Motorboat Use in the BWCA
Motor travel in the BWCA has been the most controversial topic regarding recreational rights. The first attempt to solve this issue was the 1964 Act, which proved unsuccessful. The 1978 Act limited motor boat use to the point where it is today, banned on all but 14 lakes in the BWCA. Many people felt this affected their rights to travel freely and enjoy the BWCA the way they wanted.
The issue with motor travel was that "canoeists were annoyed with the sound and carelessness of the boats and drivers they met. Many of these visitors believed that motor use defeated the purpose of coming to the BWCA."- Betsy Daub
"The motorboat users believed in sharing the area with canoeists. Motors didn’t disrupt the ecological process in the BWCA, and motorists saw travel as a personal preference and motors made travel easier, faster, and more enjoyable, so they were willing to fight for it."- Betsy Daub
-Chad Nelson, BWCA user and supporter of the motor ban.