At the recent Midwest Mountaineering Expo, I learned from Claire Que that the proposed restrictions on air access, set to take effect on July 1, 2011, have been recently tabled. This means that one can still fly-in or out using any lakes large enough to accomodate a seaplane.

She said that they are now working on having the restrictions take effect by July 1, 2012, but there is some doubt whether or not that date will happen. So, for this year, fly where you want to, and it looks to be safe to plan on that for early trips next year, as well.

I also talked to her about the campsite mapping project, and she said that for the next few years, folks can camp where they want to, tho they are evaluating the possibility of having designated campsites in the future. They do prefer that folks camp at previously used campsites. They are continuing work on their campsite mapping project, but anticipate a few more years of study before anything gets decided.

Another topic of our conversation was regarding pictographs and other points of interest. She told me that they will not publicly indicate on maps or anything else, where these sites are located. But, she said that anyone who wants to know, can stop in their Red Lake office, and after an educational spiel regarding their spiritual and cultural significance, they will show you where they are located on the lakes you plan to travel.

She also revealed that she provides regular updates on such topics as road access conditions, fire danger/restrictions, bugs, etc on (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) . She recommends that website be checked prior to coming to Red Lake.