Fishtown Preservation
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  • Water Levels Q&A

Water Levels Q&A

Your Water Questions Answered

What’s going on with the water in Fishtown?

Water levels are high because both Lake Leelanau and Lake Michigan have reached record highs. Water coming over the dam meets Lake Michigan on the Leland River, in Fishtown, and has remained just below the docks most of the time. Sometimes, though, weather over Lake Michigan generates a seiche — the bathtub-like sloshing that happens with all lakes. Seiches can bring floodwaters into Fishtown, although they don’t stay long — they have caused continual flooding to several shanties, and exacerbated existing shanty and dock issues.

Should I worry?

Water levels on the Great Lakes have historically run on long cycles between high and low. For instance, just six years ago waters were near record lows. Through all of these literal highs and lows, Fishtown has adjusted. However, the high waters this year have taken a toll on Fishtown’s docks and buildings.

What are we doing about it?

Fishtown Preservation Society has spent the last four years preparing to improve Fishtown’s infrastructure, including rehabilitating three shanties — the Village Cheese Shanty, Carlson’s Fishery and the Morris Shanty. The situation is now urgent due to the high water damage. Making changes on public waters is complicated, and we’re finalizing permit approvals to begin the needed work. This work is being funded through the Campaign for Fishtown. The Village Cheese Shanty is first on our list to be saved. We will be lifting the shanty off its foundation and putting it temporarily in the Leland Harbor parking lot, while we repair its foundation and adjoining docks — hopefully yet this month. Work on the Morris Shanty will also begin soon!

How can I help?

You can donate to protect Fishtown. The effects of the high water have substantially raised the cost to complete the site project, and our day-to-day care of Fishtown. Your support will keep Fishtown literally above water. Become a sustainable Annual Fishtown Anchor or donate to the Campaign for Fishtown. For more information call Amanda Holmes at 231-256-8878 or email [email protected]

Thank you for supporting Fishtown.

 

How to Reach Us

Fishtown Preservation
Office location and hours
203 E. Cedar Street
P.O. Box 721
Leland, MI 49654M-F 9:00-4:00 (year-round)
(231) 256-8878
(231) 256-2517 (fax)
[email protected]
Facebook.com/FishtownMI

You Make the Difference

With your help, we're preserving the past and the present of Fishtown. Please contribute today.

Our Business Anchors

  • Shady Lane Market

    Shady Lane Market is a one-of-a-kind, convenience store/gas station located between Suttons Bay and Traverse City on M-22....

  • Venture Properties

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  • Art’s Tavern

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  • Leland gal

    Leland gal is art driven textiles, made in the USA, inspired by my hometown of Leland, Michigan....

  • The Bead Hut

    The Bead Hut shanty is located on the docks in Historic Fishtown, Leland....

  • Dam Candy Store

    The Dam Candy Store is located in Fishtown — featuring a variety of favorite candies, and ice cream. ...

  • Ken Scott Photography

    Ken Scott Phototgraphy features photos of Lower NW Michigan, Leelanau, Sleeping Bear Dune National Lakeshore and beyond....

  • Long’s Furniture World and Mattress

    Long’s Furniture World in Franklin, Indiana, offers a wide selection of both traditional and modern furniture and high quality mattresses....

  • Haystacks

    Haystacks Brand Clothing and Accessories are designed, cut, and sewn at our Design Studio in Suttons Bay, Michigan...

  • Northern Latitudes Distillery

    Leelanau's first full service small batch distillery!...

  • Reelin’ Leland

    Fishing charters aboard the Leelanautical....

  • Bonek Agency

    Independent insurance agency operating and licensed to do business in Michigan....

  • Thomas & Milliken Millworks

    Thomas & Milliken Millwork has been producing quality custom moulding, doors and stair parts since 1977....

  • The Cove

    The Cove serves lunch and dinner daily. Call 231-256-9834 for dinner reservations....

  • Green Goodness

    An array of Earth friendly products for women, baby, body and home....

  • Leland Mercantile Co.

    Leland Mercantile is a full-line grocery store....

  • Tug Stuff

    Tug Stuff: The World of Tug....

  • Leland Chamber of Commerce

    The Leland Chamber of Commerce promotes economic growth and stability in the extended Leland community. ...

  • At The Lake

    Our goal is to provide you with a unique collection of fun products....

  • Van’s Garage

    Shining as a gem from a bygone age, Van's Garage stands apart as a true original....

  • Tampico

    Sterling Silver jewelry is our specialty, featuring our Petoskey Stone, Leland Blue and Beach Glass & much more....

  • Becky Thatcher Designs

    Becky Thatcher has been crafting exquisite, handmade jewelry for over three decades....

  • Two Fish Leland

    Discover authentic art, uplifting gifts and an uncommon experience at Two Fish Gallery, Two Fish II and Two Fish Stay....

  • Pete Miller, Attorney

    For twenty-five years Pete Miller has been representing businesses and individuals in real estate and business transactions....

  • Diversions

    As our name implies we are more than just a hat store. ...

  • Tamarack Gallery

    Providing a showcase for fine art, outsider and folk art, and crafts, located in historic Omena....

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