When wildfire threats forced Camp Widjiwagan to evacuate, preserving campers' safety came first. But staff also wanted to protect one of the camp's most treasured traditions: its fleet of historic wood-and-canvas canoes, some dating back to the early 1900s. Their solution was to carefully sink 19 canoes to the bottom of Burntside Lake, where they remain protected until it's safe to recover them. Camp leaders say the boats have already been inspected and are holding up well as they continue preparing for campers to eventually return. #Minnesota #Wildfires #BoundaryWaters #ElyMN #CampWidjiwagan #FOX9