DEQ schedules public hearing for proposed CR 595

Featured

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Save the Wild UP

Tuesday, February 21, 2012, 6:00 – 9:00 p.m

Country Village Convention Center in Ishpeming.

For talking points, go to http://standfortheland.com/

DEQ officials announced a public hearing to discuss a proposed new road in Marquette County. The Marquette County Road Commission has submitted to the DEQ an application for a series of permits to create Marquette County Road 595, a proposed 21-mile road to connect US-41 with County Road AAA. Read entire press release…120131CountyRoad595(1)-3 Continue reading →

Wisconsin Events calling for mining activists!

Posted on January 24, 2012 by Save the Wild UP

Wednesday, January 25th, 5:00p, – 7:00pm
BURY THE MINING BILL PROTEST RALLY: at Lady Forward, to of State Street / Capitol Square, Madison, WI — Protest AB-426 aka “The Mining Bill,” and Wetlands Deregulation Bill AB-463. These Bills will deregulate environmental protections and give immunity to mining operations. The bills are also in direct violation of the treaty rights of the tribes whose resources they affect. The bills are themselves illegal.

Continue reading →

Hurley, Wisconsin: Hearing today on Mining Bill

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Save the Wild UP

Today: Hearing Held on Assembly Mining Bill in Hurley

The Assembly Jobs Committee just announced it will hold an official public hearing on the mining bill, AB 426, Wednesday, January 11th in Hurley at the Hurley Inn beginning at 10:00 AM.

This will be an important opportunity for residents who live near the proposed Gogebic Taconite mine to voice their opposition to this disastrous legislation that would roll back commonsense environmental protections, silence the voice of the public, and eliminate accountability for mining corporations. Learn more about the bill here. Continue reading →

Flambeau Mine: URGENT APPEAL to WISCONSIN MINING ACTIVISTS

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Save the Wild UP

“Hello!

Roscoe and Evelyn Churchill were right. They said from the very beginning that the Flambeau Mine would pollute the water over there, and it has.Now we have a chance to do something about it, and WRPC is asking for your help. Please see the attached letter for details and submit your written comments to the Wisconsin DNR by February 20, 2012.

Continue reading →

You are Invited! Annual Fall Fundraiser, September 23rd

Posted on September 21, 2011 by Save the Wild UP

Save the Wild UP will host its Annual Fall Fundraiser Social on Friday, September 23rd at the Upfront & Company, downtown Marquette, from 6:30 – 11:00 pm. Highlighting the evening will be speakers, a silent auction, food, cash bar and ‘live and local’ music. Don’t miss this opportunity to tackle early holiday shopping, catch up with old friends and enjoy good food and music. Tickets are on sale at the SWUP office for $15 per person, $5 student rate. Please call 228-4444 for more information.

Proposed Kennecott Haul Road: Public Informational Open Houses Scheduled

Posted on August 25, 2011 by Save the Wild UP

Marquette County Board of Road Commissioners (year took office), top to bottom - L to R: Joseph Valente ('08), Russell Williams, Vice Chairperson ('07), Neil Anderson ('09), Darryll Sundberg, Chairperson ('03), David Hall ('07)

The Marquette County Road Commission will hold a series of informational open houses to provide information to, and collect written comments from the public regarding the proposed new roadway called County Road 595. Time and location are as follows:
Tuesday, Aug. 30th 12:00 -3:00 & 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Citizens Forum Room, Lakeview Arena,
Wednesday, Aug. 31st 12:00 -3:00 & 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Ishpeming Township Hall, Ishpeming

Informational packets will be available for public review at these meetings. Information will also be available to the public for review starting Tuesday afternoon, August 16, 2011 at the following locations: Marquette County Road Commission Administrative Office, The Peter White Public Library, City of Ishpeming, City of Negaunee, City of Marquette, Powell Township, Ely Township, Marquette Township, Negaunee Township, Ishpeming Township, Humboldt Township and Michigamme Township.

All written input given and received at these informational meetings will be considered at the Board of Marquette County Road Commissioners regular meeting on Monday, September 19, 2011, 6:00 p.m. at the Ishpeming Township Hall. The public may submit written comment to the Marquette County Road Commission Office, 1610 N. Second Street, Ishpeming, MI 49849 or by emailing lbrogan@marqroad.org by Tuesday, September 6, 2011; 1:00 p.m.

Lisa Brogan
Marquette County Road Commission
Ph: 906-486-4491 x. 103
F: 906-486-4493

CALL Governor Snyder Thursday and Friday!!!

Posted on August 10, 2011 by Save the Wild UP

Governor Snyder refused an earlier appeal WAVE made to halt development of the mine. Rio Tinto/Kennecott has never had a non-polluting sulfide mine, their new technology is untested. Our water, our health and our children’s health—for generations to come—is at risk. And they have failed to adequately study the impacts!

