Proposed Minnesota seaplane service to Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale National Park is considering adding a seaplane base in Houghton County, Michigan, and adding Grand Marais as a new destination.

The purpose of the proposed action is to add more transportation options to the island for visitors within the parameters set by the Park’s General Master Plan (1998). Need for this determination has arisen due to the request by Isle Royale Seaplanes (IRS) to provide this service.

Currently, the Cook County Seaplane Base in Grand Marais supports seaplane arrivals on designated runways on Devil Track Lake. The second seaplane would be a Cessna 206 nearly identical to the existing seaplane. Depending on weather and demand, the IRS currently provides up to five flights a day with a maximum of 20 people entering and leaving the island. The second aircraft could double that amount to 40 people per day.

A one- or two-year trial period for the second aircraft would be authorized under a Commercial Use Authorization. After the trial period, either party may choose to end the additional Minnesota service, a CUA may be reissued, or the existing contract may be amended. The CUA would include flight pattern and altitude restrictions to limit impacts to visitors. Soundscape monitoring equipment would be placed on the island and compared to 2013 and 2016 data.

This proposal is open for public review and comment on any concerns about the additional seaplane service, concluding 30 days after the March 17, 2017, press release. Comments may be submitted online at parkplanning.nps.gov/seaplane, or by mailing or hand-delivering comments to Superintendent Phyllis Green, Isle Royale National Park, ISRO Seaplane, 800 East Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, Michigan 49931- 1896. Phyllis Green, Isle Royale National Park, ISRO Seaplane, 800 East Lakeshore Drive, Houghton, Michigan 49931-1896.