1 Lake, 5 Parks, 0 Carbon
Decarbonize the Parks Project
From the unique ecosystem of Isle Royale to the historic lighthouses of the Apostle Islands, Lake Superior’s 5 National Parks boast natural and cultural resources cherished by generations. But the park facilities run primarily on fossil fuels. This must change.
With 10% of the world’s freshwater, Lake Superior and the National Parks are facing the ravages of a changing climate. We owe it to the lake, the parks, and ourselves to create a future without carbon pollution.
Our answer: Decarbonize the Parks—an ambitious project to cut carbon pollution from parks facilities and pursue net-zero energy consumption.
For further details, please contact us at decarb@nplsf.org.
Our deep thanks to Askov Finlayson, a climate positive outerwear company, for their early investment in our Decarbonize the Parks Project. Their early seed funding and collaboration made this project possible.
An opportunity for Midwest leadership
New federal funding is available for National Parks to model climate resiliency. Lake Superior’s National Parks are poised to act immediately, and are gaining national attention in this effort.
Working with all 5 National Park superintendents, gateway community officials and regional tribal leadership, we will create an equitable integration plan.
Our partners agree: Lake Superior’s decarbonization model must be ambitious, effective, equitable and achievable—and an inspiration for others to follow our example.
Decarbonization Strategies Tailored to Each Park
We will address the unique needs of each park, and maintain its character, through a combination of tools:
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Zero-carbon energy, using solar, geothermal and other renewable grid sources.
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Energy efficiency in windows, insulation, lighting, HVAC and appliances.
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Transportation electrification of light-duty vehicles and building charging stations are a top priority. We are monitoring emerging technology for EV boats.
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Innovation, including load management and new high-impact, costefficient and proven technologies.
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Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
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Grand Portage National Monument
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Isle Royale National Park
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Keweenaw National Historical Park
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Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
program priorities
The National Parks of Lake Superior is focused on four major program elements to Decarbonize the Parks:
Utilize industry-leading technical design.
Create a realistic, practical example of climate resiliency to educate and inspire others.
Elevate clean energy jobs
Build an equity and inclusion lens into all aspects of the project.
NPLSF is leading a national coalition of public and private agencies, nonprofits and individuals to fully eliminate fossil fuel consumption in powering the infrastructure of all 5 National Park sites on Lake Superior.
Your partnership and support are crucial to the success of this project. Please join us.
To learn more, please contact us at decarb@nplsf.org.
The National Parks of Lake of Lake Superior Foundation is the official nonprofit (501(c)(3) funding partner of the five national parks on Lake Superior.