WHEN THE WIND BLOWS

Originally published in our Fall 1999 edition

The Fourth of July, 1999, did not see a lot of celebration in the North Country. The most devastating wind storm in Minnesota history swept in on the north east quadrant of the Boundary Waters and laid bare thousands of acres of prime wilderness habitat. Trees stacked up in criss-crossed fashion up to fifteen feet high blocking portages and total access to some lakes. Campsites reflected the damage with flattened tents and canoes that were either wrapped around fallen tree trunks or blown out onto the lakes. Only 22 people had to be evacuated; mostly due to broken arms or legs from falling tree limbs.

The aftermath was every bit as amazing. The US Forest Service had scores of extra crews into the area within hours. Portage clearing began immediately with work on campsites following a few days later. Though quotas were curtailed due to forecasted demand for campsites, the area remained open to those that already had permits. Roughly about 70% of the campsites in the effected area were available for some kind of use within a few days. In short order the moratorium on permit reservations was lifted.

While the Forest Service continued their clearing efforts, it was determined that:

• The likelihood of a major forest fire would increase in the effected areas for some time to come.

• A significant number of campsites in the effected area have no trees to shade tents.

• Hanging food packs out of reach for squirrels, chipmunks mice and bears was impossible at some sites that were otherwise very suitable for camping

• A ban was immediately placed on any open fires in the heavily effected area (only) ie: stoves were required for cooking and ...no campfires what-so-ever.

With normal rainfall amounts continuing for the next few weeks, the fire ban order was subsequently modified. For the remainder of the 1999 season open wood fires were allowed from 6PM to midnight (cooking supper and evening campfires were OK).