BIG BAY — The Huron Island Lighthouse Preservation Association, in cooperation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, has announced the summer 2023 work plan for the structures on Lighthouse Island in the Huron Islands. These efforts are being made to ensure that the historic nature of the island is preserved for future generations.

Burt Mason, president of HILPA, said in a news release, “There will be additional boats moored at the boat dock, several work crews on the island and some overnight camping by work crews at various times this summer so we apologize in advance for any inconvenience to island visitors. Please be patient with us as preserving these historic structures for the future surely outweighs any slight inconvenience that may occur from time to time this summer.”

Last year the boat house, which was in danger of collapse, was shored up with a support structure. Trees and brush were cleared from several buildings and the tram structure at the north end of the island. Guard rails on the footbridges were repaired, a new roof was placed on the privy and exterior wood on the lighthouse was painted.

Beginning in July, lead paint will be removed from the assistant keeper’s quarters, rotted wood will be replaced and the quarters will be repainted. The fog signal building’s roof will be replaced, and the oil house roof will be repaired. Trail work will include trail widening and repair of hand rails, making it easier for visitors to hike from one end of the island to the other.

HILPA has engaged Alexis Dahl, a science communicator, storyteller and artist based in the Upper Peninsula, to describe the history of the lighthouse. Her work can be found at https://www.youtube.com/@AlexisDahl.

Lighthouse Island is located in Lake Superior approximately 3 miles off the mouth of the Huron River in northwest Marquette County. The nearest public boat launching points are in Skanee in Baraga County.

The work on these structures is made possible by grants, donations to HILPA, and expenditures from both HILPA and USFWS along with help from many volunteers. For more information or to become a volunteer visit www.huronislandlighthouse.org

The next monthly HILPA meeting will be at 6 p.m. July 6 at the Ojibwa Senior Center, and by Zoom. Anyone wishing to learn more about HILPA’s mission is welcome to attend, and may join HILPA as an annual or life member. For information on membership, contact Nancy Strohschein at 248-892-1295 or visit https://huronislandlighthouse.org. Follow HILPA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HuronIslands.

The Huron Island Lighthouse Preservation Association is a Michigan 501c3 non-profit corporation formed to preserve the cultural, historical and architectural features of the Huron Island Lighthouse, auxiliary buildings and adjacent properties for future generations.