Minneapolis, Minnesota – At their own expense, spending personal vacation days and driving over 400 miles round trip, three crews of nine people each, spent several days in the BWCA clearing the Pow Wow Trail in May to open the trail for the AHS National Trails Day. Trail stewardship volunteers performed the difficult work of removing the hundreds of trees that fall across the trail each year using only hand tools, large pruning shears and hand saws. The work was made tougher due to the large number of tree falls from the Pagami creek fire which occurred six years ago.
“The forest will come back without the help of volunteers. But not the trail. In fact, the trail will be consumed by the new forest and lost forever if not for your efforts.” Dan Handke, BWAC Crew Leader
The BWAC trail clean up crews completed clearing the USFS approved "Section 1" of the Pow Wow Trail. BWAC is steadily progressing towards its goal to clear the entire Pow Wow next year on the 40th anniversary of the BWCA Wilderness Act of 1978.
The Pow Wow Trail was adopted by Fournier Outdoor Services in February 2016. Trail clearing is also made possible by our sponsors. BWAC appreciates the sponsorship of Buck's Hardware and Lake Superior Trading Post in Grand Marais and that of Kawishiwi Lodge at Ely. Thanks also goes to 3M, Thrivent Financial, Best Buy, and outdoor industry sponsors Midwest Mountaineering, Marmot, Outdoor Research, Smartwool, Cascade Designs, Steripen and Katadyn.
During this National Trails Day, remember the hard work of the dedicated volunteers working to keep these trails open to all.
About Boundary Waters Advisory Committee
Founded in 2002, The Boundary Waters Advisory Committee (BWA Committee) promotes the protection, enjoyment, and understanding of the backpacking and hiking trails of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness of the Superior National Forest. BWA Committee helps hikers to explore and develop a deep appreciation of the natural world. More information is available online at http://www.meetup.com/Friends-of-BWCA-Trails/ or by contacting Martin Kubik at wtrails2@yahoo.com
With more than 700 members in Minnesota and Wisconsin, the BWA Committee offers low cost wilderness backpacking trips with emphasis on safety, Leave No Trace philosophy and deep appreciation of nature.