By Tim Cochrane Change (not “balance”) is an inevitable part of island life. One notable conclusion of Island Biogeography is species “wink” in and out, that is, are extirpated and others may recolonize an Island. Island resiliency is limited, less able to buffer impacts. The pace of change accelerates with human interventions. Let me explain: Most of us who visit Isle Royale assume that we are fortunate to be seeing what is perceived as “natural.” Further, many people, not g

Volunteers are the heart of coordinated effort This summer National Park Service officials announced the launch of the Isle Royale Heritage Alliance, a new effort to advance coordinated protection and improvement of Isle Royale National Park’s historic structures—approximately 90 cabins, 19 fishery buildings, and four lighthouses. The Alliance will be powered by volunteers, with coordination by the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (NPLSF), the designated nonprofit p

Photo credit: Seth Moore As smoke blankets the Lake Superior region, and wildfires burn nearby, we checked with our wildlife biologist, Adam Mortensen, to learn about potential impacts on Northeast Minnesota’s moose populations. Adam will be writing more about this topic in the future, but for now, here are answers to our three top questions: Q: How are moose faring during the fires? A: Active fires and their smoke are dangerous for moose in many of the same ways that they ar