Reports Articles

About Us – Articles about various reports issued by the Friends’ organization.

By the numbers: Lakeshore visitation sets a record in 2021

By the numbers: Lakeshore visitation sets a record in 2021

Did you visit the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore during 2021? If so, you were part of a record-setting year. According to recently released figures compiled by the National Park Service, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore saw 290,961 visitors in 2021, an increase of approximately 70,000 over 2020 and a number that sets a new record just barely topping the 290,059 visitors recorded in 2014, the famous year of the ice caves. The Lakeshore was one of 44 park units nationwide to set a new single year visitation record.   Fueled perhaps by pent up desires to travel due to the pandemic,...

The trail ahead: Friends charts the course for 2022 and beyond

The trail ahead: Friends charts the course for 2022 and beyond

Leaning my shoulder against a birch tree, I stop for a breather and to watch the late afternoon light wash over the forest along the Lakeshore Trail. It is the last day of 2021. The sun will soon set, ending a tumultuous year of challenges, changes, and setting the stage for tomorrow’s sunrise to begin the new year ahead. Seems like a good time to reflect, and to catch my breath. As with all of us, COVID had a deep impact on 2021 for Friends of the Apostle Islands, delaying and extending our planned 2020 50th Anniversary celebration and forcing many of the planned public gatherings to...

A Year to Remember: A letter from the Executive Directors and the Friends 2021 Annual Report

A Year to Remember: A letter from the Executive Directors and the Friends 2021 Annual Report

Dear Friend of the Apostle Islands: Fifty years have gone by since the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore was officially designated, protected for all of us. With candle luminaries shining like stars on the beach, we lit up the night on September 26th (our Founder’s Day at the Park) to celebrate and commemorate this important milestone. Anniversaries are a time to reflect and to look ahead. As we put a ribbon on our 50th anniversary year, we’ve celebrated history through our “Where in the Park is Neil?” and “Lakeshore Logbook” series, our “History Mystery” figures, and our “Sense of...

Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore names first Executive Director, positions itself for growth

Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore names first Executive Director, positions itself for growth

BAYFIELD, Wis. — Friends of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (FAINL) has selected educator, outdoor adventure travel writer and photographer Jeff Rennicke as its first Executive Director and his wife Jill Rennicke as Co-Director. The Rennickes started in their new roles on February 1.  “Jeff and Jill have been brought on board to steer the organization into its next phase of growth, said Erica Peterson, Chair of the Friends Board of Directors. “We’ve been an all-volunteer organization since 2002. The board is confident that this team can help us to grow our membership and our ability...

What We Propose to Do: 2017 Projects In Brief

What We Propose to Do: 2017 Projects In Brief

      Clear wilderness trails affected by the Summer 2016 wind storm Resurrect Historical Day Marker Navigational Aids at Raspberry Island Light Station  Help fund a ranger’s time for the Island School and pay for transportation Provide funding to help finish constructing an early 1900’s Raspberry Island Lightkeeper’s rowing tender; a 16’ skiff that will be housed at the newly restored boathouse Fund an exhibit on the Ashland Harbor Breakwater Light, the newest lighthouse in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, at Ashland’s new Historical Museum Make a portion of the Bayfield...

2016 FRIENDS Projects & Activities 

2016 FRIENDS Projects & Activities 

Hosted Coffee House Chat with Park Superintendent on Issues Facing the Park Participated in Madeline Island Wilderness Lecture Series - State of the Park Helped sponsor the celebration to add the Ashland Harbor Lighthouse to the National Lakeshore Manned an informational booth at Apple Fest, Canoecopia, Midwest Mountaineering Outdoor Adventure Expo, and Book-Across-The-Bay Submitted a letter to the WI DNR on scoping recommendations regarding impacts of a CAFO on the Park Submitted a letter of Support for a Greater Chequamegon Bay National Marine Sanctuary Proposal Hosted 3 Centennial...

2015 Projects Funded by FRIENDS

2015 Projects Funded by FRIENDS

Print park newspaper Fund Island School in conjunction with the National Park Service Fund a Kayaking Expedition in the Apostle Islands with students and chaperones from Lake Baikal, Russia Replaced the entrance sign at Meyers Beach Replaced signs as needed throughout the Park Fund the construction and placement of bat boxes Raspberry Island Boathouse engineering study Fund the restoration of the Raspberry Island Boathouse Fund Ice Caves operations Fund Island School Transportation, Supplies & Camping Fee Fund the Gaylord Nelson Memorial Garden at the Park Headquarters in Bayfield...