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Site designed and |
Charity Island LighthouseAu Gres, Michigan
In the days before his assassination, President Abraham Lincoln signed a
resolution
Some 140 years later, the Civil War-era light tower faces the restoration of its
lifetime.
The plan looms thanks in part to the Arenac County Historical Society. The
society recently
The Arenac County Historical Society, U.S. Senator Carl Levin's, office and
Arenac County resident According to ACHS, representatives to save the lighthouse met June 18 with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Nature Conservancy and the Michigan Lighthouse Project met and agreed June 18 on how the lighthouse property will be transferred over to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in order to preserve its historical significance in the area. The Nature Conservancy owns several parcels of land on the island including the Lighthouse parcel. Under the proposed plan, the lighthouse property will be transferred to the Fish and Wildlife Service when an appropriations bill is passed by Congress. Senators Levin and Stabenow apparently are supporting the bill which is in the beginning stages of legislative action. As for restoration, ACHS says they are working on an agreement with the Fish and Wildlife Service that will allow ACHS to restore and preserve the lighthouse tower. The plans are to have the Historical Society operate the lighthouse as a tourist and educational facility, and have the Fish and Wildlife Service operate the rest of its holdings on the island as a wildlife refuge for recreational and educational purposes. This summer (2003) the ACHS will apply for funds through a state grant program, so that a formal study of preserving the lighthouse can be done. Bob Wiltse, who is also a local realtor and developer, has already built a harbor, marina and breakwater wall on the island. He is also currently cleaning up the marina and channel so that transportation to the island can be provided along with sanitary services for the visiting public. ACHS added, that Wiltse entered into an agreement with the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Nature Conservancy whereby most of his holding on the island are now public property under the supervision of these agencies. Persons interested in getting involved should contact Floyd Holland at fwh111534@yahoo.com or achs@centurytel.net. More Pictures: Write for more information: Charity
Island Preservation Committee
Other Charity Island Links:
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