Episodes
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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 didnât quite go as planned. And before the trip was over, Mike found himself swapping out his bike for a canoe to cover some of the middle-Canada miles on the Ottawa River â then having more unexpected adventures before getting behind the handlebars again to finish the ride to New York.
Listen in with us as Mike shares the twists, turns (and near misses!) of this eventful, scenic and charitable ride.Inspired by their dedication? You can make a difference too! If you have a unique fundraising idea to support the Friends, weâd love to hear from you. Contact us to learn how you can help protect the BWCA. Together, letâs ensure this incredible wilderness remains pristine for generations to come.
Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/
Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ -
Anglers shouldn't miss this Boundary Waters fishing podcast! Whether youâre 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 Waters Journal publisher and BWCA and Quetico fishing guide, Stu Osthoff will share his vast knowledge and insider tips for catching the âGrand Slamâ of canoe country fishing â lake trout, walleye, smallmouth bass, and northern pike. Heâll reveal the best times, lures, tactics and hotspot lakes for targeting these legendary species.
Stu is a passionate advocate for wilderness values like solitude, adventure and connecting with nature through fishing. And he discusses how to transcend an ordinary canoe trip by embracing the challenge and breathtaking beauty of backcountry angling in this unspoiled wilderness.
Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/
Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ -
Episodes manquant?
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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 Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters in Ely to discuss how these conditions have affected outfitters and Boundary Waters visitors.
Ginny shares her experiences managing customer safety during road washouts and entry point closures, and respecting one's abilities in the face of challenging weather. This episode provides essential information for anyone planning a trip to the Boundary Waters and underscores the vital role outfitters play in ensuring visitor safety and enjoyment in this beloved wilderness area.
Spirit of the Wilderness Outfitters
https://elycanoetrips.com/Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/
Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ -
"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 Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Through his years of writing, exploring, and researching this iconic region, Friedrichs reminds us that even the most well-prepared adventurers can encounter unexpected challenges when venturing into the great outdoors. Join us as we delve into the risks of wilderness travel and the stories that inspired Friedrichs to write this compelling new book.
Order the book from Drury Lane Books in Grand Marais.
Follow Paddle and Portage.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/
Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ -
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 trip planned for 2024 is driven by a dream over a decade in the making - to find healing and connection for self, and to connect with African American history along the Missisippi.
Cory Maria Dack might be Devin's biggest cheerleader. She has already accomplished the incredible feat of paddling the Mississippi River in a canoe in 2022. And she brings her experience of a relationship with the land, water, and people along the way while increasing representation of diverse identities on the river.
As Devin and Cory share their powerful stories, we learn about their experiences as paddlers and the survival trips of navigating the river and its communal network of River Angels that will help make Devin's upcoming solo journey a success.
Their conversation touches on themes of healing, nature connection, ancestral history, and being a role model for future generations.
You'll leave this podcast knowing more about what it takes to travel on such a monumental paddle, the logistics and community support required, and the physical and emotional journeys represented by descending this iconic American river.
Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode, and https://www.gofundme.com/f/get-er-down-the-river to support Devin's upcoming trip.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/
Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ -
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 regionâs 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, North Dakota, and damaging land as it crossed the Minnesota border.
Author Cary Griffith joins us to talk about his book Gunflint Falling, the story of this devastating storm from the perspectives of those on the ground before, during, and after the catastrophic eventâfrom first-time visitors to the north woods to returning paddlers to Forest Service Rangers. And host Dave Meier discusses the climate impacts that contributed to the blowdown and changing landscape of the Boundary Waters, while telling his own blowdown story.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode, and https://www.carygriffith.com for more information on his other books, and how to buy a copy of Gunflint Falling.
Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/
Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ -
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 insights and personal experiences that led to this important step for the BWCA Wilderness, and founding of the Friends of the Boundary Waters. They also reflect on how the lessons learned from that time period can be applied to the current efforts of the Friends, to protect the wilderness.
You can further their important work by DONATING to Friends of the Boundary Waters during Give to the Max - where your gift will be matched by other generous supporters. DOUBLE your impact with a gift during Give to the Max! And thank you for being a Friend!
Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/
Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ -
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 through the options and give us some answers to what makes for the best BWCA canoes, what features to look for in canoes, paddles and PFD's -- and how to choose. Darren also shares his favorite pieces of gear, and ideas for which items might make the biggest difference on your next paddle journey.
Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/
Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ -
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 move faster, be more comfortable or just have a richer experience in the BWCA.
Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/
Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ -
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 and is part Irish and part Ojibwe. In his books, Krueger explores the tensions within these cultures and examines important social topics that reflect real life.
His most recent Cork O'Connor mystery is Fox Creek, which came out last year. And Krueger has also written a series of standalone books, including this tender land.
