The season of giving thanks returns to the Boundary Waters as 2021 begins to wind down. To celebrate the season, WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast hosts Joe Friedrichs and Matthew Baxley returned to the ice on Thanksgiving Day. Ice fishing and ice skating were the means of entertainment on a windy and cold day in late November, with fish tacos for dinner marking a day of success on all fronts. 

Also featured in this episode is a conversation with Timo Rova, an Ely-area resident who has years of experience hunting, recreating and working in the BWCA.

Episode 54 WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast

The Barefoot Paddler abides.

Mark Zimmer, more commonly referred to as the 'Barefoot Paddler,' makes his return to the podcast in this episode. Mark is in the midst of his tenth season exploring the BWCA. Not your average paddler, Mark typically spends May through October in the Boundary Waters. He catches fish. He forages. He sleeps in a hammock. And he does it all barefoot. 

The podcast team recently met up with the Barefoot Paddler on Brule Lake in the BWCA to learn about his 2022 season in the wilderness, which includes a bout with Lyme disease.

Episode 72 WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast

In this debut segment of "Keep it Wild," USFS Wilderness Operations Lead Megan McClanahan discusses early winter adventuring in the BWCAW, including monitoring the fast-changing ice conditions, preparing for your skating or fishing trip and why it's nice to fill out a self-issue permit before you go. "Keep it Wild" is a new Boundary Waters Podcast special feature!

Pictured: Ice safety gear, modeled by Ada Igoe of Tuscarora Lodge & Outfitters on the Gunflint Trail

Keep It Wild - Early Ice Conditions in the BWCAW

In this very special, one-hour episode, you'll meet Lindsey Gau and Bill Hansen, part of our new, rotating crew of podcast hosts. They each share memories from formative canoe trips--both were 15 years old, and included travels with life-long friends. 
And WTIP introduces a new podcast feature called "Keep it Wild," a conversation with a USFS Wilderness Lead about all things wild.
We also say "see you out there" to Joe Friedrichs and M. Baxley, the founders of the WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast, who in this episode give their parting words, and share interview segments with Emily Ford, Bear Paulsen and Michelle Kwan about connecting to the outdoors. And finally, there's a look back to Christmas 2015 with Dave and Amy Freeman, Ely Wilderness Adventurers who spent Christmas in the BWCAW, complete with cookies and ice luminaries.
(Photo courtesy of Lindsey Gau)

Boundary Waters Podcast Ep. 102

Cory Dack has nearly 20 years of experience in wild places, including 17 years as a canoe guide in the BWCAW. Host Lindsey Gau talks with Cory about de-colonizing outdoor spaces, empowering youth to love the wilderness, social justice and the commonalities between "wilderness medicine" and "street medicine." Cory also shares some of the lessons learned about community building, and friendship on her seven-month through-paddle on the Mississippi River, from the headwaters to the ocean. 

Plus, a new segment of "Keep it Wild," about being bear-aware in the Boundary Waters. The Boundary Waters Podcast is funded in part by the MN Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Boundary Waters Podcast Ep. 106 with Cory Dack

This episode is packed with stories from the Wilderness! If you've ever wondered about the permit quota system and how that came to be, you'll want to hear Bill Hansen's interview with Jim Hulbert, one of the people who developed the very first "Visitor Distribution Program," back in the early 1970's. 
There's also a new segment of "Keep it Wild," which covers BWCAW "Fishing 101." And we've also gathered up a collection of critter stories from Canoecopia 2024. We hear about a wolf "greeter," being charged by a moose, a hungry bear story and what happens when mice attack.
Thanks to everyone who shared your stories with WTIP for this diverse, fun and informative episode!
(Photo courtesy of Jim Hulbert)

Boundary Waters Podcast Ep. 107

Episode 109 is about life-long connections to the wilderness and what happens when life circumstances and health conditions change the way families are able to experience the Boundary Waters. Featuring a daughter-father interview by Lindsey Gau following her dad's recent dementia diagnosis and follow up discussion about dads, dementia and day trips.
Plus a great "Keep it Wild" interview with USFS Wilderness Ranger Richard Pulsfus, who has worked on the Superior National Forest for 20 years.

Boundary Waters Podcast - Ep. 109

In the August segment we converse with Wilderness Operations Supervisor Chris Maher about some common, human-caused impacts to wilderness character in the BWCAW including: burning trash and the improper handling of garbage, building "furniture" on campsites, pounding nails in trees, and pruning or peeling tree bark and live branches. Chris also covers what the follow up to these infractions might be, and gives us the lowdown on how most visitors are doing, on our visits to the wilderness.
"Keep it Wild" is a monthly feature of the WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast.