Call Snyder’s office tomorrow and/or Friday and request that Kennecott/Rio Tinto halt work on the Eagle Project until a comprehensive Environmental Impact Statement be conducted.

Call-in dates: August 11 and 12.

Write-in dates: August 7 – 21, 2011

Contact Information

Governor Rick Snyder, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing MI 48909

Tel. (517) 373-3400; FAX (517) 335-7858; Email:rick.snyder@mich.gov

Protect the Earth Great Lakes Community Gathering, Saturday, August 6, 2011 in Champion, MI

Posted on August 2, 2011 by Save the Wild UP

Protect the Earth Gathering UPDATE!
Make your plans now for a ride to the Protect the Earth Great Lakes Community Gathering SATURDAY, AUGUST 6th, at Van Riper State Park
We are calling upon:
a. All those who can drive and take some folks in their vehicle.
b. All those who need a ride.
If you can drive, let us know: a.) from where b.) how many people you can take in your vehicle. Call 906-250-3284.
If you need a ride, let us know. We hope to have drivers from Marquette, Houghton/Hancock, Baraga/L’Anse, and Big Bay. Don’t wait until the last minute … you’ll be up on the roof rack!
ALSO: If you can please bring a lawn chair.
To make a Van Riper camping reservation, call 1-800-447-2757, or reserve a spot at the park entrance.

You are cordially invited to attend the 4th Protect the Earth Great Lakes Community Gathering on Saturday, August 6th at Van Riper State Park in Champion, Michigan. This year’s theme is “Coming Together: Uniting for Strength and Success.”

The purpose of the gathering is to seek ways in which the citizens of the Upper Great Lakes Region can work together more effectively to defend their water resources against the threat of new extraction projects.

Speakers will focus on proposed activity that threatens the health of the region including the controversial Eagle Project on the Yellow Dog Plains and Hud Bay’s proposed Front 40 Project for zinc and gold takings in Menominee Co., according to conference organizer Margaret Comfort.

Also on the program are “Fracking” of gas wells in lower Michigan, proposed extractive resource projects in the Penokee Hills of Wisconsin, and proposed copper-nickel sulfide projects in NE Minnesota, plus a special presentation on environmental justice and indigenous cultural issues.

The gathering is free to interested participants. It will begin with an optional walk at 9:00 a.m. from Koski’s Corner (intersection of US-41 and M-95) to the proposed Humboldt processing facility, approximately 2.5 miles round trip. The focus of the walk is to raise awareness of the importance of defending local water resources. Rides back to the cars will be available.

The main conference will be held in the Van Riper Park Pavillion beginning with lunch at 11:30 a.m. Al Gedicks (WI), Frank Koehn (WI), Bob Tammen (MN) are among the highlighted speakers scheduled from 1:00-4:30 p.m. A round-table discussion from 4:30-6:00 p.m. will involve threats to health due to heavy metals, sustainable alternatives to dead-end industries, and recent Michigan legislation limiting townships’ zoning authority over extractive industries. Participants will address ways of working more effectively together.

The day will close with a catered supper and an ‘open mic’ session, according to Comfort. While there is no charge, seating is limited to 100 people. Attendees can e-mail info@savethewildup.org, or call 906-228-4444 to reserve a place at the gathering or arrange for carpooling from Marquette, Big Bay, or Houghton.

This event is sponsored by WAVE – Water Action Vital Earth – working for clean water and a sustainable future, and Save the Wild UP, protecting the Upper Peninsula from environmental degradation and dangerous contamination.

Make your reservations for Protect the Earth 2011 NOW. Seating is limited to 100 people – make SURE this includes YOU !!!

Please bring lawn or folding chairs – thanks!

LODGING OPTIONS FOR PROTECT THE EARTH GATHERING – Saturday August 6th

Van Riper State Park – “in the Heart of Moose Country” –located 35 miles west of Marquette on US-41.

1. Camping at Van Riper State Park (VRSP – call 906-339-4461) – as of 7/13/11, the following options are available:

a. ”Group Campsites” along the Peshekee River – must reserve at least FIVE sites, each site costs $12 per night. Rustic with vault toilet. 1/2 mile to main park entrance – nice walking trail. Very beautiful area ! Must call VRSP to reserve.

b. ”Group Cabin” along Peshekee River – sleeps six in bunk beds. No kitchen. Rustic with vault toilet. 1/2 mile to main park entrance – nice walking trail. Outfitted with aluminum flat-bottom boat, oars, PFDs. $50 per night. Bring your own linens. Call VRSP to reserve.

c. ”Modern Cabin” along shores of Lake Michigamme – gorgeous sunsets. At the main campground. Brand new! No kitchen. Vault toilet. Sleeps six in bunk beds and one fold-out bed. $80 per night. Bring your own linens. Call 1-800-44-PARKS to reserve.

d. ”Modern Campsites” – at the main campground. $21 per night. Includes electrical hook-up. Flush toilets and warm showers.

