It’s that time of year! Not only do BWCA trekkers have to worry about who is getting what for Christmas and what size lobster to have for New Year’s Eve, it’s also time to start thinking about obtaining your 2018 BWCA motor & paddle permits.
For All permits: The U.S. Forest Service issued a change at the beginning of last year’s season. The non-refundable reservation fee that is issued with all permits, went from $6.00 to $10.00 for 2018. Camping fees remain the same, at $16.00 for adults and $8.00 for youth.
Boat & Motor permits: New to this year, the U.S. Forest Service is charging the $10.00 non-refundable reservation fee for each time you apply in the 2018 lottery. In the past, due to a high volume of Day use & Overnight motor permit applications, one would have to apply numerous times in order to obtain just one permit. Also in the past, you were charged after the lottery, and for only the permits that you drew. This year, you will be charged the $10.00 non-refundable user fee each time you apply, and you will not be refunded for permits you do not receive. Example: If you apply for 5-day use motor permits, and if you apply twice for each permit, you will be charged a total of $100.00 in permit fees. Again, there is no guarantee that you will receive these permits and no refund.
Boat & Motor Permits: You can begin applying for your boat and motor permits on Wednesday December 20th, 2017 (9:00 am CST) through Wednesday January 17th, 2018 (9:00 pm CST).The results will be posted on Wednesday January 24th,2018
For All Permits: The “Go Live Date” is Wednesday, January 31st (9:00 am CST). Paddle permits are issued on a first come, first served basis. So, if you’re looking at entry points that offer just a few permits per day, be sure to apply as soon as you can after January 31st.
For any of our guests looking to have us reserve your Overnight, and Day-Use motor permits, this information is required:
Full name, address, email address and phone number.
Credit card information.
Alternate leader’s information (first and last name)
How many times you would like us to apply for each permit. Remember you will be charged $10.00 for every successful and unsuccessful application.
For any of our guests looking to have us reserve your overnight paddle permits, this information is required:
Full name, address, email address and phone number.
Credit card information.
Alternate leader’s information.
Note: Once you receive your overnight paddle permit, you will still be responsible for user (camping) fees. User fees are $16.00 per adult and $8.00 for each youth under 18. You will be charged an equivalent of 2 adults’ user fees ($16.00) at the time of reservation. User fees are refundable if you choose to cancel your permit.
The excitement of planning next year’s adventure, starts now. The permit process can be confusing and frustrating. Whether you’re thinking of fishing Pipestone this spring or paddling up to Crooked Lake via Mudro this fall, we want all of our clients to be successful with their permits. So please allow us to take part in your planning by helping you secure your 2018 BWCA adventure!