Friends
of the
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore   

February 2008

Outer Island  NPS Photo

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So for those of you who live far from these Islands you cherish, this letter begins with a photo of late February commuting  to/from Madeline Island.

We also begin with this link to a new Bayfield Harbor Web Cam.

Thanks to Kathleen Russell at Apostle Islands Reality, we may check out "who is coming in and who is going out" from any point in the world.

What a great bookmark!

Lew Miller Photo

In the October Friends Newsletter was an invitation to share with the Board of Directors the kinds of projects each individual Member would like to see the Friends involved with.

At the same time your ideas began to flow in, Board members began to deal with the same "where do we go from here - and how" question.

It has been- and will continue to be - an interesting process.

And in many ways, it was ideas of Members - and our Mission Statement - that guided the 2008 Projects selection process.

Thank each of you for your ideas!

Bayfield Chamber Photo

2008 Projects

1.  Fund reopening of the Manitou Island Fish Camp

2.  Publish National Lakeshore Newsletter

3.  Fund "Around the Archipelago" Lecture Series

4.  Purchase one bear box to be located where needed most

5.  Purchase two benches to be placed near the Presque Isle Dock

6.  Match funding the development of a "real-time wave climate observation      system" for the sea caves near the Meyers Beach landing

NPS Photo

Non profit groups like the Friends often find meaningful projects that are simply too large - the "real-time wave climate observation system" is one example - to fund on their own.

Then there are projects that are important - such as the removal of boulders that limit boaters access to docks and harbors - but limited to a special interest group.

These are the type of projects where matching magic does wonders.

The "real-time wave climate observation system" required at least five matching partners, which presently include Federal funding, Park funding, the Friends, the University of Wisconsin and the UW Sea Grant program.

NPS Photo

Here is where kayakers and wilderness campers have the opportunity to make their experiences in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore more pleasurable.

Make a Designated Donation for bear boxes. Each bear box costs $1,000 and will be installed by the Park at no additional expense.

The Friends will match each $500 donation as funds permit.

NPS Photo

Hundreds of boaters enjoy the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

Boaters have stated that removing offending boulders at the Devils Island South Landing and at Outer Island would improve access at those locations.

Removing boulders at both locations is estimated to cost $9,000.

Perhaps a  Designated Donation of $4,500 from boaters toward boulder removal could be matched by the Friends?

This project is due for discussion at a Board Meeting.

Naming boulder removal a matching project really depends on some indication from area yacht clubs, marinas, boat charter companies, cruise boat companies and the hundreds of individual boaters who play among the Islands, that they will actually invest in something they have said is needed.

Sounds like a challenge to the Boating Special Interest Group!

How much are you willing to invest in removing those * * boulders?

Shucks, $20.00 from 450 boaters could pay for the entire project!

Lew Miller Photo

Obviously there will be no new trails constructed in the Wilderness Area of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

But the present hiking trails of the Park can always benefit from attention - picking up after some inconsiderate hiker before you, removing a fallen limb from the path, reporting problems found to Park Employees. The trail from Meyers Beach to the sea caves, and the trail system on Oak Island are good examples.

If trail walking with a purpose strikes your fancy, send an email to betsy_bartelt@nps.gov to put your enthusiasm to good use.

David Zavadsky Photo

A recent Specific Donation of $500.00 from our friends at the Wisconsin Lighthouse District "for the sealing of the glass in the lamp room at Devils Island Lighthouse" brings up one of the functions the Friends provide.

The Friends are one of just two organizations (National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation -NPLSF - is the other) authorized by the NPS to raise funds on behalf of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore.

The wonderful rehabilitation of the Raspberry Lighthouse Station, and the grand re-opening last season, is a example of what a few million dollars can do.

And the enthusiastic response of returning & new visitors to the Raspberry Lighthouse is something of a nagging reminder of the other Lighthouse Stations within the Park that require like attention and appreciation.

The Friends Board has realized, that though Friends project donations have made a significant impact, there are huge projects that have hardly been considered.

We keep having visions . . .

Dave Strozk Photo