded and controlled the fire at 1/10 acres.  Full containment is anticipated today.

Peterson Lake Fireon the east side of the forest near Horn Lake: T 62 R4 S14, SW of the NW, detected 9/12.  Size is one quarter acre. This fire is 100% contained and a ground crew is on the fire this morning.   Monitoring will continue by aircraft.

Mora Lake Fire on the east side of the forest, detected on 9/12, size revised to 3 acres.  The fire is 100% contained.  Fire crews will continue to patrol and monitor the fire.

Resources Available:A total of 44   personnel.  Forest Service and contract fire engines,  Service Beaver float planes, Type 2 and Type 3 helicopters are assigned to the fire operations.  CL215s and more helicopters are available if needed.

Controlled Fires:

Cummings Lake Fire: T64 R14 Section 28, BWCAW; declared ‘controlled’ on 9/12/12. The fire line is holding well but the fire will not be out without significant rain or snowfall. This fire will be monitored by both ground and air crews.

Colby Lake Fire: a half acre near Hoyt Lakes; discovered 9/13/12. It is being patrolled daily by an engine crew.    

Fires Suppressed and Declared Out:

The Batista Fire near Batista Lake, Township 66, Range 13, the northeast corner of Section 9—east of (U.S.) Agnes and west of Iron Lake, was declared out. Wooden Leg Fire (T64 R9 Section 13: -91 25.43, 48 01.42) out.

• The lake, portage, and trail closures associated with this fire are lifted.
• Fire restrictions (fires only between 7 p.m. and midnight) are still in effect in this area as well as within the entire BWCAW.

Birch Lake #2 Fire was fought by Forest Service, Morse/Fall Lake, and Babbitt Fire Departments. The fire is declared ‘out’ at one tenth of an acre.

Camp Lake Fire is one tenth of an acre. Declared out on 9/12/12.

8 other fires were declared out between September 6th and 10^th.

Small Fire on Polly, Windy, Peterson, Mora, Little Devil, near Rosendal Lake

Special Notifications:  Various closures are in effect due to the Parley Fire, the Hoist Bay Fire, and the Canadian Emerald Lake Fire near Knife Lake. Please see the details below. 

• Public Safety crews are posting these areas. 
• Fire restrictions remain in effect in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
• Campfires are allowed only between 7 p.m. and midnight.

NOTE:  Conditions are very dry and fire danger is very high across the Forest.   There have been several small fire starts over the past few days which fire crews have quickly suppressed.  Public safety crews are notifying people in the Wilderness about closures and restrictions. 

Wind direction is expected to shift to northwest today and push smoke from these fires towards populated areas increasing the potential for a noticeable smell of smoke.  Temperatures will be cooler with some change of precipitation but conditions are expected to remain dry.

Current Fire Activity: 

Parley Lake Fire, is 35acres within the BWCAW, T66 R12 S18, east of the Beartrap River, north of Sunday Lake, west of Sunday Bay of Crooked Lake, was discovered Sept 12. 

• Ground crews will continue mop-up and line construction. 
• Fire crews are working towards reaching 100% containment by end of today.   

Closures:  Campsites on Sunday and Saturday Bays of Crooked Lake, the Beartrap River, and Zones 1, 2, and 5 of the Sundial Primitive Management Area are closed.

• Travel through Sunday and Saturday Bays is still being allowed.

Hoist Bay Fire remains at 2 1/2 acres within the BWCAW, T64 R10 S17, between Hoist and Back Bay of Basswood Lake.  This fire was detected on 9/12/12.  

• The fire was 100% contained yesterday. 
• Fire crews are working towards reaching control of the fire by the end of today’s shift.    

Closures:  Four Mile Portage, Ella Hall, Muskeg, Slumber, and Mud Lakes (out of Fall Lake) plus Back Bay and Hoist Bay of Basswood. 

Additional portage closures include Pipestone to Back Bay, Back Bay toward Half Dog Island/Basswood (a.k.a. Frog Portage), and from Hoist Bay to Good Lake. 

