The Natural Resources Preservation and Eco-Tourism Commission and members of the Beaver Island Association asked Dr. Vigmostad to pursue funds to restore and conserve not only Beaver Island, but the ten islands of the Archipelago. Phyllis Higman (Senior Conservation Scientist with the Michigan Natural Features Inventory), Doug Craven (Director of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Natural Resource Department), and James Gillingham (Professor Emeritus of Biology at Central Michigan University) partnered with Dr. Vigmostad to seek funds.  Our goal is to not only restore and protect the Beaver Island Archipelago, but to build the capacity of islanders to continue the work on their own in perpetuity long after the project is completed.  Unfortunately, our first attempt was not successful but we will continue to pursue funds for these important Archipelago projects.  The team will enjoy the guidance of a newly created ten-member Binational Islands Advisory Panel.