Call 1-800-44-PARKS to reserve.

2. Area Motels and Cabins

a. Lake Ruth Resort in Twin Lakes (Rte 41, about 12 miles W of VRSP) – as of 7/13/11, two large motel rooms with AC and fully-equipped kitchenettes are available for nights of Aug 5 and Aug 6. $70 per night. Also available are two cabins, each with bed and stand-up shower, at $60 per night (but no AC). New, clean, and well-appointed. Right on Ruth Lake! Call 906-323-9022 to reserve.

b. L’ Anse Motel (approx 40 miles West on Rte 41) - 906-524-7820, some rooms available at $45 (for two) and $55 (for four people)

c. Hilltop Inn in L’ Anse – 906-524-6321 or 800-424-2548 – rooms are available for the 5th and 6th, at $54 per night
d. Best Western (in W. Ishpeming, approx 18 miles East on Rte 41) – 906-485-6345 or 800-528-1234

MEAL OPTIONS AND ADDITIONAL LODGING OPTIONS FOR PROTECT THE EARTH GREAT LAKES COMMUNITY GATHERING -

A. ADDITIONAL LODGING OPTIONS: these lodgers do have availability on Aug 5th and 6th (as of 7/24/11 a.m.)

i. Maple Ridge Resort – on Lake Michigamme 906-323-6334, $105 per night – 1 queen-sized bed with complete kitchen

ii. Streak-Ed Water Resort – also on the Lake 906-323-6169. $80 per night – cabin with full-sized bed & complete kitchen, bring bath towels

B. MEALS –

Best Friday Night Fish Fry in the Universe - Hometown Cafe right in Michigamme – call 323-6323 – open 8 am to 8 pm every day. Breakfast is served all day.

Mt. Shasta Restaurant – on Rte 41 – right at Michigamme. Call 323-6212. Good Fish Fry too. Part of “Anatomy of a Murder” was filmed here!

Lunch and Dinner only.

Francois Cafe – at intersection of Rte 41 and Rte 95 - where the Walk will begin on Saturday a.m. - phone 339-0013 – open 7 am to 7 pm.

For those travelling from the West:

a. Covington – The Hardwood Steakhouse – delicious Ruebens (with their own homemade red slaw), French Onion Soup, Steaks - 4 miles WEST of the Covington Junction (Rte 41 and Rte 141) – call 355-2712

a. L’Anse – HillTop Restaurant (adjacent to HillTop Motel): 524-7858

b. Baraga – Best Western Lakeside Inn (a beautiful view of Keweenaw Bay and good fish!, also Lodging) – 353-7123

c. Baraga – Oibwa Casino Resort and Migizi Wadiswan Restaurant - 353-6333 (Lodging) and 353-4494 (Restaurant)

For those traveling from the East:

Fine Dining in Beautiful Marquette:

a. Casa Calabria (Italian) at 1106 N. 3rd St. (228-2088) – lunch & dinner

b. Coco’s - 911 Lakeshore Blvd (overlooking Lake Superior) – call 228-2680 for lunch & dinner.

c. The Vierling – a classic MQT establishment with beautiful view of Lake Superior – near the corner of Front St. and Washington St.

d. Rubiyat (Indian cuisine) – 119 W. Baraga (right next to the MQT Coop) 228-7800

e. Sai Uwa Thai Bistro – what a delight! - 228-8424 – on Front St. just 1/2 block N. of Washington St.

f. SweetWater Cafe 517 N. 3rd St. 226-7009

g. UpFront and Co. 102 E. Main St. 228-5200

Fine Dining in Beautiful Ishpeming:

a. Mama Mia’s (Italian) at 207 E. Pearl St. (485-5813)

b. World’s Best Italian Beef Sub: Ralph’s Italian Deli (corner of Rte 41 and Palms Ave.) call 485-4557

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, JUST GIVE US A CALL AT 906-228-4444 or 906-250-3284

SEE YOU THERE !

Invitation to Join U.P. Grassroots Campaign

Posted on July 21, 2011 by Save the Wild UP

U.P. Grassroots Campaign to

Defend Our Water and Stop the Eagle Mine

Our water…our lives…

Friends,
Please join a new campaign that SWUP (Save the Wild UP) and WAVE (Water Action Vital Earth), is organizing to halt development of the Kennecott Eagle Mine. It is called the U.P. Grassroots Campaign to Defend Our Water and Stop the Eagle Mine.

