SPRING...ALREADY?
Well, no, not even close! But surprisingly, it won't be long before we start getting questions like...How's it looking for next spring or how's the water level gonna be? This past season opened a lot of eyes to the importance of moisture to the overall condition of the forest. I'm not just talking about the fire danger...which certainly had a huge impact this year, but lake and portage conditions and even bugs. My fall canoe trip was altered by two of those issues. The first was, of course, the re-route away from the fire area and the other was portaging out of or into shallow bays that were unreachable (through the mud). 
The water levels this summer were much like or even lower than this picture of the Carp Lake rapids a few years ago.
We all know that there is no such thing as average with weather and as such, how the affects of the weather impact canoe trips. Drought conditions can make portages difficult to reach, but excessive precipitation, such as happened in the fall of 2007, can blow out beaver dams and create totally new portaging situations.
High water at the end of October 2007. (Moose Lake to Newfound Lake narrows)
Winter in the Canoe Country sets the table for the next season of canoeing. Lots of snow and spring rains, for instance, can create excessive breading area for mosquitoes but very low water can severely affect walleye spawning in the moving water areas. While most folks hope for great sunny weather for their trip many of those people also enjoy a campfire for cooking or aesthetics. Too much of a good thing and the next thing you know...fire ban! So, what about next spring? Well the early indications look something like this:
 
For seasonal outlooks...click here
These are the seasonal outlook maps for precipitation and temperature through February 2012. While it's a general prediction, it does consider weather trends/patterns and current conditions. It has our region looking to be wetter and colder than average. At the end of the day, there is still one thing, besides death and taxes, that's guaranteed, and that's weather...we'll have some! Groups that enjoy ideal water levels in August might take a moment to consider the groups that endured a week of rain a few weeks earlier that made it that way.
So, what does that mean for those thinking about a canoe trip next spring. Taken from a popular cliche' "We'll just cross that portage when we get to it" : )
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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 LEF T 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 ages 10-18 will get 25% off the regular complete outfitting rates, and each youth 9 and under will go free.
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PERMITS
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). As you read in our last issue the change has been made to the permit system. For those wishing to state with a Moose Lake permit of any type the lottery is still in effect and will run the same as in the past on January 20th. For those wishing to start at other entry points, the permit system will open up on January 25th and we will be able to get your permits on a first come basis. We are very confidant that we will be able to get permits on those dates for all of you who have your information to us before those dates. In getting permits it is always best to apply as early as you know your dates.
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)
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