New Food Storage Guidelines to Reduce Human - Wildlife Interactions
Effective immediately, these new protocols are required for all visitors entering Rock Harbor, Three Mile, Lane Cove, Daisy Farm, Moskey Basin, Duncan Bay, Duncan Bay Narrows, and Merritt Lane:
Never Leave Packs Unattended: Keep your day pack/backpack (anything with food or trash in it) with you at all times and/or assign a group member to closely monitor packs in your absence.
Proper Storage: Storage of food, garbage, and other scented materials in a campsite now requires following additional procedures including:
Secure your food and trash
The storage of food, garbage, and other scented materials in tents and unattended packs is not permitted.
Campsite shelters are an approved location to secure all items. DO NOT leave items like shoes, socks, food, trash, and cookware unattended outside a shelter.
For those not in shelters, large, gated lockers (kennels or bear-proof canisters) are now in place at Lane Cove, Rock Harbor, Three Mile, Daisy Farm and Moskey Basin campgrounds. These are for storage of food and trash at tent and group sites.
Scented items should be stored in scent-proof bags or containers.
As an alternative to scent-proof bags, visitors who have appropriate equipment and knowledge are encouraged to hang their food at a height greater than 10’.
If storage space is unavailable, please work with fellow campers to store your items in the shelter they are occupying or hang your food.
Isle Royale National Park is a wilderness park that requires backpackers, campers, paddlers, boaters, and anyone else overnighting in the backcountry to properly store their food. Visitors in the frontcountry, daytrippers, and lodge guests should also be mindful of their food. Learn how to properly store food while visiting the park.
Promptly re-secure food after a meal or snack to not attract wildlife.
Tom Brown
Proper Food Storage
Seal food in scent-proof containers and secure. Hard-sided containers are preferred, but using doubled zip-lock bags is appropriate.
It is not required to use a bear cannister or hang food while camping.
Keep a clean camp. Wildlife will steal unattended food, even if it's left out for a short amount of time.
Do not leave food unattended when visiting or camping in a frontcountry area, such as Rock Harbor or Windigo.
Never feed wildlife.
Trash
All trash and leftover food (including peels, cores, and nutshells) must be properly stored and packed out.
On island trash disposal can only be found in Rock Harbor and Windigo.
Do not burn, bury, or place garbage in outhouses or pit toilets. Carry a ziplock bag for securing small pieces of trash.
