Superior National Forest officials are trying to clarify regulations for dogs within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness after releasing official Forest Service regulations earlier this year.

The regulations — which apply across all parts of U.S. national forests — require all dogs to be on a six-foot or shorter leash at all times while in a developed area — including campgrounds, campsites, boat landings, hiking trails, portages, fishing piers, trails, etc. Dogs also can be kept in a crate or cage.

The rule has always applied to the BWCA, officials note, although regular visitors have said it hadn’t been enforced much before this year.

Last Wednesday, officials clarified that dogs do not have to be on a leash while in a canoe on the water, and that hunting dogs actively hunting — in water or on land — do not have to be on a leash in the woods or lakes, even if on a trail.

“Dogs endanger wildlife and barking intrudes on the experience,” the Forest Service in clarifying the regulations for dogs in the BWCA. “Annually, visitors lose dogs within the BWCA due to a run-away or wildlife encounter, please follow the law to protect your dog and wildlife.”

Forest officials also added that all dog poop should be disposed of “200 feet from water, campsites, portages, or put it in a latrine.”

“With respect to hunting, if you are participating in an active hunt, you can have your dog off-leash,” said Cathy Quinn, assistant manager of wilderness for the Superior National Forest. “If you are engaged in an active hunt and you’re out with a hunting dog that’s going to retrieve birds or point birds, you can have your dog off-leash.”

Officials said the minimum possible fine if an unleashed dog citation is issued is $50.

“In recent years, we have received feedback from the public, recreation managers, and wilderness rangers regarding dogs misbehaving on trails, portages, and campsites not just in the BWCA, but in other areas of the Superior National Forest,” forest officials said in their statement Wednesday. “In sharing the official language from the code of federal regulations, we hope to raise awareness and educate visitors regarding responsible dog handling while visiting a National Forest.”