Three Michigan men facing federal charges after starting wildfire in Isle Royale National Park
MADISON - Three Michigan men are facing federal charges after causing a wildfire that damaged Isle Royale National Park, an island located in Lake Superior.
Dylan Kenneth Wagner, 29, Jason Arden Allard, 28 and Scott Warren Allard, 30, all of Michigan, were charged with one count of lighting, tending or using a fire causing damage to property and one count of violating conditions established by the superintendent of the park, according to a release from the National Park Service.
The charges could result in a maximum penalty of up to 6 months in prison, up to a $5,000 fine, up to 5 years of probation and mandatory restitution.
The men allegedly camped illegally in the park, near the junction of Mount Franklin and Tobin Harbor Trails. While they camped, they had a fire outside of one of the metal rings or grills provided by the park. The fire jumped to nearby brush and burned park property and created a safety hazard on the small island.
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The fire was detected on Aug. 13 of last year, when smoke was seen near the Three Mile Campground, and would go on to burn six acres, resulting in the emergency closure of trails, campgrounds and docks, according to a post on the Isle Royale Instagram page.
“Some of America’s most stunning places are right here in Michigan, including Isle Royale National Park,” said U.S. Attorney Mark Totten in the release. “These alleged crimes threatened the safety of park visitors, employees, and the ecosystem that sustains a rich diversity of life. We’re committed to protecting Isle Royale National Park and Michigan’s other national treasures for all to enjoy – today and for generations to come.”
Two agencies responded to the fire last summer, including one single-engine air tanker from Minnesota, which scooped up water from Lake Superior and dropped it on the fire, according to NPS.
The fire was luckily on a ridge covered in fire-adapted species, such as jack pine and blueberry, the agency said. Though the fire downed jack pines in the area, the species actually relies on fire for reproduction, because the cones are only opened by intense, direct sunlight or fire.
"The Mount Franklin Fire is a reminder that the island's ecosystem is one of fire adaption," the NPS website said. "As the six charred acres begin to regrow, what will rise from the ashes?"
Isle Royale, a remote island archipelago in Lake Superior, was established as a park in 1940 to preserve and protect the wildlife and natural resources. The island is overseen by the National Park Service, and is open to campers, hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. It is not home to any year-round residents.
Laura Schulte can be reached at leschulte@jrn.com and on X at @SchulteLaura.
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Three Michigan men may face jail time after fire on Isle Royale
