NPLSF
Initiatives
SUPPORTING, PRESERVING,
& ENHANCING
We’re committed to the five amazing national parks along Lake Superior, and every project we take on furthers that commitment. The initiatives and programs that you help us fund go toward the preservation and enhancement of all five national parks. With your help, we’ve restored trails and visitors amenities, we’ve created educational resources and programs, and we’ve even reintroduced wolves into the Isle Royale wilderness.
A Big Lake needs a Big Commitment - and we are so grateful for yours!
You make these initiatives happen. Please become a member today!
Featured Initiatives
DECARB THE PARKS
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.
An opportunity for Midwest leadership
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New federal funding is available for National Parks to model climate resiliency.
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Lake Superior’s National Parks are poised to act immediately, and are gaining national attention in this effort.
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Working with all 5 National Park superintendents, gateway community officials and regional tribal leadership, we will create an equitable integration plan.
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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.
Program Priorities
The National Parks of Lake Superior is focused on four major program elements to Decarbonize the Parks:
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Utilize industry-leading technical design.
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Create a realistic, practical example of climate resiliency to educate and inspire others.
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Elevate clean energy jobs
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Build an equity and inclusion lens into all aspects of the project.
The Wolf & Moose Project
The ongoing sixty-five year predator/prey study of wolves and moose on Isle Royale provides the backdrop for a new chapter of understanding regarding these two iconic animals and the ecosystem in which they interact. The future story is yet to be written.
Photo by Vlada Cech.
RESTORATION & PRESERVATION
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Restoration and refurnishing of the 1874 Au Sable Light Station
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Materials for volunteer restoration & repair projects on park trails
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Wolf Relocation Funding
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Historic Wendigo Wagon preservation project
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Ballast water treatment projects to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species
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Tools and materials for Adopt-a-Trail volunteer restoration & repair projects
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Restore historic landscapes & disease resistant Beech tree propagation
Education
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Climate change interpretive exhibits
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Historic clothing for Grand Portage Ojibwe youth mentorship program
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Summer Park newsletter
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Graphic design software, interpretive development & Grand Portage Trail brochures
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Fund summer internship with the Division of Interpretation
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New Junior Ranger program booklets for children & park lighthouse brochures
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Keweenaw specific passport stamp brochures for all 22 Heritage Sites
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Historian’s symposiums & archive interns
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Italian Hall Site interpretive development
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New Junior Ranger booklets & school study trips for children
visitor enhancements
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Bear-resistant food storage lockers for camping areas
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Solar powered vent fans and lights for vault toilets
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Trails Helicopter materials drop.
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Heritage Site sign program