Isle Royale National Park (ISRO) and MTU have entered into a strategic partnership to jointly develop an education and research center identified as the Isle Royale Institute (IRI). The IRI will foster and facilitate cooperative activities in science, resource management, education and the vision for the future of the environment by providing an atmosphere and facilities which enhance study and thought.
The IRI represents an outstanding development opportunity by which both organizations can more effectively leverage and combine their efforts concerning a broad morphology of education, public service, research and outreach efforts.
The IRI will be located within the park, an International Biosphere Research, that includes all of ISRO and its 400 island archipelago, as well as research and administration facilities in Houghton at ISRO and MTU, at the heart of Lake Superior in the Great Lakes Ecosystem.
Although Superior is arguably the most significant fresh water ecosystem on earth, many questions relating to the lake and its watershed remain, including the effects of human habitation, exploitation and recreation, as well as the economic potential of the region. Cryospheric features, surface lithology, water flow and quality are all of crucial importance and rift with the need for further scientific study. IRI will explore these questions, and bring word of the work done directly to the public through the interlocking set of education and outreach activities. These activities will provide for increased emphasis by funding agencies melding education, outreach and research activities.
IRI will serve to meld the diverse talents of faculty and students at MTU with a cadre of experienced and dedicated NPS personnel to not just offer students an unparalleled forum for education, or to perform scientific research, but to profoundly influence the visitors to ISRO, many of whom are professionals or prominent decision makers in the area of environmental policy.
Modification 1 adds funds to the project in order to produce "Leave No Trace" booklets for distribution to visitors to ISRO. The park has committed to producing an LNT brochure for visitors as part of its Wilderness and Backcountry Management Plan project. |
