Best Bwcaw Podcasts (2024)

1
Biking for the Boundary Waters 31:21

8d ago31:21

31:21

Two adventurous cyclists embark on an epic journey from Minnesota to New York, pedaling around Lake Superior through Canada, all to support Friends of the Boundary Waters. One of the riders, Mike Quirk, joins us to tell tales from the trip. The ride was to take 30 days and cover almost 2000 miles. But like any true adventure - things didn’t quite g…

1
Fall is Afoot on the Forest 40:07

3d ago40:07

40:07

Steve Robertson, Interpretation and Education Specialist, returns to Forest North talk about the transition to Autumn on the Superior National Forest: birds going south, squirrels going nuts and just why the trees end their season of leaves with such a stunning display of colors. Show Notes:By Host: Brett Ross

1
The Student Conservation Association partnership with the Superior National Forest 39:24

17d ago39:24

39:24

On this episode, we’re discussing the Student Conservation Association, the largest provider of hands-on environmental conservation programs for youth and young adults. Today we talk about the SCA partnership with the superior National Forest, as we’re joined by Amina Kovacevich, Forest Technician on the LaCroix district. She joins remotely along w…

1
Reel Talk! Boundary Waters and Quetico Fishing with Stu Osthoff 49:11

2M ago49:11

49:11

Anglers shouldn't miss this Boundary Waters fishing podcast! Whether you’re a seasoned Boundary Waters angler or dreaming of your first BWCAW adventure, this is a rare opportunity to learn from one of the true experts. Expert tips on how to catch BWCA Lake Trout, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike In this engaging conversation, Boundary Wat…

1
MobilizeGreen Youth Conservation and the American Goshawk 1:09:35

2M ago1:09:35

1:09:35

Jon Benson, Assistant Recreation Program Manager for the Superior National Forest talks about the MobilizeGreen Youth Conservation partnership, along with Fatihah Muhammad and May Crews, two recent MobilizeGreen interns. Wildlife Biologist Cheron Ferland joins Forest North to talk about studying the American Goshawk, one of our larger birds of prey…

1
An Outfitter's High Water Tales 15:01

2M ago15:01

15:01

In this episode, we dive into the unexpected high water conditions in the Boundary Waters this season. After a dry winter, Northeastern Minnesota faced a surprisingly wet spring and early summer, culminating in a major storm on June 18th that caused flash flooding and damage across the Superior National Forest. We sit down with Ginny Nelson from Sp…

1
Dream Job: Wilderness Monitoring on the BWCAW 1:31:59

2M ago1:31:59

1:31:59

Dan Disch returns, along with Tom Roach to talk about the Superior National Forest Wilderness Monitoring Program, and what the data tells us about the modern experience in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Steve Roberts returns to talk about tiny pond critters, and the variety of berries that are thriving in our wet Northwoods summer. Time …

1
Fire On The Forest Part 2: The Logistics of Wildland Fire Fighting 58:07

3M ago58:07

58:07

Jamie Chopp, West Zone Fuels Planner on the LaCroix District, and Kawishiwi District Engine Captain and Wildland Firefighter Luke Macho talk about the logistics on the ground and in support of wild land firefighting. Episode Links: National Situation Report – Fires across the Nation Fire Weather Forecast – Briefing info for daily preperation Minnes…

1
Summer's arrival in the Northwoods and the fight against Aquatic Invasive Species 58:30

3M ago58:30

58:30

Liz Anderson from Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District, and Matt Santo from the 1854 Treaty Authority join Forest North to talk about Aquatic Invasive Species in our area waters and how to help stop their spread. Steve Robertson returns to talk about the arrival of summer on the Superior National Forest and some of the new baby critters…

1
Fire on the Forest: Superior National Forest Fire strategies and Fire Adapted Communities 55:22

4M ago55:22

55:22

Nicole Selmer, Fire Prevention Specialist with the Kawishiwi Ranger District and Gloria Erickson, Fire Adapted Communities Project Manager with Dovetail Partners, talk about fire strategies on the Superior National Forest. Episode Links: Minnesota Fire Adapted Communities: https://minnesotafac.org/index.php Minnesota DNR Firewise Program Wildland F…

