The 1976 Closure of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: A Closer Look and Comparisons
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in northern Minnesota and ONTARIO, CANADA, is one of the most cherished and protected wilderness areas in both countries. In 2021, the BWCAW faced a significant closure due to severe drought and wildfires, marking a historic event in the area's management. This situation echoes a similar event from 1976, which serves as a valuable reference for understanding the challenges faced by this wilderness area now and then.
1976 - The Last Time Such an Order Was Issued
The last time a similar closure order was issued for the BWCAW was in 1976, marking a nearly 45-year gap between the two events. During that period, the area faced a historic drought, a situation that prompted the responsible authorities to act decisively. This comparison provides insight into how long-term climatic events can affect a protected wilderness area and the measures taken to preserve it.
Comparisons of Drought Conditions
Wilderness News highlighted the severe drought conditions that prevailed in the summer of 1976. It noted that timber-dry conditions were prevalent in the BWCA and much of Minnesota from early August until late autumn. This situation was so dire that the area was entirely closed to travel for the first time in history. This level of restriction underscores the seriousness of the drought conditions.
According to the Forest Service, current drought conditions on the Superior National Forest, which includes the BWCAW, are extreme even compared to their weather records stretching back to the 1970s. This comparison indicates that the current conditions are not only serious but also unprecedented within the recorded historical context.
2021 Wildfires and Evacuations
In the 2021 situation, severe wildfires caused by drought conditions prompted the closure of the BWCAW. The article mentions a fire that extended over more than 1000 acres, located west of the Gunflint in the Saganaga Seagull and Magnetic Lakes area. Over 200 campers had to be evacuated, highlighting the immediate and direct impact of such emergencies.
The firefighting effort was extensive, with about 350 firefighters on the blaze. This number included 150 firefighters flown in from Washington and Oregon, 40 from Wisconsin, 40 from Missouri, and 20 from Michigan. The use of World War II era B17 and B26 planes to dump 2000-gallon loads of water and chemicals on the fire further illustrates the scale of the response.
Wilderness Preservation and Challenges
The wilderness area is a popular destination for canoeing and camping, but with strict number restrictions to ensure the wild nature of the area is protected. Large deposits of copper and nickel ore are known to exist nearby, presenting a challenge for conservation efforts. The latest action, though not yet fully revealed, indicates a continuation of efforts to balance resource extraction against environmental protection.
Conclusion and Further Action
Both the 1976 and 2021 events highlight the dual challenges of preserving wilderness areas while also managing the environment for human use. While the closure in 1976 due to a severe drought served as a wake-up call, the same factors are changing the landscape in 2021. The Biden administration's recent filing of an application for a specific management action indicates a continued interest in balancing these diverse interests.
These events serve as important case studies in the management and preservation of wilderness areas in the face of changing climatic conditions. As the world continues to grapple with the impacts of climate change, understanding how past events can inform current and future strategies is crucial.