BWCA Brings Millions into Counties

[PaddlerJimmy]

Jump In Value Of BWCAW Means More Money From Feds

10/31/08 WCCO
DULUTH, Minn. (AP) ― Three northeastern Minnesota counties will get extra money from the U.S. Forest Service this year thanks to a jump in the appraised value of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

The BWCAW stretches across northern Cook, Lake and St. Louis counties -- meaning each will get more so-called "payments in lieu of taxes," or PILT, from the federal agency.

Federal law requires the BWCAW be re-appraised every 10 years. Counties get three-quarters of one percent of that valuation.

The 1998 appraisal of BWCAW lands was $280 million. The new appraisal pegs it at $820 million.

St. Louis County's payment will jump to about $1.6 million annually. Lake County will receive about $2.5 million and Cook County, about $2 million.