1
Last Entry Point - An Unforgiving Wilderness, with Joe Friedrichs 52:16

4M ago52:16

52:16

"The same thing that makes you live can kill you in the end." - Neil Young In this episode, we sit down with Northwoods reporter and author Joe Friedrichs to discuss his new book, "Last Entry Point." Friedrichs shares real-life accounts of those who have faced life-threatening situations and tragically lost their lives in the serene yet unforgiving…

1
Make a Living on the Forest: US Forest Service Jobs 30:57

4M ago30:57

30:57

Administrative Operations Specialist Renee Frahm joins Forest North to talk about how to apply for a US Forest Service job and begin a career working on the forest. Episode Links: USAJOBS - The Federal Government's official employment site Classification & Qualifications (opm.gov) Classifying General Schedule Positions (opm.gov) Superior National F…

1
From Boundary Waters to Bayou - Mississippi Journeys with Devin Brown & Cory Maria Dack 48:05

5M ago48:05

48:05

On this episode of the Big Red Canoe podcast, we're joined by Devin Brown and Cory Maria Dack to discuss their remarkable paddling journeys down the Mississippi River. Devin Brown is preparing to become the first Black woman on record to solo kayak the entire length of the Mississippi River, from its source in Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. Her t…

1
North Country Trail Update and Songbird Migration 1:05:50

5M ago1:05:50

1:05:50

The North Country Trail which will stretch 4,800 miles across eight states from North Dakota to Vermont and will traverse the superior national forest along the border route trail, through the wilderness on the Kekekabic Trail and a new section that will bring hikers directly to Ely. We're joined by Matt Davis, Regional Trail Coordinator for the No…

1
Life of the USFS Wilderness Crews 46:00

6M ago46:00

46:00

Forest service wilderness crews are a vital part of the management of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Tom Yankowiak from the LaCroix ranger district and Chris Maher from the Kawishiwi District manage those wilderness crews, and today they join us to talk about some of the nitty gritty of the job. A podcast from the Superior National Fore…

1
All About Owls on The Superior National Forest 42:27

6M ago42:27

42:27

Wildlife Biologist Dave Grosshuesch joins to talk about owl monitoring efforts and shares field recordings of the key owl species on the Superior National Forest.By Host: Brett Ross

1
Gunflint Falling - Stories from the 1999 BWCA Blowdown 48:34

6M ago48:34

48:34

On July 4, 1999, in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), a bizarre confluence of meteorological events resulted in the most damaging blowdown in the region’s history. Originating over the Dakotas, the midsummer windstorm developed amid unusually high heat and water-saturated forests and moved steadily east, bearing down on Fargo, Nort…

1
Camping, Leave No Trace Practices and Seasons in Transition 1:06:40

6M ago1:06:40

1:06:40

This week, Wilderness Operations Lead Megan McClanahan and East Zone Wilderness Specialist Dan Disch join us to talk all things camping on the Superior National Forest. Steve Robertson also stops by to talk about some sure signs of spring in the Northland. Episode Links: Home - Leave No Trace - Leave No Trace (lnt.org) Interagency Grizzly Bear Comm…

1
Volunteers Help the Forest Go Round 59:57

7M ago59:57

59:57

Partnership Coordinator Emily Munter, along with Retired Forest Supervisor Jim Sanders and Northwoods Volunteer Connection Director Jo Swanson discuss the value of volunteerism on The Superior National Forest. Plus, Steve Robertson returns to share an update on his outreach efforts, the early sap run for maple trees and some skunk behavior that’s r…

