Covid has done what the fiercest of Lake Superior winters could not: Prompted cancellation of winter research at Isle Royale National Park for the first time since 1959.
Researchers from Michigan Technological University, State University of New York College of Environmental Sciences and Forestry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Minnesota, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, and the National Park Service had planned to conduct various aspects of ecosystem research this winter as part of a long-term research program and assess the ecological impacts of restoring wolves to the ecosystem.
To gain an appreciation for the challenges and rigors of winter wolf research at Isle Royale, check out this video produced with help from the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation:
However, the remote island wilderness of Isle Royale cannot claim to be a refuge from the coronavirus pandemic. Factors leading to the decision to cancel this winter's research include the border closure between the United States and Canada, inadequate aviation resources to transport personnel and cargo and assist in emergency evacuation if warranted, and the strain of the pandemic on local resources.
“While this will be the first time since 1959 that the winter research has not occurred, the NPS and our partners are confident in the decision to prioritize personnel health and safety,” said Isle Royale Superintendent Denice Swanke.
The Park Service will work with partners to maximize opportunities in the upcoming summer field season to document wolf population changes through the collection of genetic material from feces, remote cameras, and other techniques not involving direct observation. However, with respect to the moose population, efficient and feasible methods are not yet available to provide a population estimate during the summer field season in 2021.
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