MEDIA ADVISORY

Secretary Norton Travels to Michigan to Launch
National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Program

WASHINGTON-- Interior Secretary Gale Norton will launch the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Program from the base of the Point Betsie lighthouse near Traverse City, Mich., Tues., June 11, 2002. Norton will recommend that the Munising Light, in Munising Harbor, Mich., be transferred to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, which is managed by the National Park Service.

"Historic lighthouses, like Munising and Little River, are national treasures," Norton said . "This program recognizes the cultural, recreational and educational value of these structures by transferring them to the best possible stewards, both public and private, for long-term preservation."

Munising Light and Little River Light are among the first six approved lighthouses of nearly 300 recommended for transfer. The preservation program was established by the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act of 2000. The act authorizes the no-cost transfer of historic lighthouses and stations from the U.S. Coast Guard to various federal, local and non-profit organizations.

Norton will host a media availability immediately following the ceremony.

Who:    Gale Norton, Secretary of the Interior

What:   Norton to announce the first six lighthouses to be transferred under the
              Historic Lighthouse Preservation Program from the base of Point Betsie
              Light  near Traverse City.

When: Tuesday, June 11, 2002
              Ceremony, 10 a.m.; media availability 10:45 a.m.

Where: Point Betsie Light
               Frankfort, Mich.
              (North on M22 North past Crystal Lake to Point  Betsie Rd., West 1 mile.)

- DOI -