Last week marked an 11-year anniversary of the Chautauqua & Erie County Sports Fishery Advisory Board’s annual Lake Erie Experience. On one day, usually a Wednesday in August, charterboat captains lead crews of elected officials and dignitaries on a morning tour of fishing.

For those who have attended, it is one impressive trip. Besides walleye, anglers have caught bass and lake trout while out on the waters of one of the world’s greatest fisheries. Later, those groups gather for a lunch and information session at the Northern Chautauqua Conservation Club.

It is an effort that promotes a treasure we sometimes take for granted because it is so often right in front of us. But to those who do not live here — and come here annually — they know how lucky we are.

That lake is special.