We have gotten our maps before at FR. This time the process seemed to have changed (hopefully still changing) and was super disjointed. There was a stack on a back table- not great for trying to view option. I remember a map of the entire BWCA broken down by each number of map to help you pick it out. I’m referring to the Mackenzie maps. Then when I needed a map- I had to go ask the store clerk to run off somewhere to grab me one. I had to do this twice. It seemed quite inconvenient for him wnd me. Also then the second time he came back to report they were out of 2 out of the 3 maps I was looking for. Sadly I had to go over to Duluth Pack- which thankfully they had more in stock and at least the chest of maps that was more organized. Sharing so hopefully the process is better next time!! I would even advocate- something really cool would be a big table where a canoe group could lay out a few maps and get a better idea of their route and trip planing!! Make it a whole part of the process with FR- come get your permit, hang out a bit and do some route planning. There is a table map at Bent Paddle and one on the wall at the DECC. Something like that would be so cool at FR. Trips could even start planning in the later winter/spring after permits open to get ahead of the game.
Hope this feedback helps. We love FR just not the current map scene:)
