Aug. 18, 2009
The public is invited to attend a free natural history tour of Lime Island State Forest Campground and an award ceremony honoring campground hosts Howard and Janet Chilson on Wednesday, Aug. 26.
The Chilsons will be presented with the Michigan United Conservation Club's Unsung Heroes Award, recognizing the outstanding dedication and service the couple has provided as the remote island's caretakers for the past four years. The event will begin on the island at 10:30 a.m. with a short tour led by the Chilsons. The award presentation will follow at 12 p.m. The Chilsons were unable to attend the MUCC annual convention in June to accept the award in person because of their duties as campground hosts on the island.
Lime Island State Forest Campground lies in the middle of the St. Mary's River, three miles from the Michigan mainland. The Chilsons arrive on the island every May on their own boat and ready the various rental units, residence, historical buildings and camping platforms, and clear debris from the winter from the island's network of hiking trails.
"From the very first day on the job, the Chilsons have gone above and beyond what is required of them," said Department of Natural Resources Sault Ste. Marie Unit Manager Patrick Hallfrisch, who nominated the couple for the MUCC award. "Their dedication and service to the DNR and the public in general are apparent to us and the countless visitors to Lime Island. Living on such a remote island certainly requires a special kind of person and the Chilsons have proven to be the perfect fit."
Howard Chilson's background as an electrician has proved a valuable skill, as the cabins are lit by solar power and the photovoltaic converter is located in the host cabin. The Chilsons are always available to all visitors to the island, whether they are campers or simply stopping by on a day trip. They have also assisted on emergency rescues of recreational boaters, often bringing them to the island, contacting the U.S. Coast Guard and then transporting them to the mainland.
During the off-season, the Chilsons are always on the lookout for information and items from the era when Lime Island was a booming resort and, later, a freighter refueling station. At their own expense, they have purchased items to add to the museum located on the island, and have also received many items as donations.
Those who plan to attend the tour and ceremony should be aware that the island is only accessible by boat and docking space is limited.
For more information about the award ceremony, contact DNR Upper Peninsula Field Deputy Stacy Welling at (906) 228-6561. To learn more about Lime Island, go online to www.michigan.gov/dnr and click on Recreation, Camping and Boating.
Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for Lime Island ceremony should contact the Marquette Operations Service Center at 906-228-6561 a minimum of five business days before this event. Requests made less than five business days before the event may not be accommodated.
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