1
Forest History, Archaeology, and the Role of a District Ranger 1:11:23

7M ago1:11:23

1:11:23

February 13th, 2024 is the 125th birthday of the Superior National Forest. In honor of that, Forest Archeologist Lee Johnson joins us to talk forest history. Aaron Kania talks about the role of the District Ranger and gives some updates on the Kawishiwi Ranger District. Episode Links: Timeline of Superior National Forest History-Includes some the r…

1
"Go Live" Day for 2024 BWCAW Permits 1:06:19

8M ago1:06:19

1:06:19

On Episode 2 of Forest North, we hear from Maggie Whiting, Visitor Services Information Assistant with the Kawishiwi Ranger District, as she talks about the ins and outs of “Go-Live” day for Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness permits, which happens on January 31st. Steve Robertson is back to talk about how low snow cover impacts wildlife, and ho…

1
Managing 3.9 million acres of Woods and Waters + Wildlife in January on the Superior National Forest 54:52

9M ago54:52

54:52

On this premier episode, Superior National Forest Supervisor Tom Hall gives an overview of the multitude of roles played by members of the the USDA Forest Service – Superior National Forest team. Interpretation and Education Specialist Steve Robertson talks hibernation and wintertime animal behavior on the National Forest.…

1
Episode 1 Preview 1:13

9M ago1:13

1:13

Episode 1 of Forest North Premiers on January 9th! Featuring Superior National Forest Supervisor Tom Hall, along with Interpretation and Education Specialist Steve Robertson. Forest North is created by the Ely Area Tourism Bureau, in Partnership with the U.S. Forest Service - Superior National Forest…

1
Guardians of the Boundary Waters - The story of the 1978 BWCA Wilderness Act 1:00:00

11M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

We revisit the fascinating story of the legislative and political battles leading up to the Boundary Waters Wilderness Protection Act of 1978 by talking to three of the individuals who shaped it and fought for its passage: Chuck Dayton, Jan Green, and Kevin Proescholdt. In this look at a key chapter in Boundary Waters history, they share their insi…

1
Game Changing Gear with Darren Bush 58:26

1y ago58:26

58:26

Deciding what gear to use for Boundary Waters trips can be overwhelming. Cutting-edge, ultra-lightweight, indestructible, weatherproof gear can make a big difference, but the newest and coolest gear might not always be the best gear for you - or your budget. We've turned to Darren Bush from Rutabaga Paddlesports in Madison, Wisconsin, to help sort …

1
25 Tips for a Better Boundary Waters Trip 56:08

1y ago56:08

56:08

How could you make your Boundary Waters trip even better? Check out these 25 tips, that cover all aspects of a BWCA canoe trip. Drawing from his experience of paddling hundreds of days through the Northwoods, Pete Marshall, Communications Director at Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness, shares an informative list for intermediate paddlers to …

1
Best-Selling BWCA Author - William Kent Krueger 55:22

1+ y ago55:22

55:22

If you love the Boundary Waters and literature, you're not going to want to miss this very special podcast. We're joined by New York times bestselling author, William Kent Krueger, who writes a series of mysteries set in the north woods of Minnesota. The protagonist of many of Krueger's novels, Cork O'Connor is the former sheriff of Tamarack county…

1
BWCA Hiking - Shining Star of the North Country Trail 37:51

1+ y ago37:51

37:51

The trails of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area offer endless possibilities, and you're sure to find a sense of awe and wonder around every corner. And some Boundary Waters trails connect to an even larger network of trails called the North Country Scenic Trail; a footpath stretching over 4,600 miles from the west side of the Missouri river and North …

1
Working Like a Dog in the BWCA 40:16

1+ y ago40:16

40:16

The ice is now out on the Lakes in the Boundary Waters, and we’re embracing the promise of the spring season. But for those who live and work near the Boundary Waters, they’ve been straddling seasons for months, spending time in the winter season to prepare for summer. In this Big Red Canoe podcast episode, we meet Joe Friedmeyer, a U.S. Forest Ser…

