Gunflint Falling - Tales of the 1999 BWCA Blowdown with Author Cary Griffith

This riveting conversation with Boundary Waters author Cary Griffith explores stories of the 1999 BWCA blowdown, as we discuss his new book “Gunflint Falling.” We’ll hear what it was like to document stories that illustrated the terrifying power of this historic storm, and what it was like to experience it in the Boundary Waters without adequate shelter, help or access to medical treatment. We’ll also hear a firsthand account from Friends staffer David Meier.
On July 4, 1999, in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), a bizarre confluence of meteorological events resulted in the most damaging blowdown in the region’s history. Originating over the Dakotas, the midsummer windstorm developed amid unusually high heat and water-saturated forests and moved steadily east, bearing down on Fargo, North Dakota, and damaging land as it crossed the Minnesota border. Gunflint Falling tells the story of this devastating storm from the perspectives of those who were on the ground before, during, and after the catastrophic event-from first-time visitors to the north woods to returning paddlers to Forest Service Rangers.
By the time the storm began to subside, falling trees had injured approximately sixty people, and most needed to be medevacked to safety. Amazingly, no one died. The historic storm laid down timber that would later blaze in the Ham Lake fire of 2007, ultimately reshaping the region’s forests in ways we have yet to fully understand.

[@krissimonson7369]

For my solo trips I always carry a Spot locator. I always scope a campsite for "safe" places in case of a storm, especially a large boulder that I can tuck up against to help shield me from falling trees. I wear my PFD for extra protection and have my Spot mounted on it so it is in easy reach. I also tie my canoe to big trees when I make camp. Looking forward to reading your book.

[@scottiebaldwin]

Ran into Izze and the crew of volunteers at the Bell Museum yesterday! What a great representative of the Friends of the Boundary Waters!

[@englishrose7195]

I'm from England and MN blew me away. Like the Lake District only flat. Scary storm though.

[@englishrose7195]

I was in that storm. We were on Canoe lake.

[@stevehisey389]

Garmin mini, Spot, or Zoleo worth their weight in gold... May also prevent folks from getting lost like the couple airlifted after being lost for 2 weeks. Thanks for a great interview.