Friends
of the
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore   

October 2007

Outer Island  NPS Photo

Why?

Because it was the most ambitious project list in the Friends four year history.

Because of something none had expected - water levels on Lake Superior that appeared headed for an historical low - creating an urgent need for dredging in popular harbors, and protection for boats attempting to tie up to docks nearly two feet above previous year water levels.

But as the season progressed, dredging was done at Little Sand Bay and Stockton Island, rub rails were installed on Park Service docks, Friends projects were accomplished in full, and we no longer have crossed fingers.

There are 186 currently active individual/family Friends members, 8 Business memberships, and 277 who at some point in the past  years have made a contribution but who are not currently active.

In the past two years,  Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore have contributed over $66,000 to the Park.
 

Two responses to low water
and non-floating docks.

The Bayfield City Marina
above and the Park Service
dock at Rocky Island below.

Below: Park Service dock at
Rocky Island. NPS photo

Board Members of FAINL have a mission statement charge that is both brief
and broad, with an abundance of opportunity within it.

"The Friends mission is to promote an appreciation for and preservation of the cultural and natural heritage and the natural
environment of the Apostle Islands."

Abundant opportunity can agonizing for a Board of Directors when there are limited funds, and requests that may - or may not - meet that mission statement.

All one has to do is look at each of the nine projects funded by the Friends in the last year and ask the same question of each one to see the problem.

For example.

"Did funding the Guest Lecture Series on Monday nights in July and August at Park HQ fall within the Mission Statement?"

In this case the answer appears positive. It is a popular event, often with standing room only. It clearly "promotes an appreciation for and preservation of the cultural and natural heritage and the natural environment of the Apostle Islands." The Friends sponsor the Lecture Series at a cost of $2,000.

Board discussion on 2008 projects, the "where do we go from here - and how" began with the September meeting and continued in October.

Two restoration projects, a Sand Island cottage named Plenty Charm, and the fishing camp on Manitou Island have been considered briefly. And the projects funded in previous years are being considered one by one.

Accomplished For 2007:
$38,749 In Tax Exempt Contributions

 

*Funded a Park Ranger at
Meyers Beach

*Funded "Around the Archipelago" Lecture Series

*Published the National
Lakeshore Newsletter

*Gaylord Nelson Memorial
Garden Enhancement

* Funded vertical rub rails
for Rocky Island Dock

* Funded extended hours at Bayfield Visitor Center

* Printed brochures on high priority natural resource issues

*Pathfinders environmental learning project

*Sponsored volunteer work projects on Stockton Island,  Little Sand Bay, and Raspberry Island

As a current Friends Member,  what Apostle Islands National Lakeshore project would cause you make that tax exempt contribution again for 2008?

As a past Friends Member,  what Apostle Islands National Lakeshore project would cause you to join again with tax exempt contribution in 2008?

We really want to know your answers!

So please write us a note.

Send your ideas in a letter to: Friends, PO Box 1574, Bayfield, WI 54814.

Or use E-mail: marlew2@charter.net

No project idea is too small - or too big - or too off the wall, to be considered.

Each of us has a special interest, a personal perspective view, that directs our enthusiasm for what the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore offers.

For example, someone seeking a backcountry camping experience on one of the fifteen islands offering that activity, is likely to have a far different project in mind than a large power boat owner seeking secure docking space.

Those who enjoyed a visit to the freshly restored Raspberry Lighthouse Station this season may not have noticed outbuildings that still need attention. There are dozens of smaller structures within the park that need attention - and are not likely to get attention very soon under the limited Park funding existing.

Or think bigger. How about funding the historic structure report for the Sand Island Lighthouse Station, AND the complete restoration that would follow?

Keep in mind that with any project, the priorities, rules and procedures of the NPS and Park Management will come first in our deliberations.

But first we need to hear from you, and we need a big increase in our membership to fund all the ambitious ideas you come up with!

In November we will share all your project ideas in another newsletter.

Above: Long Island Tower restoration. NPS photo

Friends Board of Directors

Executive Committee
Ruth Goetz,  Board Chair
Ted Dougherty, Vice-chair /     Membership Chair
Bob Dunne, Treasurer
Carolyn Sneed, Secretary
Edith Merila, Corporate Secretary
Martin Hanson, Honorary Chair

Emeritus Board Members
Bud Jordahl
Matt Dallman

Board Members (in order of election)
Winfield MacDonald
Tia Nelson
George Hansen
Jo Bailey
Larry MacDonald
Lew Miller
Ernie Korpela
Jan Esposito

Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, National Park Service

  Bob Krumenaker, Superintendent

"Many thanks to the individual members of the Friends whose contributions made the achievements of this year possible, to our Board of Directors for their devotion to our cause, and to Park Service staff for their support!

It is a pleasure to work with all of you!

The Annual Meeting of Friends of the Apostle Islands on August 1 at Big Top Chautauqua, in conjunction with our sponsorship of "Riding The Wind" that night, was a wonderful time. We will do it again!

Another year is about to begin, bringing with it more opportunities to continue our efforts to enhance the experience of all visitors, from boaters to sightseers, of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Maybe we can double our membership again next year?"

Above: Raspberry Tower 2007

Two kayakers departed from Meyers Beach to explore the sea caves. A stiff north west wind began, driving waves into the caves. In what was to be a deadly error, the kayakers entered the caves - and lost their lives.

Would a Park Ranger present at Meyers Beach to caution kayakers of changing and/or dangerous conditions on the Lake have saved two lives that day? Many thought so.

But the Park Service had no funding for a Meyers Beach Park Ranger.

So Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore stepped in.

We provided funding for a weekday seasonal position of a Meyers Beach Park Ranger the first year.

We expanded second year funding to allow for 7 day a week service during the season.

All who were assisted by the  Meyers Beach Park Rangers over the past two seasons, from  kayakers, to hikers, to those who came just to enjoy a beautiful beach, had positive comments.

Park Service Administration is now in a position to take over most - perhaps all - of the funding for the Meyers Beach Park Rangers for future seasons.

And Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, through your tax exempt contributions, your membership, made a positive difference.

Send us your project ideas.

Join Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore on our web site or by mail.

Your contributions are always tax exempt.

Above: Meyers Beach
Park Ranger. NPS photo

Above: Park Service dock at
Rocky Island. NPS photo