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GLADSTONE -- The Hiawatha National Forest is seeking public feedback and comments on a multi-year historic preservation project at the Point Iroquois Lighthouse.
The Forest Service is conducting this project through agreements with partners HistoriCorps and YouthWork, according to a press release.
This project will also provide the public with an opportunity to participate as volunteers in historic preservation efforts on lands managed by the Hiawatha National Forest. Interested members of the public are encouraged to apply by visiting HistoriCorps' website.
This critical preservation work will be funded by the Great American Outdoors Act.
Direct any inquiries about this project to the Forest Service Heritage Program Manager, Eric Drake at eric.drake@usda.gov. Feedback is requested by March 26. Feedback submitted will become part of the project record.
The team working on the Point Iroquois Lighthouse preservation project includes:
≤ Hiawatha National Forest Heritage Program Manager Eric Drake
≤ Hiawatha National Forest Archaeologist Ryan Brown
≤ HistoriCorps preservation experts and volunteers
≤ YouthWork (Traverse City: YouthWork is a valuable program that teaches young people specialized skills while helping nonprofit and government agencies complete critical projects. YouthWork provides valuable services to the Hiawatha National Forest including developing trails, removing invasive species, and the forthcoming lighthouse repairs.
HistoriCorps is a 510(c)(3) nonprofit consisting of a network of preservation experts who provide volunteers of all levels with invaluable hands-on preservation skills. As the volunteers work under the guidance of preservation experts at the lighthouse, they will gain knowledge that can be used to save other historic sites.
The Point Iroquois Lighthouse has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1975. It overlooks Lake Superior at the entry of the St. Mary's River.
The lighthouse was constructed in 1855 to help guide vessels toward what is today the Soo Locks. A wood tower and living quarters were initially constructed, followed by a light two years later. As demand for area resources and water traffic grew, so did the lighthouse.
In 1870, the wooden structures were replaced with the 65-foot brick tower and attached living quarters. The lighthouse helped passing ships navigate the waters of Lake Superior for 107 years until the torch was passed to an automatic light off Gros Cap, Ontario, Canada. Learn more about this historic lighthouse on Lake Superior.
The Lighthouse Today - Popular Recreation Site
The lighthouse is far from retired. An estimated 45,000 visitors travel there annually to walk the boardwalk or sand beach, climb the tower stairs, walk the grounds, visit the interpretive center, or have a picnic.
Point Iroquois Lighthouse is a stop on the Whitefish Bay National Scenic Byway and a popular Fall Color tour site.
It is also accessible with a large paved parking lot and a cement walkway extending along the parking lot to the lighthouse. Repairing and performing needed maintenance will also improve the visitor's experience while helping to preserve it for generations to come.