The BWCA should be maintained in its current form as a pristine natural asset. No further lakes should be opened up or closed to motorized watercraft. Lakes that are currently open to motorized watercraft should be fully accessible by portages. Banning motorized-vehicle-assisted portaging between lakes that are open to motorized watercraft is nothing more than an artificial ban on motorized watercraft. Regarding the lakes on the edge of the BWCA, unless a practical line can be drawn delineating motorized from non-motorized approved areas; the lakes should be classified for use either as fully motorized or non-motorized.
Snowmobiles in the BWCA
Snowmobilers in the BWCA follow set trails and roads. No additional areas should be opened for the snowmobile use. The BWCA should be kept in its pristine natural condition. Areas in which motors of all forms are currently banned should be left to the animals, cross-country skiers and hikers.
Wolves in the BWCA
Humans are and should remain at the top of the food chain. We need to co-exist with the wolves. If the wolves start endangering people, people need to know that they are free to protect themselves without fear of retribution. Timberwolves in Minnesota are currently protected by federal law and are listed as threatened under the endangered species act. If the federal government takes the wolves off the threatened species list, I would not oppose a wolf-hunting season. We need to find the optimum balance between wolf and human populations.
BWCA Regulations
In the future, before any current regulations are revised or new regulations are developed for the BWCA, the federal government should be strongly encouraged to seek the input of the area residents, park users and all other residents from the State of Minnesota. This will help to ensure that any new or revised regulations are practical. It should also maximize the positive impacts and minimize any negative impacts the Rules/Regulations may have on the park ecosystem, the neighboring residents, the park users and the State of Minnesota.
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