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The federal government, an entity many people wouldn’t necessarily consider the best for the purposes of planning, seems to be out front in establishing an organization to advance coordinated protection and improvement of Isle Royale National Park’s historic structures.
The Isle Royale Heritage Alliance will be responsible for approximately approximately 90 cabins, 19 fishery buildings and four lighthouses. The Alliance will be powered by volunteers, with coordination by the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation, the designated nonprofit park partner for Lake Superior’s five national parks.
“The Cultural Resources Management Plan and Wilderness Stewardship Plan for the park include a commitment to a partnership for historic preservation work,” said Isle Royale National Park Superintendent Denice Swanke. “With the launch of the Isle Royale Heritage Alliance, a more formal partnership is now in place to create and implement a shared vision for historic preservation work in the park.”
Known today as one of our nation’s most remote wilderness parks, Isle Royale has long been a focal point of human activity. For thousands of years, North Shore Ojibwe have used the island as a seasonal hub for hunting, fishing, gathering, spiritual connection and copper mining. More recently, French fur traders, copper prospectors, fisheries and seasonal homeowners also forged a connection to the land.
For decades, dedicated volunteers have contributed to preservation projects throughout the park. The Alliance builds on that foundation by creating a coordinated planning and funding framework of volunteers and resources to increase the scale of preservation activities. This new level of coordination will ensure a more efficient and prioritized system and reduce volunteer management and administration for park staff.
The Alliance will engage long-term volunteers, including descendant families, while creating new opportunities for volunteers, technical experts, students and supporters to participate in the stewardship of the park's historic and cultural resources.
Volunteers in parks are already completing priority projects on Isle Royale including:
• Removal of debris and unused items from camp and cabin sites
• Completion of a required structural fire checklist assessment at each historic site
• Completion of required annual condition assessments at each historic site
National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation, which has led many cleanup efforts over the years including a 2025 project at Fisherman’s Home, is coordinating the effort.
This is a prime example of good money chasing after other good money. Credit where credit is due. This is a solid move that addresses a need without a lot of fanfare and politicking.
To learn more, visit nplsf.org/donate.