Fireside Chats 2008

Date: February 19, 2008
Contact: David Kronk, 906-387-2607, ext. 206

Fireside Chat at Munising Falls

NPS photo by Ed Lasich

On Wednesdays in March, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore will once again offer "Fireside Chats," a series of public interpretive programs about the natural and cultural resources of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

The March 5 and 19 programs will be held at 7 p.m. at the Munising Falls Interpretive Center across from Munising Memorial Hospital where snacks will be served around the warm pot-bellied stove. The March 12 and 26 programs will be held at 7 p.m. at the Grand Marais Community Center on Brazel Street and snacks will also be served.

On Wednesday, March 5, at Munising Falls,  Pictured Rocks Superintendent Jim Northup will give an update on the National Lakeshore natural and cultural resources, volunteer opportunities, the park general management plan activities, paving of H-58 and the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation. For this program entitled “The State of the Park” the public is encouraged to bring questions and concerns about the National Lakeshore and to just take the opportunity to informally meet and chat with the park superintendent.

One of the most important areas of concern regarding the health of Lake Superior and our Upper Peninsula lakes and streams is the threat from exotic or non-native aquatic species entering the local food chains. On Wednesday, March 12, in Grand Marais join Michigan Sea Grant Extension Educator Ron Kinnunen to explore these threats and how everyone can help with this problem. Mr. Kinnunen will also report on the latest data regarding Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) now widespread in Lake Michigan and parts of Wisconsin but still not believed to be present in the Lake Superior watershed.

Wilderness is an elusive idea and experience. Wilderness designation has been proposed for the Beaver Basin area of the lakeshore. Learn more about what wilderness is and what wilderness designation would mean for a small area of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore during a presentation by Heritage Education Chief Gregg Bruff on Wednesday, March 19, at Munising Falls.  

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has a rich history of maritime travel along the 40 mile coastline of cliffs, dunes and beaches. Join Park Ranger Dave Kronk on Wednesday, March 26, in Grand Marais to learn more about this exciting history through a look at the early days of boat travel on Lake Superior. Ranger Kronk will also examine the agencies created to protect Lake Superior travelers including the U.S. Life Saving Service, Lighthouse Service and Coast Guard.

For more information about any of these presentations, please call 387-2607 extension 206.