The last few years have seen a rise in people visiting wilderness areas all around the country, which is a wonderful thing! However, with more people, and especially folks newer to recreating in wild spaces, the number of issues relating to proper food storage has also risen. For us in northern Minnesota, that means an increase in bear encounters. While wildlife encounters can sometimes be a highlight of your trip, they can also be the downfall of a trip when your food gets taken, your gear gets destroyed, or worse yet, someone gets hurt.

The US Forest Service has issued a Food Storage Order for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. This order is in effect now, and will remain so for two years, or until either rescinded or made permanent. Violators can be punished by a fine or even imprisonment. Black bears aren’t that big, but they are smart, and they have been learning that people can lead them to food. This puts the health of people and the bears at risk.

To comply with this order, all food, food containers, and other scented items, like lotions or toothpaste, must be directly supervised while being transported or used, and stored in a certified container or hung at least 12 feet off the ground and 6 feet away from the trunk of a tree.

What this means for you:

This really isn’t anything new, but now these best practices are being required by the Forest Service. We know some of you have already been following these guidelines for years, and we’re grateful for your good stewardship!

Food packs should never be left unattended at either end of a portage, or at camp while away unless properly stored. The iconic canoeing blue barrels are water-tight and do a decent job containing scents. But did you know that bears can smell seven times better than a bloodhound? And we’ve already mentioned how smart they are. Bears in our area have learned (sometimes as cubs from their mothers) that the blue barrels often mean a meal, even if they don’t smell anything yet. That doesn’t mean these can’t be used, but it does mean they need to be hung, which isn’t always easy, but it can be done for larger groups, or longer trips (meaning more food).

Better and easier storage options will be items approved by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee (IGBC). We carry the Ursack bags that are IGBC certified as bear-resistant. These have liners available that contain smells, are easier to hang and much harder for bears, or other critters, to get into. These bags are approved by the Forest Service for use in the BWCAW. Just like anything, make sure you understand proper use of the Ursack before heading out. They are best stored at least 5-6 feet off the ground so that bears or other animals don’t crush your food. OPSAK Odor bags are super important for keeping your bag from being an easy target for attempts, even if the animals can’t get in. They can be hung away from tree trunks, but they don’t need to be. We like limiting potential damage to tree limbs with extra ropes required for hanging. Get their guide to proper use here.

We’re here to help!

We have several options from Ursack available to rent or to buy. You can also find cord and webbing to purchase by the foot, and pulleys to help you use that cord. Remember that keeping clean is one of the most important details. Keep your gear clean from food residue and scents as best you can, and keep curious critters out of your food!

Questions??? Let us know!