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Voyageurs National Park plans 13-mile underwater cable replacement and continued wetland restoration
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Summary
Acting Superintendent Brian Harmon told the International Falls City Council that Voyageurs National Park will replace about 13 miles of underwater power cable from Moose River to Kettle Falls starting in spring 2026, and continue multi-year wetland restoration; the park also flagged temporary slow zones and intermittent closures during work.
Brian Harmon, acting superintendent of Voyageurs National Park, updated the International Falls City Council on park management and upcoming projects, saying the park will replace roughly 13 miles of underwater electrical cable from Moose River to Kettle Falls beginning in spring 2026 with work expected through fall and additional land work at Kettle Falls in 2027.
Harmon said the existing line dates to the 1980s and the replacement is needed to ensure safe, reliable power to the Kettle Falls hotel and other facilities. During the cable-laying operation, barges will work on Namakan Lake and the park will impose temporary slow zones near the work; the park will issue advance notice through press releases, social media and the park website.
The superintendent also reviewed planned repairs and improvements to roads, parking lots and walkways in the Rainy Lake and Ash River areas that may occur in 2026 or 2027 depending on contracting schedules. He said Cabotogamma and the Crane Lake visitor centers are not impacted by the cable work, while Rainy Lake and Ash River visitor centers may see temporary closures or delays.
Harmon highlighted staffing updates, including an acting chief of law enforcement based at Crane Lake and several new hires in 2026, and noted the park’s 50th-anniversary events in 2025, which included museum tours and participation in local parades. He said the park seeks to preserve dark skies with community partners and praised the local collaboration that supports tourism and ecological protection.
The council asked questions about parade participation and thanked the park staff for the update. Harmon's office said the park will provide more detailed scheduling and public notices as contracting and permitting proceed.