Keep It Wild - Impacts on Wilderness Character

Episode 110 of the WTIP Boundary Waters podcast was recorded on a windy day at Camp Menogyn on West Bearskin Lake at the edge of the BWCAW. In his first season as a canoe guide for Menogyn, Dante Gilbert shares the story of paddling the old Fur Trade route from Crane Lake to Grand Portage with a group of five campers and their guide. Dante also explains his personal approach to finding and experiencing wilderness, from the backcountry to a city park near you.
Plus--a bonus segment of 'Keep it Wild" about the seven principles of "Leave No Trace."
The Boundary Waters Podcast is supported in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Boundary Waters Podcast Ep. 110

Sam Nichols works in the Alaskan wilderness on an expedition ship in the summer. This year on a break from work, he took a memorable canoe trip in the Boundary Waters, along with his friend Jimmy. They explored the Border Route Trail and got to know Rose Lake, up close and personal.
Plus, a fresh segment of "Keep It Wild," with a summer bear report.
The Boundary Waters Podcast is supported in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.
(Photo of Rose Falls, courtesy of Sam Nichols)

BW Podcast Ep. 111

In the October 2024 edition of "Keep it Wild," Fire Staff Officer Nick Petrack reports on the prevailing, dry conditions in the BWCAW and shares insights about human-caused wildfires in the Superior National Forest, which account for about half of wild fire incidents in the Forest each year.

Photo courtesy of Dewey Pihlman, 2019

Keep It Wild - Human Caused Wildfires

A story of family unity and lots of water--In Episode 112 of the WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast, wilderness traveler Peter Halverson shares the tale of his family's June 2024 Boundary Waters trip to Lac la Croix, which coincided with an unusually strong storm that dropped three to eight inches of rain over NE Minnesota. On June 18th, the storm washed out roads from International Falls to the North Shore of Lake Superior, and many locations experienced flash flooding and high water conditions--including in the BWCAW. Even after the rain stopped, the water continued to rise.
With thanks to Peter for sharing this epic tale of adventure with WTIP. 
Photo courtesy of Peter Halverson.

Boundary Waters Podcast Ep. 112 - When Portages Become Rivers

It's self-permit season in the wilderness! Tim Engrav from the Lac La Croix District of the Superior National Forest, shares more about self-issue permits and the reasons why it's important to fill one out, even if you are visiting for the day. Plus, a quick ice report and a reminder about ice safety.

Keep it Wild - Self Permit Season in the Wilderness

Signe and Ruben Hushagen have made a tradition of camping in the BWCAW every year, to celebrate their May birthdays. This year they decided to move their annual trip to September, to  mark their child Ronan's first birthday. In this episode, Signe shares how to go about planning for a wilderness trip with a toddler--from choosing a simple route to researching the best gear options for young children. She also talks about what it means for her as a parent, to see the wilderness through brand, new eyes. The trip went so well the family is already planning for next year.  (Photos courtesy of Signe and Ruben Hushagen, 2024)

Boundary Waters Podcast Ep. 113 - Traveling with a Toddler

In this special, extended episode of "Keep it Wild," Ann Schwaller, a designated areas specialist for the U.S. Forest Service, shares the history of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as a certified, Dark Sky Sanctuary--a designation awarded by Dark Sky International in September, 2020. She explains her personal connection to the preservation of natural dark skies, and why the Dark Sky Sanctuary designation is considered "a fragile situation," due to the encroachment of light pollution at the edge of the wilderness, as well as light domes from the urban areas of Thunder Bay, Grand Marais, Ely and even as far away as Duluth. 
"Keep it Wild" is a regular feature of the WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast. 
To learn more, visit darksky.org

Keep it Wild - Protecting the Dark Skies

Episode 114 of the WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast features wilderness stories recorded at Canoecopia 2024. We hear from winter adventurers Brad Friend (Miyagi Travel) and Cyndi Guffey (pictured). We also hear fond memories about wilderness travelers who have passed along a legacy of appreciation and knowledge about the wilderness, and are still inspiring others to visit the Boundary Waters. With thanks to Brad, Cyndi, Jeff Wadley and Dan Morgan for sharing your stories with all of us!
And mark your calendars--the WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast will be at Canoecopia in Madison, Wisconsin, March 7 through 9, 2025. Please find our booth in the exhibit hall lobby and say hello. We would love to hear your Boundary Waters stories and record them for future episodes.

