Former Duluth mayor brings Lake Superior expertise and national recognition
Emily Larson is well known for her commitment to the health, resilience, economics and ecology of Lake Superior. We are honored that she will soon be putting her formidable skills to work on the NPLSF Board of Directors, where she will help protect, preserve, and enhance Lake Superior’s five national parks.
“NPLSF is investing in and caretaking our lake’s outstanding national parks,” said Larson, the former Mayor of Duluth, Minnesota.
“What attracted me to the organization is that they are not just working to keep the lights on, they are changing out the light source altogether through innovative programs like Decarbonize the Parks.”
As Mayor of Duluth from 2016-2024, Larson prioritized shoreline and industrial remediation along the St Louis River Estuary, expanded public access to Lake Superior waterfront, and invested in resilient reconstruction of climate-battered lakewalk infrastructure. Partnering with tribal nations, environmental advocates, state and federal government partners, and industry stakeholders, her leadership helped secure hundreds of millions of dollars for public-facing land and water projects.
Larson’s nationally recognized leadership in climate adaptation and environmental sustainability, dovetails with NPLSF’s Decarbonize the Parks program, which has gained widespread attention and served as an inspiration for other groups.
“By helping our parks move operations and transportation off fossil fuels onto clean electricity, we are demonstrating Midwest leadership and inspiring visitors to improve the resilience of their own lives,” said NPLSF Executive Director Tom Irvine. “Emily’s extensive experience with federal advocacy, stakeholder engagement, and decarbonization will make a big difference in our efforts.”
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About The NPLSF
The National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation (NPLSF) exists to provide financial support for projects and programs that preserve the natural resources and cultural heritage of the five Lake Superior national parks: Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, Grand Portage National Monument, Isle Royale National Park, Keweenaw National Historical Park, and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
Funded through grants and private donations, NPLSF projects and programs ensure that these great parks and historic sites are maintained for the enjoyment of all current and future visitors.
To learn how you can support our work visit nplsf.org/donate. For more information on Decarbonize the Parks, visit nplsf.org/decarbonize-the-parks.