Major Isle Royale Cleanup Creates Opportunities

In early August 2025, NPLSF and its partners tackled a massive cleanup at Fisherman’s Home, a historic commercial fishing camp at Isle Royale National Park. The project was a big group effort by the National Park Service, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, NPLSF staff, volunteers, and board members.  

Commercial fishing at the site ended decades ago. As with all former life-lease properties at Isle Royale, the life-leasee is expected to work with the park service to remove personal property. After years of limited use and without local family members available to assist, buildings at this site required significant effort to remove accumulated trash and impacts of weather and animals on the building contents. 

After three days of hard work documenting details for historic records and removing refuse, the buildings are now empty.

"This is the second site cleanup we have done with the hard-working NPLSF board members. Both have been great team efforts—and I appreciate the help from Grand Portage, the NPLSF, and staff from Apostle Islands National Lakeshore,” said Isle Royale National Park Superintendent Denice Swanke. 

Future use of structures at Fisherman's Home will be determined based on the general management plan for the park. Swanke notes that park visitors are always welcome to explore the exterior of former fisheries and family camp sites. 

Nationally known journalist Stephanie Pearson joined the volunteer group—stay tuned for a longer story about the project.

Fisherman’s Home Cleanup Gallery

Click through to explore the gallery.

Photo credits: Tom Irvine

Interested in another example of volunteers preserving Isle Royale’s past? Explore the 2023 Wright Island cleanup, focused on the Johnson/Holte family fishery.

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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.