NPS: Explore Nature» Air Resources Division-Students & Teachers: Public Awareness Programs

Voyageurs National Park Public Awareness

"How Clean Is The Air?" - Interpretive Exhibit

Voyageurs National Park, MN

Although air quality at Voyageurs National Park is generally good, how clean will the air be in 10, 20, or 30 years? Pollution's effects take many forms. Small airborne particles such as human-produced sulfates reduce visibility. Airborne mercury contaminates lake water and works its way up the food chain affecting flesh-eating animals such as walleye, northern pike, bald eagles, otters, and humans. Acid rain, if not corrected, may one day damage park land and water systems. And we can only guess what effects global warming, which results from increased atmospheric carbon dioxide, may have on park systems.

Air Pollution – Where Does It Come From?

Voyageurs National Park, MN

The majority of air pollution results from human activity, primarily the burning of fossil fuels--gas, coal, and oil--for energy. Much of the air pollution affecting Voyageurs National Park is produced in Midwest urban and industrial centers and is carried by air currents to the park.

What Can Be Done?

One of the purposes of the Clean Air Act is to preserve, protect, and enhance the air quality of unique places such as Voyageurs National Park. The National Park Service monitors air quality year-round at Voyageurs to determine what measures are needed to protect the park.

Highlights

Additional Information

Voyageurs National Park Public Awareness

"How Clean Is The Air?" - Interpretive Exhibit

Air Pollution – Where Does It Come From?

What Can Be Done?