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Irvine Lake Loop Destroyed (Read 5734 times)

Jimbo Voyageur Inukshuk Offline Posts: 4599 Location: Florida Joined: Oct 6^th, 2002	Irvine Lake Loop Destroyed Jul 23^rd, 2018 at 12:24pm	Quote Print Post
	All - Marten passed along some disturbing news late yesterday. It appears that fires have consumed much of the area around Irvine Lake. They have likely rendered the lake inaccessible except by plane for quite a while. From what I understand, even planes are having great difficulty getting in there due to heavy smoke. This could result in some tragic consequences as I understand there may have been an individual (or individuals) camped on Irvine when all hell broke loose. This is what I've heard second/third hand, anyway. My point in posting this information is to warn anyone with plans to venture into the increasingly-popular Irvine Lake area (as well as nearby lakes). You should check in with the park service or Harlan Schwartz or whoever is your outfitter for updated, current information. It was such a beautiful area. I hate to think of it in ashes. Also, Marten worked awfully hard to create viable approaches via paddling vs. fly-ins. Paddlers who have made that journey can appreciate all the effort that went into it. We are grateful and, now, a little sad, I guess. I keep reminding myself that "fire is an essential part of the ecosystem" up there. Hmmm... somehow it feels less than satisfactory to say that. Thanks for the memories, Marten. FYI for all prospective paddlers.... Jimbo


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Marten Inukshuk Offline Posts: 545 Location: IL Joined: Feb 7^th, 2010	Re: Irvine Lake Loop Destroyed Reply #1 - Jul 23^rd, 2018 at 1:24pm	Quote Print Post
	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) This map link shows the burn area of this year's larger fires. The Manitoba fire on the Bloodvein is moving toward WCPP too. Huge areas have been closed to entry.


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Marten Inukshuk Offline Posts: 545 Location: IL Joined: Feb 7^th, 2010	Re: Irvine Lake Loop Destroyed Reply #2 - Jul 23^rd, 2018 at 1:37pm	Quote Print Post
	(You need to *Login* or *Register* to view media files and links) This map link also has an overlay list which includes fire history for the last 36 years but not the fire that burned Walking Stick in 2016. That info will be useful in selecting future canoe routes.
	« Last Edit: Jul 24^th, 2018 at 1:03am by Marten »

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HighnDry Inukshuk Offline Posts: 1056 Location: Minneapolis Joined: Apr 29^th, 2013	Re: Irvine Lake Loop Destroyed Reply #3 - Jul 27^th, 2018 at 1:50am	Quote Print Post
	Well, THAT's a bummer for sure!


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mpeebles Inukshuk Offline Posts: 598 Location: Fond du Lac, WI Joined: Feb 26^th, 2018	Re: Irvine Lake Loop Destroyed Reply #4 - Aug 4^th, 2018 at 11:05am	Quote Print Post
	I agree, it's a shame what happened. I did the west route from Irvine down to Gammon/Royd last year. The 700m portage between two of the unnamed lakes was one of the most beautiful walks I've ever been on. We were planning a three week trip from Moose down to Lightning (or up to Irvine) in late Aug./Sept. but we're going have to re-route. Just waiting to see what the fires do. Haven't been to this site lately.......nice checking in! ...........Mike


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mpeebles Inukshuk Offline Posts: 598 Location: Fond du Lac, WI Joined: Feb 26^th, 2018	Re: Irvine Lake Loop Destroyed Reply #5 - Sep 19^th, 2018 at 1:11am	Quote Print Post
	Completed our nineteen day trip on Sept. 11th. Because of the route closures (one of which we informed of thirty minutes prior to flying out) we decided to stay in the N/E part of the park. Flew into Artery and did side trips up into Ted's and west into Lower Artery and south into the south arm of Artery. Paddled up the Bloodvein to Barclay and explored/fished there for three days. Paddled up to Musclow with side trips into Hawk and north into the unnamed lakes until we could proceed no further. Paddled Musclow in its entirety. Active fires on the south shore of Barclay while we were there. We could see the glow from the Manitoba fire at night from Artery. (I think I saw a shadow of Marten roasting marshmallows?). Fishing was fantastic even with fronts moving through. Lots of wind on this trip. My younger brothers first extended canoe trip (we have a new convert!). Saw motor boats on Artery (from Lower Artery) and on Barclay (from Sobourin Lake Lodge). No boats on Musclow. No other canoeists seen on the trip. An aside.....the fires seemed to be kind of "patchy" in the areas along the Bloodvein and on Barclay. From the air however, there were large areas that had burned completely. Anyway, had a great time and already looking at the maps for next year! Safe travels........Mike


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HighnDry Inukshuk Offline Posts: 1056 Location: Minneapolis Joined: Apr 29^th, 2013	Re: Irvine Lake Loop Destroyed Reply #6 - Sep 19^th, 2018 at 9:59pm	Quote Print Post
	It sounds like you had a great trip and made the most of tough situation re:burn areas and fires. Those are areas that I have not personally reached so they are all on an eventual bucket list I suppose. I for one would love more information on campsites (status, location) and fishing exploits. I am a sucker for a good trip report if the spirit moves you. Thanks for this info. I'm envious of the length of time you were able to spend up there.


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mpeebles Inukshuk Offline Posts: 598 Location: Fond du Lac, WI Joined: Feb 26^th, 2018	Re: Irvine Lake Loop Destroyed Reply #7 - Sep 20^th, 2018 at 12:42pm	Quote Print Post
	I'll try and get one published for a change. We visited almost all the campsites on the lakes we stayed on. One of my goals on a trip is to do more exploring/fishing on a shorter route rather than less exploring on a longer route. I/we enjoy doing day trips from a base camp. Half the fun is looking at the topos and thinking.....I wonder what it's like over there? .......Mike


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bogwalker Inukshuk Offline Posts: 466 Location: Minneapolis Joined: Oct 22^nd, 2002	Re: Irvine Lake Loop Destroyed Reply #8 - Oct 13^th, 2020 at 2:20pm	Quote Print Post
	Has anyone heard any new information about the Irvine area since the 2018 fire? Curious as I start thinking about where I might go in 2021 assuming the border opens again.
	« Last Edit: Oct 13^th, 2020 at 6:48pm by bogwalker »

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Jimbo Voyageur Inukshuk Offline Posts: 4599 Location: Florida Joined: Oct 6^th, 2002	Re: Irvine Lake Loop Destroyed Reply #9 - Oct 13^th, 2020 at 4:03pm	Quote Print Post
	Bogwalker, Marten would be the guy to comment on that one, though I doubt much has changed from the assessment he offered me LAST year. I had been contemplating options for 2020 before the Covid mess and asked what he thought about Irvine. His outlook was pretty bleak as that area will be "charred" and in "forest renewal" mode for another few years. I suppose there can be something to be said for visiting an area in forest renewal. Might have a better chance of seeing caribou, etc.. Also, I can't imagine the fishing will have suffered...which reminds me, I still have to settle accounts with a monster Northern I lost on Irvine about a decade ago. Hey, if you DO get to head to Irvine, I have one important travel tip: DON'T bushwhack in from the east side! THAT was one of the dumbest things I've ever done...and nearly the LAST thing I ever did. Finally, for what it's worth, I'm not holding my breath waiting for Canadians to open up in 2021. It would be a good year to tackle something else, I'm thinking... like paddling down the Mississippi River, for instance. Later, Jimbo


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