The U-S Forest Service re-launches its new online reservation system for B-W-C-A Wilderness permits this morning (Mon) at 9 a-m, saying it’s confident the system will function correctly — unlike the January 30th rollout when it crashed. Eighth District Congressman Pete Stauber doesn’t like the new system. “What is was, was an government agency not listening to the people and the small businesses that were affected from Grand Marais to Ely,” he says.
Stauber has introduced legislation that in 2020 would go back to a lottery to award permits for high-demand B-W-C-A Wilderness entry points and dates. “This is what the outfitters want. This is what the vast majority of citizens want,” he says.
The on-line system is first-come, first-served. But many outfitters and resorters say the old lottery system worked well, giving everyone an equal chance.
On-line address: Recreation.gov.