WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast

Paul Schurke is a business owner and winter adventurer from Ely, Minnesota. In this episode Paul shares stories about the deep human history of the Kawishiwi Triangle and the White Iron Chain of lakes, including the site of a Laurel-era settlement on Birch Lake and the Ojibwe and Finnish cultural history of those waterways. He also updates us on two recent maps that feature Ojibwe names for lakes in that part of the Border Country, in collaboration with Gakijiwanong First Nation (Lac LaCroix) and the Bois Forte Ojibwe band. Paul also shares his thoughts on proposed copper mining close to the Wilderness and how new mining relates to the old mining history of the area which predates modern times.

Loons are an icon of the Boundary Waters Wilderness and are the State Bird of Minnesota. But did you know that the time between Memorial Day and the 4th of July is the most dangerous time for loons, and that about 25% of loon deaths are attributed to lead poisoning? In this conversation with Kelly Amoth, administrator of the "Get the Lead Out" program at the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, we learn about the connection between the lead fishing gear in our tackle boxes and the health and survival of loons. Kelly also shares information on what anglers can do now to help protect loons and other water birds. She also gives us the scoop on the MPCA's Rebate Program for small businesses who want to make the switch to selling lead-free tackle. To learn more search "Get the Lead Out" at pca.state.mn Keep it Wild is a regular feature of the WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast.

In this April 2026 edition of "Keep it Wild," Tom Yankowiak from the U.S. Forest Service Lac LaCroix district, talks about traveling safely in the early "ice-free" season. He shares some recommendations specific to spring weather and water conditions, offers safety tips and gives paddlers a heads-up about a new map that will be released this spring featuring alternative landing options for historically dangerous areas like Curtain Falls (pictured). "Keep it Wild" is a regular feature of the WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast.

As paddlers gear up for the spring season, we reached out to Chris Wiese at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center (GWDC) in West Yellowstone, Montana, to learn about their collaboration with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC), and how their "grizzly ambassadors" help to certify food storage products as "bear resistant," as part of a wider effort to prevent human and bear conflict and ultimately keep wild bears, wild. An IGBC certification applies to all species of bears, including the black bears who coexist with humans in the BWCAW. To learn more about their mission, including grizzly and wolf cams, visit: https://www.grizzlydiscoveryctr.org/ For information about food storage orders in the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/newsroom/releases/frequently-asked-questions-forest-order-09-09-24-02-bear-aware-food

n this episode of Keep it Wild, Cathy Quinn, assistant wilderness program manager for the USDA Forest Service speaks with Kalli Hawkins about a recent trail closure at Eagle Mountain, as part of a planned trail rehabilitation project. The work involved a team of sled dogs that were used to haul building materials into the remote portion of the trail, which is part of the BWCAW. Use of sled dog teams is not common in most National Forests, but this technique is used by the Superior National Forest to help with various projects every winter. Learn more about the USFS sled dog program and get a forecast for summer trail projects in the BWCAW, in this conversation. Photos courtesy of USDA Forest Service, 2026

Tim Barton from Piragis Outfitters in Ely, Minnesota goes over the "Go Live" basics in preparation for the launch of the 2026 Boundary Waters Permit season on January 28th. For more information about reserving BWCAW permits, visit the Superior National Forest Boundary Waters Permit page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/passes/boundary-waters-canoe-area-wilderness-permits

Andy McDonnell of Tuscarora Lodge and Outfitters shares his observations about current ice conditions in the Round Lake area, 47 miles up the Gunflint Trail. He also talks about ice safety and preparing for early-winter travel in the BWCAW.

In this segment of "Keep it Wild" Kit and Sig Shirley from Sawbill Canoe Outfitters share "Leave No Trace" tips and strategies for Wilderness travelers of all ages. They also share a few animal stories from Summer 2025 canoe trips in the BWCAW. To learn more about "Leave No Trace" principles and other rules related to BWCAW travel, visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/wilderness/boundary-waters-canoe-area-wilderness-rules-and-regulations

We first met Peter Komendowski at Canoecopia. A life-long wilderness traveler originally from Chicago, and now living in Iowa, Peter completed three solo canoe trips over the last 13 months. In Part One of this two-part conversation we hear about his most recent trip, a 14 day paddle of the Lady Chain, Alton Lake, Kelso and Sawbill. Early in the trip, he gets drenched, sustains a mild injury and reframes the way he approaches portaging. An advocate of "detoxing" from technology, Peter describes how his solo Wilderness trips lead to a deep exploration of aging and what he refers to as the transition between "an objective world to a subjective world."

Jim Wiinanen is an avid canoeist and history buff who has been documenting the modern, human history of Seagull Lake prior to the establishment of Wilderness Canoe Base in 1957. A BWCAW lake with three zones, Seagull is a popular entry point for many Wilderness travelers. Before the 1978 Wilderness Act, it was the site of early resort development on the Gunflint Trail. As Jim recounts, a full history of Seagull Lake includes the resort families who first arrived on the Gunflint Trail in the late 1920s. Beginning around 1922, the lake was the focus of two different schools of thought--those advocating for unlimited access and business development vs. those who wanted to preserve the area for canoe travel. These competing interests shaped how travelers experience the lake today.

Fern and Shelby are two of the interns embedded with US Forest Service Wilderness crews this summer as part of the ongoing partnership between the Superior National Forest and the Student Conservation Association (SCA). In this fun conversation, they are both returning from work trips into the Boundary Waters Wilderness, and share what they typically do to help maintain campsites and portages in the BWCAW. Founded in 1957, the SCA's mission focuses on equitable access to nature, providing green job opportunities for young people and teaching crew members how to become environmental stewards. To learn more visit thesca.org. Keep it Wild is a regular feature of the WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast

In this June, 2025 edition of "Keep it Wild," we talk with Jo Swanson, director of the Friends of the Superior National Forest. Formerly known as the Minnesota Volunteer Connection, the Friends of SNF partners with the U.S. Forest Service on maintenance projects throughout the Superior National Forest, including the BWCAW, and area campgrounds and trails. The group is currently looking for volunteers to help with a number of projects this summer, including pulling invasive plants at the Pincushion Mountains trail system outside of Grand Marais, and trail maintenance work on the Moss and South Lake trails on the Gunflint Trail. (Photo courtesy of Friends of SNF)

In this edition of "Keep it Wild" we talk with Dave Seaton at Hungry Jack Outfitters. An official Boundary Waters Collaborator and permit issue station, Hungry Jack Outfitters just saw "ice out," and are ready for the paddling season. Dave explains the new permit pickup options and takes us through how to change the pickup location through your reservation at rec.gov. An advocate for wilderness travel for 35 years, Dave also provides some tips for a successful trip that promotes Leave No Trace principles. Photo of Hungry Jack Lake by Dennis Chick.