Several groups in West Prince have come forward with proposals to save local lighthouses, but two historic ones in the Summerside area are still up for grabs.

The federal Department of Fisheries and Oceans is divesting of the lighthouses it owns across the country, and interested groups have until the end of May to apply to take over the buildings.

But so far according to its website, Parks Canada has received applications from just five P.E.I. groups seeking to designate a heritage lighthouse.

Not included in that number are the Indian Head Lighthouse, built in 1881 at MacCallum's Point near Bedeque, and the Back Range Light on Summerside's Glovers Shore Road, constructed in 1895.

"It is surprising, especially since they want to encourage cruise line traffic and enhance their shoreline - definitely, the lighthouses are very much a part of that," said Carol Livingstone, president of the P.E.I. Lighthouse Association.

"I hope they don't wake up on the first day of June and say, 'Oh God, we should've (done something),' because then they've lost their chance."

She said groups have come forward to formulate plans to take over most of the lighthouses in West Prince, but the futures of some well-known Island lights remains uncertain.

Livingstone expressed surprise that no advocates have come forward to help the Indian Head, Back Range, Cape Tryon and North Rustico lights.

Parks Canada must receive applications before May 29 in order for a lighthouse to be considered for heritage designation.

The good news is that groups have until 2015 to come up with a plan and funding ideas after their application is approved.

Livingstone encouraged groups to make sure they get their foot in the door with an application as soon as possible.

"I liken it to an adoption process. They will have up to three years to get all there 'I's dotted and their 'T's crossed - they do have to become incorporated if they want to take over a federal building," she said. "If for some reason they couldn't fulfill it, they wouldn't be legally obligated or anything like that. It shouldn't be an onerous task."

Lighthouses still unclaimed after 2015 will likely be sold or torn down by the federal government.

Wyatt Heritage Properties in Summerside would be willing to facilitate any meetings for local groups interested in taking charge of the Indian Head or Back Range lights, said archivist Fred Horne.

"I'm not aware of anything that's being done specifically on that issue. There's just so many other things going on at the same time that it just hasn't developed that spark that you need within the community," said Horne. "It's a big thing to take on, but nothing will happen if no one takes the first step."