1
In Search of the BWCA Monster 25:45

1+ y ago25:45

25:45

Are there monsters, ghosts, or even more creepy things lurking in the BWCA? In this episode, we'll hear your stories from a contest when St. Paul-based Lake Monster Brewing teamed up with Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness to create a new Minnesota legend. We asked you to submit your tall tales, to bring a BWCA monster out from the shadows a…

1
Clearing the Way with Michelle Kwan 47:55

1+ y ago47:55

47:55

When many of us think of the Boundary Waters, we think about paddling and portaging. But there area number of ways to experience the Wilderness, including recreational hiking. In this episode, we meet Michelle Kwan, who went on her first Boundary Waters trip in an even more unique way - as a volunteer doing trail clearing work. For Michelle, this t…

1
Ashley Bredemus - Living at the Edge of the Wilderness 37:12

1+ y ago37:12

37:12

Those who have traveled in the Boundary Waters are often drawn to the wilderness, and they may have wondered what it might be like to live immersed in the wilderness. Ashley Bredemus, owner and co director of Birchwood Wilderness Camp, has spent much of her life living near the Boundary Waters past the end of the Gunflint Trail. Ashley gives us a g…

1
MN Attorney General Keith Ellison 57:45

2y ago57:45

57:45

We're joined by special guest, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison. While you may know him through his public service roles, you may not know that Attorney General Ellison has a deep love of the Boundary Waters and has led wilderness canoe trips for teenagers. In this episode, we talk to Keith Ellison about his experiences in the Boundary Wate…

1
10 Mistakes I’ve Made in the BWCA (So you don’t have to) 56:27

2+ y ago56:27

56:27

When exploring the Boundary Waters, you’re bound to make a mistake or two. Our guest Tiger Beaudoin knows this first hand. He’s guided first-timers, grandparents, parents with children, and paddled solo across our favorite wilderness for years. He’s also made more than a few mistakes. In this fast-paced presentation, he’ll describe 10 lessons learn…

1
World Water Day - Protecting Clean Water in Minnesota 58:55

2+ y ago58:55

58:55

In this informative World Water Day discussion, we celebrate and discuss the threats, and ways that we can fight for clean water. We’ll also discuss a water report we just published that assesses six major water threats to the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and provides policy recommendations that, if adopted, would help to ensure that all Minnesotans have …

1
BWCA Winter Camping Tips and Tricks 58:33

2+ y ago58:33

58:33

February in Minnesota is a perfect time to plan your winter Boundary Waters adventure. Some of the best winter camping happens from now through March— with the right layers and the right precautions, winter can be a great time for a peaceful, quiet, mosquito-free adventure. On this podcast, BWCA expert and author Dan Pauly shares his tips for stayi…

1
Twin Metals Leases Canceled! 1:02:55

2+ y ago1:02:55

1:02:55

Join the Friends of the Boundary Waters staff as they react to the HUGE news of Twin Metals' canceled mineral leases, and a halt to the mining project near the Boundary Waters. We also discuss how the lease cancellation relates to other steps by the federal government, including a 20-year moratorium on mining at the edge of the Boundary Waters. We'…

1
Children’s books of the Boundary Waters and northern Minnesota 59:08

3y ago59:08

59:08

The northland has inspired some incredible children’s books that can plant that seed of adventure in a young person’s heart. We talk to four Minnesota authors and illustrators for a discussion on children’s books related to the Boundary Waters and northern Minnesota. They preview what they have created for the youngest BWCA lovers, and share their …

1
Climate Change and the Future of the Boundary Waters 56:19

3y ago56:19

56:19

How will climate change affect northeastern Minnesota? Dr. Lee Frelich discusses how ecological changes brought on by forest succession, species migration and warming waters will drastically transform the Boundary Waters. If you want to know what climate change will do to the wildlife, trees and vegetation of the BWCA, don’t miss this special episo…

