2025 Canoecopia Paddlesports Expo

We hosted a booth at the 2025 Canoecopia Paddlesports Expo in Madison, WI, to raise awareness of BWCAW wilderness trails and recruit volunteers for spring trips. Over three days, our volunteers engaged with hundreds of outdoor enthusiasts, sharing trail information and listening to personal stories about past BWCAW adventures. Many visitors expressed their gratitude for the organization's accomplishments and showed interest in volunteering on future trail clearing trips.

Tales of the Trails: MN Rovers Presentation

We love sharing about the beautiful wilderness trails in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and all that we do to ensure many of the miles that make up those trails will be accessible for future generations. Thank you to Rovers Outdoor Club for having us for their weekly presentation, so that we could connect with more people who may be interested in getting out for some trail work these coming clearing seasons. Roughly 60 enthusiasts joined our presentation to talk trails, education, advocacy, and maintenance in our beloved BWCAW. 

Tales of the Trails: Hiking and Trail Maintenance in the BWCAW

2025 Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Dinner

Last night we held our Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition event. After sharing a meal and conducting some yearly business, we had a great time reflecting back on all the accomplishments of 2024.

We sure stay busy! Last year, a total of 98 volunteers safely participated on 15 clearing trips on various trails including the Sioux-Hustler Trail, the Eagle Mountain/Brule Lake Trail, and the Powwow Trail.

We were joined by Pam Wright of Soka Outdoors as our keynote speaker, who shared valuable wisdom gained over her decades of experience in guiding trips in the wilderness.

We are excited for our upcoming events and the spring clearing season.

Thank you, volunteers! We could not keep these trails accessible without each of you.

BWAC Leadership Retreat

Members of our team gathered this past weekend in Ely for leadership training.

Our group this weekend had a collective of over 113 years of experience clearing trails in wilderness areas.

The purpose of the multi-day training was to highlight safety and leadership practices utilized while maintaining trails across the BWCAW, and to begin preliminary plans for the upcoming spring trail maintenance season.

Attendees also enjoyed the natural wonder and beauty of the BWCAW area, getting outside together to enjoy the snow during breaks.

The training also included a visit from United States Forest Service Trails & Volunteer Coordinator Mike Running.

Clifton E French Park Group Hike

Last night’s Boundary Waters Advisory Committee’s Fall hike at Clifton E French Regional Park was a success! Our group consisted of seven hikers that turned out for the event.

We met up with current BWAC volunteers, and even some new folks joined in the fun. Mel, the Vice President, started off the event by covering BWAC’s mission statement and went in depth explaining what it’s like as a volunteer.

We walked the outer loop at French Regional with headlamps on, making new friends, while sharing stories of our outdoor adventures.

Everyone expressed how much they enjoyed hiking in the crisp night air, while enjoying the beautiful views. By the end of our hike, we all felt refreshed, and even some of the new folks seemed interested in future BWAC volunteer opportunities.

More to come!

2024 Spring Crew Member Training

Almost 60 volunteers looking to assist the BWAC organization with trail clearing, attended the Spring Crew Member Orientation and Safety Training this past Tuesday evening at the REI Bloomington location.

The event covered topics such as who is the Boundary Waters Advisory Committee (BWAC), and gave an overview of the Powwow, Sioux-Hustler, Eagle Mountain, and Brule Lake trails that the organization maintains in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW).

Members of the organization also coached volunteers who signed up for Spring trips, on what happens after registering– such as meeting up for a crew hike, gear needed, tools, safety and what life on the trail looks like as a volunteer.

2024 Annual Meeting and Volunteer Recognition Event

We are feeling energized and full of gratitude after celebrating our 2023 accomplishments and volunteers last night!

We are proud to report a very successful 2023 clearing season with 88 total volunteers safely completing a combined 14 trips. During these trips, crews cleared 13.5 miles to United States Forest Service standard and accrued a whopping 7,297 cumulative volunteer service hours!

Our efforts included work on the Powwow Trail and the Sioux Hustler Trail, and our upcoming clearing seasons will include Eagle Mountain Trail and Brule Lake Trail. Just imagine what we can accomplish together in 2024!

Trips to launch later this month! Stay tuned https://linktr.ee/bwacminnesota

2024 Crew Leader Training in Ely

Our crew leaders are freshly returning from a weekend of training, so they will be ready to bring volunteers into the BWCAW for trail maintenance trips this coming year. Attendees did get away from training from time to time for a little outdoor recreation time too!

Trips will be announced in February, so stay tuned, and grab your spot early. We will be offering trips to Eagle Mountain/Brule Lake Trail, the Powwow Trail, and the Sioux Hustler Trail. These trips will include dayhike, multi-day backpacking, and multi-day canoe-in options. https://linktr.ee/bwacminnesota

Fall 2023 Crew Member Orientation

We’ve been working hard to prepare our volunteers for fall BWCAW clearing trips. Last night we held our Fall 2023 Orientation and much fun was had by all! ICYMI: see our FB page for the full recording. There are still spots open on our crews - see if one works for you! https://linktr.ee/bwacminnesota.

Afton State Park Social Gathering and Picnic

Great times had by all at the BWAC social gathering this month! Fun to catch up with friends outside of trail time. Join our next event August 5!