Overview
- Signed July 11, Forest Closure Order No. 09-09-07-26-07 legally prohibits public access to a defined northwest Gunflint area of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
- The order lists specific closed lakes, campsites and portages including Ottertrack, Little Knife, Lake of the Clouds and Lunar Lake, with maps available on the Superior NF alerts page and InciWeb.
- Wilderness rangers began sweeping the closure area to notify and assist visitors already inside and the order authorizes misdemeanor penalties of up to $5,000 or six months in jail for violations.
- The Forest Service also maintains a forest-wide campfire restriction and a drone ban that stops aerial firefighting if violated; the closure runs through October 1, 2026 unless rescinded.
- The closure is part of a broader response to multiple lightning-caused fires on the Superior National Forest, driven by dry fuels and hot weather, and officials are posting daily updates on InciWeb and the forest alerts page.