As a relatively new BWCAW explorer (three trips in the last three years), I find it difficult to remember which lakes allow motor boat traffic. Would it be possible to add an optional layer to the interactive map, similar to the PMAs and Burn Areas, that would show the approximate regions that allow motor traffic? Much like the burn areas, I want to be aware of motor traffic potential before I enter the wilderness, but I currently find myself cross-referencing Paddle Planner with other (inadequate) sites in an attempt to remember where motor traffic is allowed.

It is particularly challenging on lakes like Seagull where part of the lake allows traffic, but the descriptions reference 3 Mile Island. In this case, not only do I need to identify the lake as allowing motor traffic, but also have to figure out where the boundary is on the lake in order to visualize how much motor traffic I may see. As a visual person, all I want is a map of the lake that is shaded where the motor traffic is allowed! This seems like a bit of data that would be a natural fit on the map.

PS I do like that entry points are color-coded to provide a visual cue on entry lakes.

Thanks for those links Ben. I hadn't found those maps yet and they immediately helped me visualize some areas I was unclear on. Their data is precisely what I am hoping can eventually be added to Paddle Planner.

Quick question - do you know if motor traffic is allowed on the Quetico side of any border lakes? The National Geographic maps show shading up to the border on lakes like North Fowl or Saganaga, but I can't tell if that is because the regulation changes at the border or if it is just the map's focus on the US side of the wilderness.

I added the motor areas layer. I'm not set on the colors - the only one I really liked was the purple. If you have any suggestions instead of the yellow and green for the other two, let me know. 

Since there is a lot of data going into those layers, it makes that part of the map load quite a bit slower. I'm thinking of turning it off by default and then you can turn it on if you want. For now, though, it is on by default.

Originally Posted by: eagle98mn

Ben, you are to fast and efficient for your own good! This kind of fast response sets a pretty high bar for future suggestions and requests. :)

Well, someone else had requested it over a year ago, and I didn't get around to it. Having a second person suggest the exact same thing made me get a move on it.