BWCA Fire Evacuations Spotlight Towboats Debate

As wildfires raged near the Boundary Waters and Quetico, resort outfitters with motorized towboats ferried paddlers and families to safety, aided by a Forest Service request and temporary access beyond typical motor limits. While rescues saved people and helped manage evacuations from lakes like Basswood and Moose, the use of towboats sparked controversy over wilderness quiet and rules, with Wilderness Watch suing to curb ongoing use. Some praised the lifesaving work and efficiency in moving large groups, but overall the BWCA was closed indefinitely as evacuation efforts wound down, leaving operators to pivot to other duties while the fires burn elsewhere.