As part of our 50th Anniversary celebration, we are collecting and sharing the stories of people connected to the islands, whether they are park guests, former residents or former park employees.
“Lakeshore Logbook,” is a collection of memories provided by former National Park Service employees.
Living and working in the park on a day to day basis, they’ve experienced a lot to be sure. We hope you enjoy their perspectives.
We’re archiving the Logbook entries here. Have fun paging through the logbook as we celebrate 50 years of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Lakeshore Logbook – Neil and Forrest Howk
The National Lakeshore is a family affair for Forrest Howk and his dad Neil. Read their Lakeshore Logbook entry to learn how they blazed some trails and made lots of memories.
Lakeshore Logbook – Susan Larsen and Sophie Howk
Father-daughter day at work takes on special meaning for the family members who wrote this week’s Lakeshore Logbook entry.
Lakeshore Logbook – Warren Bielenberg
One of the first park employees shares his memories of the early days of the National Lakeshore. Days filled with accomplishments and opportunities.
Lakeshore Logbook – Heidi Van Dunk
Heidi Van Dunk started as a volunteer and wore many hats in the years that followed.
Lakeshore Logbook – Jim Stowell
Jim Stowell says knowing his programs connect with park visitors fills him with pride. So do the lasting relationships he built on Raspberry Island.
Lakeshore Logbook – Kellie Weidinger
From working the phones to assessing storm damage on hiking trails, Kellie writes about the variety of life in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.
Lakeshore Logbook – Lane Johnson
Clearing brush, battling invasive species and rescuing an American bald eagle. They’re all part of Lane’s entry in the 50th Anniversary Lakeshore Logbook.
Lakeshore Logbook – Matt Welter
Matt literally brought history to life as he was the first to take on the character of a Raspberry Island lighthouse keeper from a century ago.
Lakeshore Logbook – Dave Wilkins
Boats of several shapes, sizes and abilities are essential in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Dave writes about his role in upgrading the fleet.
Lakeshore Logbook – Jennie Nepstad
Jennie writes about “cuteness overload,” and her experience banding tiny Piping Plover chicks.
Lakeshore Logbook – Terry Daulton
Terry worked a number of jobs in the park, each providing amazing oportunities and experiences.
Lakeshore Logbook – Stu Whipple
In his logbook entry, Stu Whipple writes about being a conduit between park visitors and the natural and cultural wonders of the parks, its history, meaning and promise to the past, present and future.
Lakeshore Logbook – Jim Feldman
Like the lighthouse keepers before him, Jim Feldman learned that island living can be solitary living. And he learned to love it.
Lakeshore Logbook – Diane Chalfant
Diane writes in her entry, “I didn’t accomplish anything alone….” Read about what she and the team accomplished together.
Lakeshore Logbook – Ian Williams
Navigating the narrows on Stockton Island was part of a day at the office for Ian Williams, as you’ll discover in this week’s Lakeshore Logbook entry.
Lakeshore Logbook – Dave Chesky
Sometimes, one island becomes your favorite when you’re working in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Dave Chesky knows.
Lakeshore Logbook – Daniel Blankenship
During his off hours, Daniel led a group of kayakers who learned first-hand that the lake is the boss and her mood can change in minutes.
Lakeshore Logbook – Jerry Banta
Former Superintendent Jerry Banta’s Logbook entry reflects more than a decade of accomplishments and memories.
Lakeshore Logbook – Josh Sweet
It doesn’t take long for the Apostle Islands to make a big impression, as you’ll discover in this week’s Lakeshore Logbook entry.
Lakeshore Logbook – Tom and Wendy Bredow
Wendy and Tom Bredow provide this week’s daughter-father Lakeshore Logbook entry from a bear’s den on the islands.
Lakeshore Logbook – Christy Baker
Christy Baker’s Lakeshore Logbook entry includes a story about some surprising kayaking freeloaders.
Lakeshore Logbook – Elise Lennon
Bayfield High School students like Elise gain valuable work experience and life experience while working in the park.
Lakeshore Logbook – Merrith Baughman
Working in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore can be a life-changing experience. It was for Merrith Baughman in more ways than one.
Remembering Dick Carrier
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore lost an important historic figure last week. Dick Carrier, who passed away at 85, oversaw the park’s transportation program throughout the eighties and nineties—the Lakeshore’s operational formative years.
Lakeshore Logbook – Jim Nepstad
A brush with fame on Outer Island, a hungry, reluctant mama bear and an Ojibwe ceremony are all part of this week’s Lakeshore Logbook entry.
Lakeshore Logbook – Robin Maercklein
You might call him a rebel with a cause. Robin tells us about his life as a naturalist and a “wild hair” he entertained during his final weeks in the park.
Lakeshore Logbook – Jason Johnson
Operating a park vessel in sea conditions greater than five feet and actually rescueing someone in these conditions is an amazing feeling.
Lakeshore Logbook – Sheree Peterson
APIS was a fairly new park, and no one that I knew had even heard of it. But I loved Lake Superior, and headed north in my white Rambler station wagon.
Lakeshore Logbook – Jeff Rennicke
He’s dad to the “littlest light keeper,” contributed to the vibrant paddling opportunities the park now offers, and is on a mission to support the park in a new way.
Lakeshore Logbook – Paul Chalfant
This Logbook entry includes a harrowing night trying to prevent storm winds from destroying sailboats docked at Rocky Island.
Lakeshore Logbook – Vicki Webster
Vicki’s work outside the Raspberry Island lighthouse decades ago is still growing strong today.
Lakeshore Logbook – Jim Dahlstrom
Jim Dahlstrom’s logbook entry spans the seasons and the generations.
Lakeshore Logbook – Kayci Cook Collins
Kayci is the fourth generation of her family to work for the National Park Service. She served as Chief of Interpretation and Resource Education.
Lakeshore Logbook – Zach Rozmiarek
This former interpretive ranger says he desperately wanted to see a bear on the islands. What happened is a story he will never forget.
Lakeshore Logbook – Larry Johnson
“I will always look back at my time at Apostle Islands with great fondness, great memories and great friends. I would do it all again if I could.”
New series: Lakeshore Logbook
This is the first in our series called “Lakeshore Logbook,” a collection of memories provided by former National Park Service employees.
