In September, 100 National Park Service leaders including national and regional directors and superintendents traveled to St. Paul, MN for its annual Midwest Region: Senior Leadership Training. In all, 60 park units from 13 states and three time zones were represented. NPLSF was honored to participate in many of the associated events.
NPLSF timed its Board of Directors meeting to coincide with the week’s activities, giving our leadership a chance to meet and discuss issues with the Superintendents and others.
“As the Friends group for five parks, spread across three states, we valued the chance to roll up our sleeves and talk to all superintendents together,” said NPLSF Executive Director Tom Irvine. “We came away from the meeting with a strong shared commitment to improving the educational opportunities, staff housing, cultural resources, habitat, climate resilience, and other features of Lake Superior’s cherished national parks.”
NPLSF and its board had a further chance to connect with park leaders, including Director Chuck Sams and Regional Director Bert Frost, at an amazing evening we hosted with other local Friends groups Wild Rivers Conservancy, Voyageurs Conservancy, Mississippi Park Connection and National Parks Conservation Association.
Working with these same colleague organizations, NPLSF shared best practices and other insights on a panel for park leaders exploring the relationship between National Parks and the Friends groups that support them through public-private partnership.
Our time with the National Park Service leaders wrapped up with a Mississippi River tour aboard the Magnolia Blossom, pictured at right.
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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.