09/21/2006

Forum

Fishtown plays a unique role

BY CRAIG MILLER

Emotion and reality. When we make decisions we're often put in a position where we have to listen to one and not the other. Passion is supposed to be in conflict with reason, or at least work as a system of checks and balances. Rarely, the two support each other and come to the same answer, and for me, that's true for Fishtown.

Fishtown is one of those magical places. I fished there as a child, walked the docks, and swam in the river. Now, many years later, I visit to watch the wonder in the eyes of the next generation as they take in the sights, sounds, and smells of this historical treasure.

The iconic image of Fishtown has defined life in this area for decades. Unfortunately, what now shapes our region are conflicts over growth and change. When it became known that this historic property in Leelanau County was to be placed on the open market, I helped to form a group of dedicated citizens called the Fishtown Preservation Society to see if we could shape its future differently.

As I focus on Fishtown today, I realize that my emotional attachment to the property is also supported by the reality of what this property does for our region. For nearly a century, it's been the center of one of the last remaining commercial fishing operations on the Great Lakes. It's grown into one of the most popular tourist destinations in our area, and helps fuel the tourist economy that keeps the quality of life high in northwest Michigan.

Brad Van Dommelen, president of the Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau and Doug Luciani, president of the Traverse City Area Chamber of Commerce, recently wrote of Fishtown that "the health and vitality of Northern Michigan's regional business and tourism community is directly tied to the need to protect its rich history and culture. What we choose to preserve today will tell future generations a great deal about our priorities, our values, and our desire to strengthen and enhance our economic base." I agree.

The Fishtown Preservation Society is a group of citizens who have come together to help preserve this cultural asset for future generations. We are your neighbors, your friends and people who care about Fishtown. Our hopes and plans are simple, and involve preserving the property as we know it today, maintaining the commercial fishing industry and creating educational programs to further our understanding of this historic site.

Decisions today affect what people in the future will think about our priorities in 2006.

Fishtown has a prominent place in what defines this region. It is our choice as the greater community to see that this unique asset is preserved as a living image of northern Michigan.

I invite you to learn more about Fishtown and the Fishtown Preservation Society by visiting our Web site at www.preservingfishtown.org or calling (231) 256-8878.

About the author
Craig Miller is chairman of the board of directors of the Fishtown Preservation Society.