National Parks of Lake Superior move forward in de-carbonizing the parks. In January 2023 the National Parks Service and National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation announced plans to decarbonize the parks by replacing gasoline-powered vehicles and tools with electronic ones instead. As well as plans to make par facilities and buildings more energy efficient with upgraded lighting and heating systems.
The plans are a first in the nation for any national park. The ambitious NPS Green Parks Plan supports efforts to advance more sustainable operations in national parks across the country. Lake Superior’s five national parks, the Apostle Islands, Grand Portage National Monument, Isle Royale National Park, Keweenaw National Historic Park, and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore will begin implementing the plan starting this year.
At Isle Royale the NPS will install air source heat pumps in staff housing units and administrative areas, reducing energy usage by up to 55 percent.
The Keweenaw National Historic Park will identify solar power options, and implement green practices and programs across the Calumet and Quincy units.
Those interested in learning more about the National Park of Lake Superior Foundation and NPS plans to decarbonize the parks can find more details about the other parks here.