The following message was posted to Birdnet@upbirders.org on Wed, 19 Jan 2011:

Subject: Whitefish Point update
From: Joe Kaplan jkaplan@michiganaudubon.org

The following news pertains to one of Michigan's premiere birding sites—Whitefish Point

1. The legislation to change the Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society (GLSHS) patent language did not pass in the Senate. Michigan Audubon was opposed to this legislation because we felt it was important to first demonstrate the ability of the three property owners (Michigan Audubon, GLSHS, US Fish & Wildlife Service) at Whitefish Point to work together to implement a management plan
developed in 2002. The 2002 Plan was the outcome of a lawsuit and Settlement Agreement between the Michigan Audubon, GLSHS, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

2. A Michigan Department of Transportation grant to the GLSHS has been modified to drop all reference to two museum wings the GLSHS would like to construct at Whitefish Point. The State Historic Preservation Office reviewed the proposal and determined the wings would have an "adverse effect" on the historic resources at Whitefish Point. Michigan Audubon is assisting in overseeing the grant.

3. In an unexpected announcement, Tom Farnquist, GLSHS founder and Executive Director, is no longer an employee of the GLSHS. As Tom was often at the center of controversy, because of his unwavering vision for Whitefish Point, we hope this announcement by the GLSHS Board of Directors will usher in a new era of cooperation between the three property owners at Whitefish Point.

As always, Michigan Audubon will continue to advocate for the protection of Whitefish Point's natural and cultural resources and welcomes any input regarding the management of this Important Bird Area.

Joe Kaplan
Michigan Audubon
Whitefish Point Joint Committee Co-Representative