Pagami Creek Fire- Where Do We Go From Here?
As of the writing of this article, the Pagami Creek Fire is at 91% containment with no fire movement. Primary activities now include air patrol and back hauling (removal) of equipment and crews. At the peak of battling the blaze, there were nearly 1000 firefighters on the job. That number is now down to 161. At nearly 93,000 acres, the Pagami Creek Fire was the largest forest fire in Minnesota since the early 1900's but with the onset of winter in the Northwoods, it's time to turn the page.
For those who know and travel from the Lake One entry, here are some facts that we can give you. There are 114 campsites affected by the fire (not all in the Lake One to Insula Lake area). Of these campsites, a surprising 41 had little to no fire damage, 22 had some affect and 51 had significant to total fire damage. Even total fire damage may not warrant campsite closure. Much is yet to be determined. Many of the portages were used by firefighters and consequently were cleared of dangerous snags and burned trees. It is anticipated that typical winter weather will take care of many more snags and dangerous trees. The U.S. Forest Service, at this point, does not anticipate a reduction in Lake One entry permits for 2012, but again, that has not been decided.
Renewal has already begun. Processes have been set in motion by seemingly devastating events.
 
 
Speculating, second guessing, hindsight and all the questioning will probably go on for years but it won't change one fact... "you can't go back". So where do we go from here? We have to look at the big picture. Fire is and will always be part of our forests. For some, it will be an eyesore, for others, an opportunity to observe those processes and for still others, simply a question of can I get to my favorite fishing spots? What's so difficult for us to comprehend is time. The human clock often is not in sync with natures clock. In time...natures time...this forest, as the thousands and thousands of acres that have burned before, will renew. At first it will be slow and the scars will be evident for years, but our children and grandchildren will see a forest much like the one that we knew before "Pagami Creek".
Pagami Creek Fire Photos:
https://picasaweb.google.com/112717872039965407359
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NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE
 , This package was so popular that we have decided to offer it again for the 2012 season. We are starting a campaign to get families out of the house, away from the computer games, and out enjoying nature. In order to help you we are still offering our NO CHILD LEFT INSIDE package. This package includes all of the gear that your family will need for an excellent adventure into the Boundary Waters, lodging before your trip with a dinner and breakfast in our dining room,  transportation to your entry point, routing and fishing information and tips. For every child that brings an adult, the adult will get 20% off complete outfitting rates. Each youth ag es 10-18 will get 25% off the regular complete outfitting rates, and each youth 9 and under will go free.
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PERMIT INFORMATION
 PERMIT INFORMATION Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). We have heard of some changes happening to the Boundary Waters Permit System. It does appear that there will be some type of change, they just aren't sure how many changes will be in effect. One of the big changes being discussed is doing away with the lottery system and opening up the reservation system on a specific date and on a first come first serve basis. This will allow for everyone to see what permits are available and be able to know what they received immediately. The date of this opening is yet to be determined, but we are hearing that if this happens it will be around the same time as the lottery has been. We will still provide the free service of obtaining permits for our guests, but we ask the you get your preferred dates to us as soon as possibly. We may have quite a few to obtain in one morning and want to make sure that yours is in the mix. http://www.startribune.com/local/131298954.html Quetico Park Permits are issued on a first come first served basis exactly 5 months to the day before your desired start day. This year the park will open May 20th, 2012. Our Crew will be happy to help you obtain your permits at no extra cost to you. If you are going into Quetico Park, be prepared to have the names of all group members to list on your permit. Also a brief description of your tents and canoes (for search and rescue purposes) also to be listed on your permit. Update: as of last July, camping fees for entering at Prairie Portage are $21.50 for adults and $8.50 per youth (per night) |
