A Legacy of Partnerships

The view from atop Feldtmann Fire Tower.

Kaitlyn Knick

The view from Feldtmann Fire Tower has a way of inviting you to sit down and stay awhile. Here, hikers pause to enjoy the scenery— a mixed-forest cascading to the Lake Superior shoreline. This lookout is not just a destination on a map, it’s also a symbol of the past.

The year is 1935; Company 2699 of the Civilian Conservation Corps arrives on Isle Royale. This arrival set in motion a lasting legacy: between 1935 and 1941, 400 CCC enrollees, supervised by the Army and directed by the NPS, built the bones of the Isle Royale we know and love today. Evidence of this past partnership is everywhere—trails and campgrounds were established, docks installed, and buildings constructed—such as the original wooden Feldtmann Fire Tower located close to the modern structure. This legacy of partnership, imprinted by the CCC, propels Isle Royale forward today.

Each year, numerous researchers, nonprofits, and governmental and tribal agencies make invaluable contributions to the park. In 2022, WisCorps repaired 400 feet of boardwalk, Old Northwest worked to preserve the historic integrity of the Dassler, Siefert, and Stack-Wolbrink cabins, and researchers completed the 61st year of the well-known wolf-moose/predator-prey study. These partners, inspired by their first, second, or many visits to the island, saw an opportunity to support the park for future generations.

Your visit to Isle Royale is the latest collaboration in a long line of partnerships. What legacy will you leave?

Bridget Byrne, Park Ranger