As a loon quietly paddled by, a small group gathered around Point No Point Lighthouse on what Kitsap County Commissioner Steve Bauer called “a red-letter day for the county.”

The occasion April 3 was a lease-signing ceremony between the county and the U.S. Lighthouse Society, which relocated its headquarters to the duplex at Point No Point.

Attended by Bauer, county parks staff, the USLHS staff, members of the Friends of Point No Point Lighthouse, and Elinor DeWire of the Washington Lightkeepers Association, the lease signing marked the culmination of over a year of negotiations to bring the most prestigious lighthouse organization in the country to Point No Point.

“They will be a terrific partner in preserving the lighthouse,” Bauer said, and expressed hope their relationship eventually helps the county get the lighthouse transferred to it once the U.S. Coast Guard excesses it.

“Our partnership and presence here will exceed your expectations,” said USLHS Executive Director Jeff Gales. He went on to acknowledge the Friends of Point No Point and docents who will be a part of lighthouse preservation.

“This brings untold resources to our organization,” said JoAnn Johnson, president of the Friends of Point No Point. “I see great things in our future.”

Paulette Cziske, a member of the Friends who also oversees the Point No Point Lighthouse docents, said they’re excited to be able to draw on the resources and enthusiasm of the USLHS and share the history of the area while providing additional training for docents and “opening up a whole new world.”

“What a boon for the county to have this prestigious organization here,” DeWire said. She played a big part in negotiations between the county and USLHS, especially after former Commissioner Chris Endresen left office and incoming Commissioner Bauer had to be brought up to speed on not only the status of the lighthouse in Point No Point County Park but also the significance of the society’s presence here. She said the Washington Lightkeepers is planning a welcoming party for the USLHS this summer as part of its annual Great Lighthouse Hunt.

“Point No Point was a huge passion point for Chris Endresen,” said Chip Faver, director of the county’s Facilities, Parks and Recreation Department. “She’s really glad to see this moving forward. These are the kinds of stewards that we want in Kitsap County – this is a piece of the total picture that cannot be lost.”