Boundary Waters Podcast Ep. 114 - Winter Adventure Stories and More from Canoecopia '24

In this edition of KEEP IT WILD, the Boundary Waters Podcast speaks with U.S. Forest Service Information Officer Joy Vandrie about the January 29th "Go Live" start of the 2025 permit reservation season. Joy emphasizes the importance of setting up an account on recreation.gov before the launch and highlights the 72 entry points with daily permit limits, including two new entry points created this year, for thru-hikers in the wilderness. Vandrie notes that over 11,000 permits were canceled last year, with 58% reserved in January or early February. She urges travelers to only reserve what you need and to cancel early so other travelers have an opportunity to plan a visit. Vandrie also stresses the importance of using a valid email for rec.gov accounts for emergency notifications.

Keep it Wild is a regular feature of the WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast
(Photo by Dante Gilbert)

Keep it Wild - Planning for the "Go Live" Permit Season

Episode 115--Kyle Johnson is relatively new to the Boundary Waters, but so far has experienced the wilderness in all seasons, including solo trips in early spring and late fall. Kyle sets the scene for a recent outing in late October, where he encountered extreme quiet conditions, the mid-stages of wildfire ecology after the Ham Lake fire of 2007, a night perfect for astro photography, plus a wide range of temperatures.
Kyle also shares the exciting story of catching his first walleye--one of the rare, blue walleyes who live in certain lakes in northern Minnesota and Canada.
(Photo courtesy of Kyle Johnson)

Boundary Waters Podcast Ep. 115 - Shoulder Season

In the February 2025 episode of "Keep it Wild," we learn more about hiking trails in the Boundary Waters Wilderness. Our guest is Lucas Raudabaugh of the Boundary Waters Advisory Committee (BWAC), a non-profit group of volunteers that helps to maintain over 70 miles of trails in the BWCAW. They are official partners of the Superior National Forest, and cooperate with that agency within the USFS, as well as with other trail partners on tread rehabilitation, campsite maintenance and data collection. (Photo courtesy of Lucas Raudabaugh.)
To learn more visit: https://www.boundarywaterstrails.org/

Keep it Wild - Boundary Waters Advisory Committee

Krystal and Tina have been traveling together for twenty years--mostly in boats--almost all of them canoes--and always with their dogs. Wilderness lovers and skilled paddlers, they visit the Boundary Waters as often as they possibly can, and enjoy outdoor adventure in all kinds of weather and conditions.
In this episode, they talk about dehydrating food for long trips, the division of duties when they are at camp and how their love and appreciation for the wilderness helped them get through the aftermath of a serious car crash, and Krystal's recovery from injuries that occurred in the accident.

The Boundary Waters Podcast is sponsored in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

BW Podcast Ep. 116 - Traveling as a Pack

The Hudson Bay Girls is an all-female canoe team embarking on a groundbreaking expedition to paddle a historic Voyageur Fur Trading Route - a 1,200-mile journey from Lake Superior to Hudson Bay, Canada. The WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast met them at Canoecopia where they talked about their plans for the trip and their mission to raise awareness about the importance of environmental stewardship, outdoor education, and gender equality in outdoor spaces.
Learn more at https://www.hudsonbaygirls.com/home

Hudson Bay Girls Prepare for a Summer 1,200 Mile Paddle from Lake Superior to Hudson Bay

The Boundary Waters Podcast sat down with Peter Komendowski, a wilderness traveler and president of The Partnership for a Healthy Iowa--a group that provides young people with resources to live free of alcohol, drugs and high-risk behaviors.
In this insightful interview, Peter shares the story of a Boundary Waters trip he took with his two teenage sons and an up-close bear encounter. We also discuss his family connection to Ukraine, the symbolism of bears, what it means to move at "human speed" and the gifts of what Peter calls "traveling at the edge of the material earth."

Boundary Waters Podcast Ep. 117 - Traveling on the Edge of the Material Earth

The Superior National Forest is home to black bears, who are smart, have a good memory and most often prefer to keep to themselves. With increased human activity in the Wilderness, there is a chance that visitors to the BWCAW may encounter a wild bear. In this edition of Keep it Wild, Cheron Ferland, regional wildlife program manager for the Superior National Forest shares best practices and resources to help campers be “bear aware” as we move into early spring in the BWCAW. Keep it Wild is a Boundary Waters Podcast monthly feature.

