Boundary Waters Advisory Committee (BWAC) is hosting a Kickoff to the 2023 hiking and backpacking season with BWCAW trail partner organizations:

• Kekekabic Trail Chapter of the North Country Trail Association

• Border Route Trail Association

• Boundary Waters Advisory Committee

Come join us for an afternoon of discovery and discussion about the various BWCA wilderness trails, as well as the shared challenges, opportunities, and missions of these BWCAW trail partner organizations.

After enjoying a pizza lunch, each trail partner organization will present an overview of their focus for 2023 and provide photologs of highlights, difficulties, and best attributes of their respective trail. These presentations are sure to evoke excitement for getting out on BWCA wilderness trails and ideas on how each of us can share in stewarding these important trails.

Our Keynote Speaker for the Kickoff is BJ Kohlstadt, Pagami Creek Fire Lake County Emergency Manager; Lake County Search and Rescue. BJ's presentation will bring an interesting and inspiring look into the challenging life of search and rescue personnel in the Superior National Forest.

We will cap off the afternoon with a roundtable discussion on the critical issues and needs facing each organization and how, together, we can help each other in the mission of preserving and maintaining the wilderness trails of the BWCAW.

And no one should leave without participating in the door prize drawings, compliments of our vital sponsors.

Attendance is limited to 50 due to facility constraints. A $5 cash per person charge will offset lunch and venue rental expenses.