Public Safety crews are notifying visitors in the area. 

Fort Frances #53, also known as the Norway Point Fire, 52 acres, remains on Canadian soil and is being monitored by Quetico and U.S. personnel.

Fort Frances #59/Emerald Lake Fire, between Knife Lake and Emerald Lake, is estimated at 525 acres, and continues to be active. The fire remains on the Quetico side and a Canadian fire crew is on scene. 

• Forest Service crews are monitoring this fire and are prepared to actively support Canadian fire crews as needed.
• Today winds are predicted to be out of the northwest and will likely push smoke into the Gunflint Trail area.
• A closure has been put in place on the U.S. side to ensure visitor safety. 

Closure:  From the US/Canadian border heading south along the section lines of T65N, R7 W, sections 21 and 28, including all campsites on islands and peninsulas on adjacent lands.

The following lakes, portages, and campsites are closed: 

• From the US/Canadian border on Knife Lake to the east end of Swamp Lake, South Arm of Knife Lake, Little Knife Lake, Amoeber Lake, Topaz Lake, Cherry Lake, Hanson Lake, Clam Lake, Lunar Lake, Lake of the Clouds, Rivalry Lake,  Gijikiki Lake, Ester Lake, Ottertrack Lake, Rabbit Lake, Ashdick Lake, and Swamp Lake. 
• Portages from South Arm of Knife Lake to Bonnie Lake, South Arm of Knife Lake to Sema Lake, South Arm of Knife Lake to Eddy Lake, Swamp Lake to Saganaga Lake are closed.  Northbound travel from Bonnie Lake, across the Bonnie Lake to South Arm Knife Lake portage, and west bound transit through the South Arm Knife Lake to Knife Lake and out of the closure area is allowed. 
• Closure signs will be posted.

Windy Lake Fire, was a new fire detected yesterday on the east side of Windy Lake. T61N, R6W, S26. 

Crews immediately responded and controlled the fire at 1/10 acres. 

Full containment is anticipated today.

248A Fire, T61N R18W S22, was a new small fire in a gravel pit southwest of Big Rosendal Lake.  The fire was small, easily extinguished, and declared out. 

This fire started as an unattended campfire and serves as an important reminder to extinguish all campfires before leaving.

Polly Lake Fire, T63N R6E S34 on the East Zone, estimated at one to two tenths of an acre is a new fire detected yesterday. 

• Forest Service Beavers and a Type 2 Helicopter dropped water.
• In patrol status today.

Peterson Lake Fireon the east side of the forest near Horn Lake: T 62 R4 S14, SW of the NW, detected 9/12.  Size is one quarter acre. This fire is contained and controlled.  

• Monitoring will continue by aircraft.

Mora Lake Fire on the east side of the forest, detected on 9/12, size revised to 3 acres.  The fire is 100% contained. 

• Aircraft will continue to patrol and monitor the fire.

Resources Available:A total of 180 people are assigned or available on stand-by.  Forest Service and contract fire engines, Forest Service Beaver float planes, one Type 2 and two Type 3 helicopters are assigned to fire operations.  CL215s and more helicopters are available if needed.

Controlled Fires:

Cummings Lake Fire,  located at T64 R14 Section 28, BWCAW, was declared ‘controlled’ on 9/12/12. 

• The fire line is holding well but the fire will not be out without significant rain or snowfall. 
• Monitoring by both ground and air crews has not detected further smoke but the fire will remain patrolled until out. 

Colby Lake Fire, a half-acre fire near Hoyt Lakes, discovered 9/13/12, is being patrolled daily by an engine crew.  

Little Devil Fire, at T61N R1E S12, a 1/10 acre fire outside the BWCAW near Grand Marais, was detected yesterday, quickly controlled, contained, and remains in patrol status.

Season Summary:

In addition to the active fires listed above, crews have put out 10 fires since the beginning of September. Of a total of 54 fires during 2012, 32 were human caused and 22 were caused by lightning. The total acreage burned by wildfire to date is 315.