Northern Express’s “Fascinating People” Issue Is Here -- And You Might Recognize This Lime Lake Resident

Realtor Mark Fisher has lived on Lime Lake for 45 years. “When Betsy and I moved here, there were two ski boats on the lake. Over the years that’s changed,” he says. So has he. He spent years trying to get approval from the Michigan DEQ (now EGLE) so he could build on seven acres of shoreline before scrapping the plans and working with other lakeshore owners to preserve it. “Just because you’re in real estate doesn’t mean you aren’t a good person,” he says. “We’re here to make a living but … as you get older, you get a little more sensible.”

A member of the Lime Lake Association and the Good Harbor Bay Watershed planning committee, he worked with the Leelanau Conservancy and neighboring landowners to create Lime Lake Preserve, which protected over 1,000 feet of natural shoreline. What happens now? “Nothing. There’s loons, eagles nesting, lots of undisturbed wildlife,” he said. “It’s the best thing.” 

In this week’s Northern Express — sister publication to the Leelanau Ticker — the staff and contributors invite you to meet 2021's Fascinating People, including Fisher, and cover woman Abra Berens, whom you might recognize from her time as executive chef at Farm Club. Read the virtual express here, or pick up a free copy at newsstand locations (including grocery stores) in 14 counties across the north.