Friends of the Boundary Waters' Executive Director, Chris Knopf, recently spoke to Kent Krueger to talk about his books, his writing process, and to share questions from readers about Northern Minnesota as a backdrop to his work.
Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/
Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ -
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 Dakota, all the way to the Appalachian trail in Vermont.
On this episode, we're joined by Matthew Davis NCTA regional trail coordinator, who gives us an overview of how these unique BWCA trails fit into the larger national trail system. Plus - he describes hiking in the BWCA, and how it differs from canoeing.
Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/
Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ -
The ice is now out on the Lakes in the Boundary Waters, and weâre embracing the promise of the spring season. But for those who live and work near the Boundary Waters, theyâve 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 Service sled dog musher, who has been using the ice and snow of the harsh winter to help get things ready for summer travelers to Americaâs most visited wilderness.
We talk to Joe about working with a sled dog team to backhaul lumber from the Rose/Duncan Lake stairway project, completed in 2022, as well as hauling fire grates, latrines, and winter patrols across the ice. Joe also highlights best "Leave No Trace" practices for winter. It's a great introduction to unseen work that happens in the winter, in the BWCA.
Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/
Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ -
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 and become immortalized on cans of Lake Monster beer. The response was outstanding, with a tremendous lineup of chilling, humorous and supernatural creatures!
You voted on your top picks, and judges from MN Historical Society Press, WTIP North Shore Radio, Lake Monster Brewing and Friends of the Boundary Waters gathered to select a winner.
Now, our top 3 winners read their monster tales for you, in an episode that might give you the chills and wonder what's around the next corner on that portage. And we crown a new BWCA Monster, the Jackerwocky, which you'll be able to find at a store near you!
Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/
Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ -
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 turned out to be life-changing experience.
In this episode Michelle shares her story about connecting to the Boundary Waters through trail-clearing, and the logistics of a trail clearing trip. Then she goes much deeper, sharing her observations on being a person color in the wilderness, discussing issues of access and why more BIPOC people arenât visiting the Boundary Waters, and how she's working to change that.After participating on several trips and recruiting several people to join her, Michelle is now leader her own trail clearing trips. She wants to continue to develop her skills, - including creating unique, flavorful Asian-inspired camping meals, and continuing her work to guide more people and inspire them to venture out to wild places.
Inspired? Sign up for a trail clearing trip!
https://www.friends-bwca.org/bwca-trail-clearing
Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/
Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ -
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 glimpse of what it's like to be in the wilderness full time, and how it's different from enjoying it recreationally. She describes some of the joys, the challenges, even simple things like water and heat that many of us take for granted, and how someone who lives in the north woods of Minnesota connects with wilderness on a daily basis.
Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/
Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ -
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 Waters, the importance of wilderness, clean water and environmental protection, and the upcoming election. And we take questions from other concerned citizens who joined us for this presentation.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/
Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ -
When exploring the Boundary Waters, youâre bound to make a mistake or two.
Our guest Tiger Beaudoin knows this first hand. Heâs guided first-timers, grandparents, parents with children, and paddled solo across our favorite wilderness for years. Heâs also made more than a few mistakes.
In this fast-paced presentation, heâll describe 10 lessons learned âthe hard wayâ while paddling hundreds of miles and portaging thousands of rods in the BWCA and Quetico.
Using these packing, equipment, camping, and fishing tricks, youâll enjoy a safer, more worry-free experience in the BWCA.
BONUS: Check out Tiger's ultimate BWCA checklist, and a copy of his presentation with shocking videos and product links.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/
Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ -
In this informative World Water Day discussion, we celebrate and discuss the threats, and ways that we can fight for clean water.
Weâll 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 access to clean water for decades to come.
Also, talk to the authors of legislation (SF 3633/HF 3888) that would create a State Water Plan to ensure that Minnesota has an abundant supply of clean water for the next 50 years.
Guests:
Minnesota State Senator Jen McEwen
Minnesota State Representative Kelly Morrison
Amanda Koehler, Land Stewardship Project
Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information, resources and a video of this presentation.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/
Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ -
February in Minnesota is a perfect time to plan your winter Boundary Waters adventure. Some of the best winter camping happens from now through Marchâ 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 staying warm and dry, and discuss gear and how to keep yourself safe. Join us for this podcast to learn how to start preparing for your trip!
Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information, resources and a video of this presentation.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/
Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ -
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're also joined by Senator Jen McEwen from Duluth to discuss legislative efforts to protect clean water, and we review the recent Polymet wastewater permit decision, and how you can make your voice heard.
Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information, resources and a video of this presentation.Visit https://www.friends-bwca.org/podcast for more information and resources from this episode.
Website:
https://www.friends-bwca.org
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/BWCAW
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/FriendsBWCAW
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/user/FriendsOfTheBWCA
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/friendsbwcaw/
Donate:
https://www.friends-bwca.org/donate/ - Montre plus
