For Immediate Release Contact: Smitty Parratt (906) 487-7154
(HOUGHTON, MI)--"Commercial seaplane service to Isle Royale National Park will not be available this summer," announced Superintendent Phyllis A. Green today. Isle Royale Seaplane Service has provided this service to Isle Royale for 37 years under a concession contract with the National Park Service. The company owner, Clarence Grognet, cited increasing operational costs as a reason for not renewing the summer 2002 contract. Park officials have been told for example that insurance rates for small aircraft have increased dramatically since the events of September 11.
When Isle Royale Seaplane Service decided not to renew their contact, the park began a search for a temporary operator to provide air service during the 2002 operating season. These efforts were not successful. Several companies expressed strong interest in the new 10-year concession contract for air service to the island which will be advertised later this year. The park is optimistic that this important service will again be available to visitors in 2003. A contract will be issued to a seaplane concessionaire to provide this service in 2003. For more information, contact Isle Royale National Park at (906) 482-0984.
For the 2002 summer season, transportation to Isle Royale is available as usual through several passenger ferries. The Grand Portage – Isle Royale Transportation Line, Inc., provides service from Grand Portage, Minnesota, to Isle Royale aboard the Voyageur II and Wenonah; call (715) 392-2100 for information or reservations. The National Park Service vessel, Ranger III, operates to Isle Royale out of Houghton, Michigan; call (906) 482-0984 for information or reservations. Providing service from Copper Harbor, Michigan, The Isle Royale Line, Inc., operates the Isle Royale Queen III; call (906) 289-4437 for information or reservations.
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April 30, 2002
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