From an email I received today from Gary Martin:

"I came to learn today that the West Michigan Tourist Assoc (WMTA) may
discontinue the publication of the Lake Michigan Circle Tour &
Lighthouse Guide next year, condensing all of their lighthouse
information to a couple of pages contained in a single travel guide.

This, in my opinion at least, would be a colossal travesty and
disservice to tourism and lighthouse lovers here in Michigan, around
Lake Michigan, and around the country for that matter! If you'd like
to voice your objection, and I hope a ton of you on this website will
do just that, send e-mail to WMTA at the following e-mail address:

info@wmta.org

The organization got a new director a couple of months ago and it
seems his priorities are rather "different" for what he sees the
mission of that organization to be relative to its direction in the
past. It makes me wonder if he's aware of the tremendous economic
benefit of the draw of Michigan's 116 lighthouse are to the state in
terms of attracting visitors. Personally, I have to wonder!

Gary"

It sounds like, "A new broom sweeps clean." Apparently this guy has a different vision of what their mission should be. Change can be good but not always better. Time will tell whether his new approach will enhance the mission of the organization.

:rolleyes: Bob :rolleyes:

I've been to very few Great Lakes LH's but hope to change that in the future.
I am not familiar w/this guide and would like to get one before it is discontinued. Is that still possible?
I also consider this to be a great loss. The guides I have gotten elsewhere were invaluable to finding LH's and since the information is often provided by local people they seem to be more accurate.
I know the popularity of LH's on the east coast and the economic impact they must have. It's hard to believe a "new regime" would make it harder for visitors to Michigan to spend their money. I know I do whenever I visit a LH!
Rick

Hi Rick - It will certainly be a shame if they decide to go ahead and cancel this informative guide! Let's hope they change their minds.

Here is some info for you:

LAKE MICHIGAN TOUR: Meet the women who tended Lake Michigan lighthouses in this year's edition of the "Lake Michigan Circle Tour and Lighthouse Guide," the 17th published by the West Michigan Tourist Association. The booklet is a guide to the 1,100 miles of the Lake Michigan tour and the 115 coastal beacons, from light and lighthouses to crib and shoal lights. To receive a free copy, call (800) 442-2084, ext. 1 or go to www.wmta.org/pubs.shtml.

All my best,
Paul Conlin
Secretary,
American Lighthouse Foundation

Paul,
Thanks for the info. I just requested the guide.
Rick

Thank you for that information. I sent for all three listed on the site for West Michigan.

Bert