For bear-human conflict reports on the Superior National Forest contact the USFS: www.fs.usda.gov/main/superior/home (call one of the Ranger District offices or email the Tip Line: sm.fs.suf-tipline@usda.gov)

More information on living with bears and where to find bear-friendly food containers:

Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee Bear-resistant Products https://igbconline.org/programs/bear-resistant-products/
MNDNR BearWise Living with Bears https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/livingwith_wildlife/bears/index.html
US Forest Service Bear Aware https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go/bears
Bear Canisters 101 https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/bear-resistant-canisters.html

Keep it Wild is supported in part by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund.

Keep it Wild - Living with Wild Bears

In this episode we talk with Mike Danielsen, who philosophizes about losing things while gaining others; including what can happen when a bear steals your pack. We also meet David Meier, longtime paddler and wilderness advocate for Friends of the Boundary Waters. David shares a story about the July 4th, 1999 Blowdown, which also happened to be he and his wife's honeymoon in the Boundary Waters.

Boundary Waters Podcast Ep. 118

In this edition of "Keep it Wild" we talk with Dave Seaton at Hungry Jack Outfitters. An official Boundary Waters Collaborator and permit issue station, Hungry Jack Outfitters just saw "ice out," and are ready for the paddling season. Dave explains the new permit pickup options and takes us through how to change the pickup location through your reservation at rec.gov. 
An advocate for wilderness travel for 35 years, Dave also provides some tips for a successful trip that promotes Leave No Trace principles.

Photo of Hungry Jack Lake by Dennis Chick.

Keep it Wild - Ice Out and Permit Pickup with Dave Seaton of Hungry Jack Outfitters

In this episode of the Boundary Waters Podcast we talk to Chris Evavold about the value of public lands and traveling as a family over many years, and in all seasons. In the second half we talk with Cory Dack, a wilderness guide, youth instructor and world adventurer. Cory digs deep into the topic of access to public land and wild spaces, and the barriers often encountered by people of color, who, like others, are in search of a more meaningful connection to wild places and natural areas like the BWCAW.

Boundary Waters Podcast Ep. 119 - Access to Wild Spaces

In this episode, WTIP Boundary Waters Podcasters Joe Friedrichs and Matthew Baxley venture to Winchell Lake deep in the BWCAW. The trip took place in early January 2018. The duo record the experience on a frozen Winchell Lake, including gear they used to get there and conditions on the trail. 

In part two, Friedrichs speaks with General Manager Bear Paulsen from Northstar Canoes about what factors to consider when it comes to purchasing a tandem, Kevlar canoe.

Episode 2 WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast

More than a century of combined paddling between just two people is celebrated in episode 10 of the WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast. 

Bob O’Hara is among the most recognized and accomplished adventurers to dip his paddle into the Boundary Waters annually, something he has done for the past 60 years without missing a season. 

Likewise, Ken Koscik is no stranger to canoe country. Ken hit the 50-year mark for consecutive years to Quetico Provincial Park and the Boundary Waters in 2018. A guest instructor at North House Folk School in Grand Marais, Ken teaches a course on building cedar-strip canoes and kayaks. 

Podcasters Matthew Baxley and Joe Friedrichs learn what it takes to make it back to the Boundary Waters every year for at least 50 years in this episode of the Boundary Waters Podcast.

Episode 10 WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast

Many people who visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness leave with a parting sentiment: We don’t want to go home quite yet. 

In this episode of the WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast, we hear from an individual who takes this concept to the next level. Known as the 800-Day Paddler, Mark Zimmer shares his story of essentially living in the Boundary Waters from May until fall. 

Speaking of changing seasons, November is a time of transition in the Boundary Waters. With lakes starting to freeze and cold ushered in by strong winds, November is one of the lowest-traffic months of the year in the BWCA. But there are those who remain in contact with the land, including Clare and Dan Shirley, the owners of Sawbill Canoe Outfitters. They share their stories of November in the Boundary Waters in part two of this episode.

Episode 11 WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast

There are a variety of reasons for both why and how people fall in love with the Boundary Waters. 

In this episode of the WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast, Siddeeqah Shabazz and Stephe Stovall share their story of love for the woods, water and how this natural treasure opened so many opportunities for them personally and professionally. It’s a love story with deep connections both for and from the wilderness. 

Also in episode 22, Podcaster Chelsea Lloyd talks with Douglas Wood, a longtime wilderness guide, who is also a prolific author, perhaps best known for his first book, “Old Turtle.” In 2017 Wood released a memoir about the mysteries of the natural world, “Deep Woods, Wild Waters.”

It’s October in the Boundary Waters, let episode 22 be your guide into the new season.

WTIP Boundary Waters Podcast

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