Summer 2026 brought record demand for Boundary Waters Canoe Area permits—weekend slots filled in 72 hours. But behind the numbers lies a growing water quality question that could reshape how paddlers plan their trips.
Author: David Ohnstad
David Ohnstad is a Senior Data Product Manager based in Minneapolis, MN, writing weekly about Minnesota outdoors, adventure, and the great north. He has over 15 years of experience in data, technology, and product leadership. Connect at https://davidohnstadminnesota.com.