Projects Add Resilience to Lake Superior Parks

Heat waves, severe storms, and high winds have become common occurrences in Lake Superior’s parks and National Parks of Lake Superior (NPLSF) is making progress to increase park resilience and reduce reliance on risky, polluting fossil fuel.

Through the Decarbonize the Parks initiative, NPLSF is helping our national parks embrace new technology that is safer, more dependable, and able to withstand extreme weather. Here are three examples of our exciting progress.

Isle Royale dorm improvements create outsized impact

One of the most rugged wilderness parks in the nation, Isle Royale is only open to visitors in the summer months. But in winter, vital research is conducted by scientists, and park staff remain on the island to complete multiple important projects. Currently winter accommodations are spartan at best. 

With funding provided solely by NPLSF, thanks to an individual donor, a major retrofit is underway on a large dorm building at Washington Harbor. Improvements include a new heating system with air source heat pumps powered by renewable electricity, electric appliances, and weatherization. This fall we will be sharing more information when the project is completed and ready for its first winter of use.

Solar arrays moving forward

Electricians are actively working to complete a new and improved solar array on the island with support from a variety of private sources. According to NPLSF Executive Director Tom Irvine, this is an incredibly significant piece of the project.

“The danger of fuel spills as propane is brought by boat to Isle Royale was a major reason NPLSF launched our efforts to decarbonize Lake Superior’s national parks,” said Irvine. “To see modern solar installations replacing delivered fuels as the main power source for the island is a big milestone and will provide the island with less expensive, safer, and more dependable power.”

Details including the angle of the panels and careful attention to sizing have the project primed for success and training for park operations staff will ensure its long term viability. 

Efficient, electric hot water heaters replace propane

An island-wide transition to electric hot water heating is another big win for Isle Royale’s resilience. A total of seven are being installed this summer, further transitioning off of the delivered fuels that need to be transported across the lake. 

NPLSF is working to maximize progress by focusing on one park at a time at this phase in the project and looks forward to helping all five of our parks fully decarbonize and improve their ability to withstand severe weather. We appreciate the support from Askov Finlayson, McKnight Foundation, National Park Foundation, and individual donors who have made this work possible. Visit the Decarbonize the Parks section of our website for more information and how-to tips you can use at home.

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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.