The Lighthouse Environmental Programs, or LEP, nonprofit group of Whidbey continues to support key programs in Island County and other lighthouses.
During its annual meeting, Rick Blank, the president, announced this year’s grants to local volunteer programs.
Sound Water Stewards, formerly WSU Beach Watchers, received $40,000 to support its work in education of the public about Island County natural resources.
The group became its own 501(c)3 in 2016 after separating from WSU Extension. The program’s focus is on an unbiased and scientific approach to educating the public about its research to support understanding of the shorelines, habitats and coastal living in Island County.
A total of $33,000 was also awarded to Admiralty Head Lighthouse volunteer docents program, managed by Fort Casey State Park in partnership with Keepers of Admiralty Head Light. The docent program keeps the Admiralty Head Lighthouse open to the public and offers tours and access to the Keepers-run gift shop. Thousands of visitors come from all over the state, country and world to visit the lighthouse.
The lighthouse is one of the most visited in the state with as many as 50,000 visitors each year.
Dollars that LEP uses to help these programs are generated by the many holders of the lighthouse license plate. In 2005, the Washington State Legislature authorized LEP to be the benefactor of the funds raised each year by the sale of the plate.
Each plate generates $28 annually, which is tax deductible. More than 500 vehicle owners in Island County have put these plates on their cars, trucks, motorcycles and trailers. LEP continues to promote the plate as more are needed to help Island County programs and other lighthouses. Plates can be acquired at any licensing office in the state and online.
The majority of the funds raised from the plates stays in Island County.
The nonprofit group also organizes an annual workshop for all of the lighthouses so that the volunteer groups managing them can better understand restoration techniques, history, and sharing of information. This year it was held at Browns Point and is the only organized effort to bring these people together to help them better support their lighthouses.
• For information contact the Whidbey based non-profit at P.O. Box 565, Coupeville, WA 98239. LEP’s website is www.washingtonlighthouses.org