The U.S. Forest Service is extending its rules to keep food and scented items safely stored for another five years in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). This comes as the current order is about to expire.
The new guidelines require that food attractants be hung at least 12 feet above the ground and 6 feet away from tree trunks. Alternatively, these items can be kept in special bear-resistant containers certified by the Interagency Grizzly Bear Committee. These rules will be in place from April 1 to November 30, effective from February 1, 2026, to February 1, 2031.
Every visitor to the BWCAW must follow these guidelines unless they have written permission to be exempt. The only exceptions are for team members involved in rescue or firefighting. If you’re actively using food, like while cooking, you don’t need to store it securely as long as it’s under close observation.
The Forest Service manages a vast area of public land—about 193 million acres. They also support private landowners and oversee extensive wildland fire and forestry research. Interestingly, they have stewardship over around 900 million acres of forest in the U.S., including over 130 million acres of urban forests, where many Americans live.
Bear safety is crucial, especially as interactions between humans and bears increase. A recent study highlighted that areas with food attractants saw a significant rise in bear encounters. Experts recommend that people be extra vigilant and familiar with bear safety practices when visiting wilderness areas.
In social media discussions, many outdoor enthusiasts emphasize the importance of these guidelines, arguing that they help preserve not only human safety but also the natural behaviors of bears. By securely managing food, we can coexist peacefully with wildlife while enjoying the great outdoors.
For additional information, you can check the Forest Service’s website for updates and resources regarding these regulations.
