Battery powered equipment coming to all Lake Superior parks
New innovation grant will improve worker safety and more
Photo credits: Sam Miller
When NPLSF helped Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore move to battery powered trail maintenance equipment, it was a smashing success, with clear benefits for worker health, noise reduction, and park efficiency.
Pictured Rocks Experience underscores health benefits
The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore pilot began three years ago, and the park’s battery-operated chainsaws, brush cutters, trimmers, leaf blowers, and pole saws have proven to be reliable and durable despite years of heavy use.
“They are lighter and significantly quieter than comparable gas-powered equipment, yet they deliver the professional-grade performance our staff depends on every day,” said Dave Horne, who oversaw the equipment transition as park superintendent.
“The equipment has not only enhanced our ability to maintain park trails and facilities, but it has also helped reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and hearing damage by minimizing the weight and noise associated with traditional gas-powered equipment.”
Given that Pictured Rocks work crews clear more than 100 miles of backcountry trails each spring alone, impacts have been significant. Because traditional equipment “runs out of gas” workers had been required to travel back for more fuel or carry extra fuel, adding to their load. Reducing use of flammable gas fuel out in the field also reduces fire risk.
New equipment to meet unique park needs
Each Lake Superior national park has unique needs, so the equipment–and benefits–will differ from park to park.
Keweenaw National Historical Park, for example, does not have wilderness trails but has a significant amount of grounds work that includes mowing, edging trimming, and leaf blowing, all of which will move to electric equipment.
In our island parks, the risks and financial cost of transporting fossil fuel by boat will be significantly reduced.
“As we put our National Park Foundation proposal together, each superintendent and operations manager contributed a ‘wish list’ that would have the largest impact on their park,” said NPLSF Executive Director Tom Irvine.
“We are grateful that NPF recognized the power of our success at Pictured Rocks and is supporting us in using this innovative but proven technology in all of Lake Superior’s national parks.”
Next steps: Equipment purchase and training
The pilot project was conducted with outdoor power equipment company Husqvarna, which sold NPLSF the needed equipment at a special contract price. Equipment for the other parks on Lake Superior will be purchased similarly though this time there will be an added opportunity for information sharing and coordinated training.
“With funding from the National Park Foundation we will confirm and purchase the equipment this winter and conduct most of the training in the spring, when seasonal workers come on board at each park,” Irvine said. Park maintenance staff from each park, Grand Portage Band staff (who provide contracted maintenance at Grand Portage National Monument), and Conservation Corps Crew leaders will all be involved.
Stay tuned for updates as this project moves closer to implementation and thank you again to the National Park Foundation for your support of this innovation!
How battery powered equipment compares to gas-powered equivalents
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About The NPLSF
The National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (NPLSF) exists to provide financial support for projects and programs that preserve the natural resources and cultural heritage of the five Lake Superior national parks: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Grand Portage National Monument, Isle Royale National Park, Keweenaw National Historical Park, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Funded through grants and private donations, NPLSF projects and programs ensure that these great parks and historic sites are maintained for the enjoyment of all current and future visitors.
To learn how you can support our work visit nplsf.org/donate.
