WESTERN SHORE - One of Oak Island's greatest champions is potentially calling it quits.

 The Oak Island Tourism Society (OITS), a non-profit promotional group, has scheduled a membership vote for December 7 at 2 p.m. at the Oak Island Resort and Spa at which time it will decide upon its future.

 "This wasn't an easy decision," said Danny Hennigar, the society's director of communications. "It's something we've mulled over for a couple of years. We really don't want to continue the way we've been doing with just the Explore Oak Island Days."

 Incorporated in 2001, the society has played an enormous role in keeping the famed Oak Island relevant in the media and the public eye in recent years, especially when it lay dormant of treasure exploration.

 In recent years the society has profited like never before with 161 current members. Explore Oak Island Days has also gathered a large following with over 700 visitors this year alone, which has interested followers such as Charles Barkhouse questioning the motive behind the decision to cease operations.

 "I guess nobody really understands why this is happening," he said. "Personally, I feel it's very sad they're shutting down. But, it's their decision."

 Mr. Barkhouse said he isn't a member of the society, but added he and about 25 others tried to join this past summer but were turned away at the time.

 In an e-mail circulated to members advising them of the intent to shut down, Mr. Hennigar explained the reasoning behind the decision to seek the members' vote.

 "We feel that we do not have a reasonable expectation of accomplishing our main mandate, to pursue tours of Oak Island and to establish a world-class interpretative center [on the island]."

 Mr. Hennigar explained there are many reasons behind the inability to meet that mandate, but he focused on two.

 The first reason is "lack of clear direction from majority landowners and treasure hunters of Oak Island Tours Inc. on whether or not we stand any reasonable chance at fulfilling our full mandate."

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 The second reason is because "we are unable to secure a fixed date for Explore Oak Island Days each year at a facility we feel fits the character, progress and development of the event which has grown each year."

 As far as the society's relationship with Dan Blankenship, who with the Michigan Group (oil barons Marty Lagina, Craig Tester, Rick Lagina and Alan Kostrzewa), is the majority owner of the island, Mr. Hennigar said that hasn't changed despite the decision.

 "He's been very good to deal with," Mr. Hennigar said in an interview. "I've always had great respect for Dan and his partners. But, there comes a time when we realize we're banging our heads against a brick wall."

 For his part, Mr. Blankenship said he too respected Mr. Hennigar, even if he doesn't fully understand the reasons behind the decision.

 "I'm still not sure if it's because of friction I'm not aware of or something the society has chosen to do," he said.

 Mr. Barkhouse, who is friends with the Blankenship family, both father and son, said he has at times spoken with members of the Michigan Group.

 "I get the understanding they are interested in becoming part of the community," he said. "They're not just coming here to treasure hunt, spend some money and leave. They want to be a lasting entity in the community."

 Ken Petrie, chairman of the society, and one of the two founding members, said he too respects the partners, but understands they have an investment to protect.

 "We did try [for an interpretive centre] and these people have their own agenda, which is fine," he said. "It's their island and for them a major investment."

 On a side note, Mr. Petrie, who recently purchased the Bridgewater Lumberjacks hockey team, tendered his resignation as chairman before the announcement regarding the society was made and he said the two aren't related.

 For his part, Mr. Hennigar said should the OITS fold, he would have no ill will toward another group should it form to fill the same or similar mandate.

 As for the assets of the society, Mr. Hennigar's e-mail explains they would be transferred to the Chester Municipal Heritage Society (CMHS).

 "It has been tentatively agreed as part of the official windup of the society, CMHS will place the funds we collected over the last eight years in a separate account to be used exclusively to create an Oak Island display using all artifacts and items the society has collected over the years.

 "This will include portions of our website that have been popular like scribes corner, FAQs and photographs which will be housed under the CMHS website."

 Voting for the meeting is not open to the public. However, the public is able to attend.

 Only members who have been in good standing as of September 30, 2009 are eligible to vote.

posted on 11/24/09