W-SR Wilderness Studies
Isle RoyaleNational Park
June 15–25 2009
Establishment
Isle RoyaleNational Park was authorized by Congress on 03 March 1931 by President Herbert Hoover "to conserve a prime example of North Woods Wilderness." Isle RoyaleNational Park was established on 03 April 1940 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt. The park was designated part of the National Wilderness Preservation System in 1976, under the Wilderness Act, and remains today as an example of primitive America. In fact, over 98% of the land in Isle Royale is designated wilderness. Further honors were bestowed in 1981, when Isle Royale was designated an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations, giving it global scientific and educational significance.
The Archipelago
In Lake Superior's northwest corner sits a wilderness archipelago - a roadless land of wild creatures, unspoiled forests, refreshing lakes, and rugged, scenic shores - accessible only by boat or floatplane. Travel on and around the island by foot, boat, or float plane. There are 165 miles of trails on Isle Royale, and the island boasts numerous inland lakes. And for more seaworthy craft there is, of course, Lake Superior itself.
Wolves and moose, the wild North Woods forest, ever-changing weather and a cool climate, and the crystal clear waters and rugged shoreline of Lake Superior characterize Isle RoyaleNational Park. This wilderness archipelago is 45 miles long and nine miles wide at it's widest point. The park encompasses a total area of 850 square miles including submerged lands which extends four and a half miles out into Lake Superior. The archipelago is composed of many parallel ridges resulting from ancient lava flows which were tilted and glaciated. Isle Royale has 165 miles of scenic hiking trails and 36 campgrounds for backpackers and recreational boaters. There is excellent fishing, historic lighthouses and shipwrecks, ancient copper mining sites, and plenty of spots to observe wildlife. Roadless Isle Royale is accessible only by boat or float plane. Isle Royale is relatively untouched by direct outside influences and serves as a living laboratory and Unites States Biosphere Reserve.
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Objectives
The purpose of this summer program is to promote student awareness of, and compatibility with the natural resources. The course will provide experiences, which cannot be achieved in the traditional classroom setting. It will also give students an introduction to the geological and biological processes that take place in the north woods of Minnesota.
Class Requirements
Students are given a grade for this class based on pre-trip and trip assignments and attitude and effort given on the trip. This year the students grade is recorded on their transcripts and figured into their GPA. One science class credit is given for this class. Since this does not meet regularly, the lessons, activities, and labs will need to be completed by the students on their own time. The students are responsible for scheduling lab times with Mr. Reyerson.
At times this will be a very physically strenuous course. The terrain can be rugged, and we are planning a eight day extended hike into the wilderness with a full pack (40pounds). Our hikes will average 8-10 miles a day in very hilly terrain. Primitive camping facilities (no toilets or treated water) are the norm for this type of trip.
Trip Costs
The cost of the trip is $450. A deposit of $100 is required when filing your application. Deposits will be returned to those students who apply but are not chosen for this year’s trip. A payment of $175 is due by January 31, 2010. The final payment of $175 is due by March 31, 2010.
W-SR furnishes backpacks, tents, stoves and water filters. Other equipment such as sleeping bags and pads will be the responsibility of the student. Students must also plan for at least seven “just add water” meals during the hike. Crawdaddy Outdoors offers equipment and freeze dried meals. Students must bring personal belongings and money for meals to and from Isle Royale plus anything else they wish to purchase on the trip.
Important Dates
December 9--- Application process is due
Late December--- acceptance letters mailed out
January – May--- lessons
April 3--- 8:30-1:00attendance
required
May 1&2---Precampout at Yellow River
State Forrest
June 15---Leave Waverly at 6:00 AM Drive to
Grand Marais
June 16---Drive to Grand Portage and load
boat. Hike
June 17---Hike
June 18---Hike
June 19--- Hike
June 20---Hike
June 21---Hike
June 22---Hike
June 23---Hike ; Get on Boat-Stay in Duluth
June 24---Drive Home
June 25---Clean vans and equip. at high
school
Application Process
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