1
Climate Change and Global Public Health 56:41

3y ago56:41

56:41

Climate change isn’t just an environmental issue, it’s a public health issue. Human health and the health of the natural world are intricately linked together. Understanding these connections is increasingly important. Dr. Bill Rom, originally from Ely, Minnesota and now a research scientist at New York University’s School of Public Health, discuss…

1
The Climate Impact of Proposed PolyMet and Twin Metals Mines 56:12

3y ago56:12

56:12

Coinciding with the 2021 Glasgow Summit, we'll look at how climate change will affect the Boundary Waters and the broader ecosystem of northeastern Minnesota. In this episode, Dr. Steve Emerman, international expert on hydrology and geophysics digs deeply into how the two proposed copper-sulfide mines — PolyMet and Twin Metals — will exacerbate the…

1
PolyMet Back in Court: The fight for Minnesota’s clean water 54:06

3y ago54:06

54:06

Proposed copper-sulfide mining in northern Minnesota threatens some of the cleanest water in the country, including the Boundary Waters and Lake Superior. Over the past year, Friends of the Boundary Waters and our partners have won important legal challenges against PolyMet’s proposed toxic copper sulfide mine, which threatens to pollute Lake Super…

1
The Latest Move in the Fight for Clean Water in the BWCA 47:24

3y ago47:24

47:24

The Biden administration recently announced it was requesting a 20-year ban on copper-sulfide mining on 225,000 acres of federal land surrounding the Boundary Waters. How will this impact conservation movement in the area and the future of America’s most popular Wilderness Area. We’ll hear directly from our legal experts, who offer background infor…

1
Indigenous leaders Senator Mary Kunesh and Representative Heather Keeler 57:25

3y ago57:25

57:25

Explore the link between clean water, the Boundary Waters, and Native American issues in this timely episode. Minnesota Senator Mary Kunesh and Representative Heather Keeler join Friends Executive Director Chris Knopf to talk about Indigenous Peoples' Day, clean water, and their experiences as Native women in the Minnesota legislature. Senator Kune…

1
Winter Camping Mudro Lake - SD 18:38

9+ y ago18:38

18:38

With snow falling from the skies we step away from the car park and into the BWCAW. Sleds loaded down with tents, stoves, food and warm gear bite into our chest as the tow line go taunt. We are headed in for a weekend of winter camping. Five guys two tents and enough bacon to keep us warm on the frigid nights and cool days. Join us as we strap on t…

1
Knife to Ottertrack - SD 11:55

10+ y ago11:55

11:55

On a nice sunny day we leave our camp on Knife Lake traveling east along the boarder into Ottertrack Lake. We wind our way down this narrow lake with high cliffs on our northern flank. At our new camp we do a little swimming before cooking up some fish for dinner. What a great day in the Boundary Waters.…

1
Vera North Arm Knife - SD 12:15

10+ y ago12:15

12:15

We continue our way North East from Vera portaging our way into Knife Lake. With crystal clear waters and a fresh breeze blowing in our face we work our way to the North Arm of Knife Lake where we camp for the night.By bill@bwcacast.com

1
Moose to Ensign - SD 11:22

10+ y ago11:22

11:22

After a winter of frozen lakes and trees covered in snow we find ourselves at the Moose Lake entry point for our first trip of the summer. The skies are mostly cloudy and the days are just starting to warm up. The temps are just perfect for paddling in the BWCAW. I am joined on this trip by Jesse, Jim, and Glenn who are all great guys to camp with.…

1
Little Bass Lake_Summer - SD 12:02

12y ago12:02

12:02

On a beautiful early April day with the ice freshly melted from the lakes Erin and I head into the BWCAW. Our destination for this trip is the easily accessible Little Bass Lake just one portage away from North Hegman Lake. The Sun shining through the trees made for a serene portage through the woods.…

1
Vermilion Sunrise - SD 2:07

12+ y ago2:07

2:07

If you venture out around 5:00 AM near the end of April on Lake Vermilion you will find some exquisite sunrises. Here is one from April 27, 2012.By bill@bwcacast.com

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