NPLSF and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore staff and leadership gathered in October to test new equipment from Husqvarna’s Professional Battery Products line. Sam Miller
What's happening: Visitors to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore can expect a quieter experience, thanks to the donation of new battery-powered trail and grounds maintenance equipment from the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation. The electric equipment was purchased with a targeted contribution from an individual
donor.
Why it's important: The equipment donation brings the park one step closer in eliminating carbon emissions. With more than 100 miles of trails on the south shore of Lake Superior and one million visitors each year, the park devotes extensive time and energy to trail maintenance. By switching from gas-
powered equipment to lighter, quieter battery-powered equipment, the park is achieving multiple goals.
“These newer electric tools will allow us to tackle a lot of trail work,” said Mark Liles, trail supervisor for the park, “reducing hazards for our employees and reducing our carbon footprint as well as making it quieter and more enjoyable for folks in the park.”
What they're saying: “Transitioning gas powered professional-grade grounds and trail maintenance tools, including chainsaws, pole-saws and brush-cutters, virtually eliminates carbon emissions,” said Tom Irvine, who is executive director of the foundation. “The lighter weight, reduced noise and vibration also make the equipment easier and safer to operate.”
Said Dave Horne, park superintendent: “A big thank you to the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation and its partners for the donation of this new battery-powered trail and grounds maintenance equipment. This equipment will not only benefit the park employees who will use it, but it will also benefit the larger environment by reducing unwanted noise and carbon emissions. This donation also sets a great example to other parks of how to embrace a green approach to park maintenance.”
About the foundation: The nonprofit organization is a "friends" group and philanthropic partner of five national parks of Lake Superior: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Grand Portage National Monument, Isle Royale National Park, Keweenaw National Historical Park, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Its "Decarbonize the Parks" initiative is supported by the McKnight Foundation, National Parks Foundation, and Askov Finlayson.
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