WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast

As paddlers gear up for the spring season, we reached out to Chris Wiese at the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center (GWDC) in West Yellowstone, Montana, to learn about their collaboration with the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC), and how their "grizzly ambassadors" help to certify food storage products as "bear resistant," as part of a wider effort to prevent human and bear conflict and ultimately keep wild bears, wild.

An IGBC certification applies to all species of bears, including the black bears who coexist with humans in the BWCAW.

To learn more about their mission, including grizzly and wolf cams, visit: https://www.grizzlydiscoveryctr.org/

For information about food storage orders in the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest visit: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/newsroom/releases/frequently-asked-questions-forest-order-09-09-24-02-bear-aware-food

Bryan Hansel is a Grand Marais, Minnesota landscape photographer and advocate for wilderness and outdoor activities. In this far-reaching conversation, Bryan shares the historic role that art and photography have played in the preservation of public lands, from the establishment of the first National Parks through today. We also learn about some of his solo trips into the wilderness that were inspired by historical events and canoe routes, and discuss the link between making calculated risk assessments ahead of a canoe trip, and the need for environmental risk assessments ahead of decisions related to mining and other industrial impacts to public lands. He also shares his perspective on the use of generative AI in nature photography and why authenticity in photography and art is important--both for the future of artists as well as wilderness areas like the BWCAW.

(Photo courtesy of Bryan Hansel)

n this episode of Keep it Wild, Cathy Quinn, assistant wilderness program manager for the USDA Forest Service speaks with Kalli Hawkins about a recent trail closure at Eagle Mountain, as part of a planned trail rehabilitation project. The work involved a team of sled dogs that were used to haul building materials into the remote portion of the trail, which is part of the BWCAW. Use of sled dog teams is not common in most National Forests, but this technique is used by the Superior National Forest to help with various projects every winter. Learn more about the USFS sled dog program and get a forecast for summer trail projects in the BWCAW, in this conversation.

Photos courtesy of USDA Forest Service, 2026

Chris Pascone is an experienced skier and winter camper who is inspired by the challenge of winter travel in the wilderness. In this episode, get Chris's tips and tricks for pared down adventures in the Boundary Waters and other winter landscapes. He shares gear recommendations, making winter trip plans for families with kids, and tells the story of a three-day trip on Seagull Lake where he and his travel companion were challenged by extreme winter conditions.

Photos courtesy of Chris Pascone.

Tim Barton from Piragis Outfitters in Ely, Minnesota goes over the "Go Live" basics in preparation for the launch of the 2026 Boundary Waters Permit season on January 28th. For more information about reserving BWCAW permits, visit the Superior National Forest Boundary Waters Permit page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/passes/boundary-waters-canoe-area-wilderness-permits

Episode 125 is a conversation with Emma Brackett and Olivia Bledsoe - half of the team of paddlers known as the Hudson Bay Girls. In 2025 this group of four women successfully paddled and portaged their canoes over 1,300 miles, from Grand Portage on Lake Superior all the way to York Factory on Hudson Bay.

The journey took them 80 days and followed the historic fur trade route along the Border Country to Lake of the Woods, and then north to Lake Winnipeg, the Hayes River and on to the Arctic Ocean.

Emma and Olivia share their insights about 12 hour portages, team travel, navigating high water and low water, tackling the Grand Portage, Manitoba and Ontario wildfires, and how trust in teamwork got them through the many challenges of their journey.

To learn more about Hudson Bay Girls visit: www.hudsonbaygirls.com

Andy McDonnell of Tuscarora Lodge and Outfitters shares his observations about current ice conditions in the Round Lake area, 47 miles up the Gunflint Trail. He also talks about ice safety and preparing for early-winter travel in the BWCAW.

Rox and Reese Richards set out to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary with a 50 day trip in the Boundary Waters. This is the story of their trip, and what Rox calls "the misadventure before the adventure." Within the first nine days they encountered high water, a canoe wreck leading to an unplanned night on the river bank, and an abrupt departure from the wilderness. In spite of what many people would consider to be a major setback, the couple decided to start again, ultimately reaching their goal of 50 contiguous days in the BWCAW. It's an inspiring story of love and adventure in the Wilderness!

In this segment of "Keep it Wild" Kit and Sig Shirley from Sawbill Canoe Outfitters share "Leave No Trace" tips and strategies for Wilderness travelers of all ages. They also share a few animal stories from Summer 2025 canoe trips in the BWCAW.

To learn more about "Leave No Trace" principles and other rules related to BWCAW travel, visit:

https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/wilderness/boundary-waters-canoe-area-wilderness-rules-and-regulations

Life-long wilderness traveler Peter Komendowski completed three solo canoe trips in the Boundary Waters over the last 13 months. In Part Two of this two-part conversation Peter has reached day ten of his 14+ day journey, where he finds himself in a state of wandering and on a "rest day," processes past trauma and joyful memories from his life, at the age of 70. He tells the tale of meeting a fellow solo traveler in a surprising way, and shares his insight about the many ways that "nature puts its footstep on you," long after you return home from the Wilderness.