With summer just around the corner and people eager to enjoy some outdoor activities, Chippewa and Superior national forests shared some important safety reminders to help ensure a fun and safe outdoor experience.
Be careful around water and always wear a personal flotation device. Although lakes and streams have started to warm, water temperatures can still be cold enough to be dangerous. Water temperatures below 70 degrees cause the body to lose heat. In cold water there’s a higher than usual potential for hypothermia. For what to do in case of falling in, check out “ Cold Water Survival Tips ” at https://tinyurl.com/2uqsf9 .
Humans are not the only ones emerging after a long winter, local bears are out and about after winter hibernation. They are hungry and always looking for easy meals, so be especially careful to keep food and garbage secured where bears cannot access them.
Although trees and shrubs have greened up, forest conditions are still ripe for wildfires. Fine fuels like dead grass and leaves will dry quickly on warm, windy days, creating potential for fires to start and spread easily. Be especially careful with outdoor campfires and follow fire restrictions. Cautions and campfire restrictions affecting the national forests are posted on forest websites. Fire restrictions outside of the national forests are posted at https://tinyurl.com/y9bkylld .
Be prepared and check out https://www.fs.usda.gov/visit/know-before-you-go to help ensure a great outdoor experience. If planning to visit the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, the best place to begin planning the wilderness visit is with a review of the Trip Planning Guide, available online at https://tinyurl.com/ya7eg6cv .
When recreating outdoors, it’s always a good idea to leave an itinerary with friends, family or a neighbor.
The Chippewa and Superior national forests will continue to coordinate COVID-19 responses in alignment with federal, state, tribal and local guidance. When visiting public lands, it is important to be aware of current forest limitations. Everyone is urged to take precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at https://tinyurl.com/wzop2cd .
For up to date information regarding forest closures or restrictions, visit fs.usda.gov/superior or fs.usda.gov/chippewa . Online open campsite and wilderness reservations can be obtained through recreation.gov .
