Federal money helps restore Apostle Islands lighthouses

APOSTLE ISLANDS (WPR) Congress is sending a second multi-million dollar package to the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore to restore its 19th century lighthouses. 

150 years’ worth of the wrath of Lake Superior can take its toll on the eight light towers standing as sentinels among the Apostle Islands.   Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Planning Chief Jim Nepstad says the towers have needed work for a long time, and with $5 million dollars allocated this summer and now, an additional $2 million passed by Congress last week, their time has come. Nepstad says the weather is hard on the lighthouses, “they’re exposed to the full brunt of Lake Superior’s fury” in the fall and winter.

Islands historian Bob Mackreth of Washburn says preserving these light stations, some which date back to before the Civil War, preserves the region's history. He says the diversity of styles of lighthouses is among the best in the country. They are made of wood, stone, brick, cast iron and steel.

Even as plans are being drawn up for lighthouse restoration, the $7 million awarded this year may not cover half of the total restoration costs. 

--

Information from Wisconsin Public Radio, www.wpr.org