BWAC PRESS RELEASE
Boundary Waters Advisory Committee
309 Cedar Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55454
CONTACT: MARTIN KUBIK 651-214-5849 (phone)
http://www.bwac.homestead.com
BOUNDARY WATERS ADVISORY COMMITTEE NAMES TOP 3 MOST FAMILY-FRIENDLY TRAILS IN BOUNDARY WATERS CANOE AREA.
Minneapolis, MN, June 16, 2004 – Boundary Waters Advisory Committee, BWCA voice for hikers, wants families to get healthy this summer by getting outside and taking a canoe and hike trip. To help some families along, Boundary Waters Advisory Committee is today releasing its picks for top three most family-friendly trails in the country.
After evaluating hundreds of miles of hiking and backpacking trails in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and comparing their accessibility, ease and value of experience, the Advisory Committee tapped trails that offer the best introduction to wilderness hiking experience for families with children to grandparents.
“These trails offer families uncomplicated, inexpensive and healthy way to spend quality time together,” said Martin Kubik, Advisory Committee president. “Parents can introduce hiking to children, promoting a life-long enjoyment of trails that can lessen the risk of obesity and other health problems. We hope that this list helps families explore the outdoors as the summer vacation season begins.”
Hiking can play a fun role in helping the whole family stay healthy, according to Kubik. Hiking offers health benefits from controlling obesity to lowering risks for high blood pressure or diabetes. An averaged –sized person hiking at just two miles an hour burns more than 200 calories per hour.
“Unlike many other sports or outdoor activities, hiking requires little or no equipment, simply a sturdy pair of shoes, “ Kubik said.
To increase the awareness about hiking and backpacking in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the Advisory Committee celebrated the National Trails Day at Sawbill Lake USDA Forest Service campground near Tofte, MN on June 5. National Trails Day is an annual event sponsored by the American Hiking Society. Besides the Advisory Committee, the National Trails Day was co-sponsored by American Hiking Society, Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness, 3M Outdoor Club, North Star Ski Touring Club, University of Minnesota Center for Outdoor Activities, and Kelso Mountain Trail Club.
The top 3 family friendly hiking trails in the BWCA are: Eagle Mountain-Brule Lake Trail, Kelso Mountain Trail, and Snowbank Trail.
Boundary Waters Advisory Committee is a Minnesota based organization dedicated to saving historic hiking trails in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The group works to increase the awareness of hiking trails through educational events, working with the legislature and the USDA Forest Service.
The following outdoor industry leaders provide support: Sawbill Canoe Outfitters, Hormel Foods, makers of SPAM-singles, Midwest Mountaineering, Vasque, Recreational Equipment Inc., Galyans, Piragis, Royal Robbins, Granite Gear, Mc Kenzie Maps.
