Superior National Forest is home to the nation’s only US Forest Service Seaplane Base. Located on Shagwa Lake in Ely, the three USFS pilots stationed there fly deHavilland Beaver float planes and conduct a variety of missions throughout the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

The base has a long history with roots that date back to 1929 when the Forest Service began using local pilots to help with wildfire mitigation. The program as it exists today, with dedicated airplanes and pilots, was established in 1938.

WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast contributor Barbara Jean Meyers traveled to Ely to meet Carlisle Doria, the latest pilot to join the team.