The purpose of the campaign is to arouse, inspire, and mobilize our citizens to make a renewed effort to block the mine. Its specific objective is to convince Governor Snyder to issue an executive order to halt work on the mine and call for a complete third party impact study on every aspect of the Eagle Mine project.

The campaign is urgently required. It may be our last, best chance to stop the mine. Kennecott has indicated that it may begin blasting the mine’s portal in mid-September through Eagle Rock. Eagle Rock is a sacred site of the Anishinabe people. It has also become a symbol for all of us of the sacredness our precious, fragile ecosystem

The open ended campaign began on July 9 with a rally in Marquette. While it has a political objective, the campaign will have a spiritual, nonviolent foundation. WAVE member Scott Rutherford began an open-ended water-only protest fast on July 9. His statement is enclosed.
Governor Snyder refused an earlier appeal we made to halt development of the mine. We explained the great danger the mine posed to our water and to our health—and the health of our children and their children. We found his decision unconscionable. We advised him that he had failed to discharge the responsibility of his office to protect the health and well being of the citizens of our state. In response to his refusal, we have organized the campaign.

Here are some ways that you can support us:

Send us an email, letting us know you endorse the campaign.

Ask your members to participate in our “Write-In, Call-In Campaign.” Tell the Governor to halt work on the mine and order an EIS!

Write-in dates: August 7-21. Call-in dates: August 11 and 12.

Write: Governor Rick Snyder, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing MI 48909,

Email: rick.snyder@mich.gov or FAX: (517) 335-7858

Call: Tel. (517) 373-3400;

More information is available at the SWUP website: http://www.savethewildup.org/.

Join us at the Protect the Earth gathering at Van Riper State Park on August 6. Details are on our website.

A closing thought. We believe the Eagle mine is a symbol of the consequences of an alliance between the corporate sector of our economy, dominated by multi-national giants like Rio Tinto, and our state government that has effectively disenfranchised the citizenry. We no longer have an effective voice in the most basic decisions that affect our health and well being. How are we to regain our voice? We believe it can only be done by creating our own alliances, finding common ground, and working together to regain our voice. We will have an opportunity to talk about how we can move ahead together at the Protect the Earth gathering and, hopefully on other occasions. Please let us have your views on this important matter.

Scott Rutherford fast statement-1-1

Ceremonial Long Walk of the Drum – Eagle Rock – Yellow Dog Plains – July 17, 2011 – Sunday – 12:00 Noon

Posted on July 11, 2011 by Save the Wild UP

“This was a dream . . . lots of people – all kinds, walking to the beat of the drum . . . from one drum to the next . . . walking, head down, a solemn walk of the drum . . . three times around the site counter-clockwise.”

This dream or vision was shared and expressed by two men – one non-native, one Anishinaabe. Both men dreamed of Eagle Rock surrounded by a fence with security men looking on as the “people” walked by, to the sound of the drum. This walk, which reflects an ancient ceremony, will take place Sunday, July 17^th at Eagle Rock on the Yellow Dog Plains.

Drummers from around the Upper Great Lakes Region will gather to offer their drum to this walk. Young, old, native, non-native – the people must gather here at Eagle Rock. It is a long walk, some twelve miles with twelve drum sites. It is not important that each make the total 12 mile trek, it is just important that many people gather to participate in the walk. “Passing from one drum site to the next, the people will pass from one to the next until it is done.”

This is not a protest with flags and banners, this is a commemoration of Eagle Rock as a sacred site – both to Tribal Nations and to the people who have long held Eagle Rock as a symbol of this effort to stop this mine on public lands. We need people to gather and give one step, one half mile, two miles, four miles, or whatever they are able, to the effort to walk around this site three times. People can come when they can and give of whatever time they have to this walk.

For the last nine years, we have attempted to bring reason, science and the will of the people to this long campaign. It is time to gather the people again, in a united consciousness, for this Long Walk of the Drum around Eagle Rock.

. . . and the people will pass from one drum to the next until it is done”

LOGISTICS

Camping on State Public lands will be permitted. Permits to camp will be available at the check-in station and at Big Bay Outfitters. State lands surround the proposed mine site and maps and folks on the ground will assist campers in finding good camping locations close by. There is a latrine that is handicapped-accessible, for all who may wish to use it during this event.
Due to the potential high fire danger, all cooking should be done with Coleman like stoves and fuels. We ask that no wood fires be built except in designated areas with proximity to water. If the Yellow or Red fire flags are out – no fires should be built anywhere on the Yellow Dog Plains. We will post fire danger flags at our information site.

We anticipate that people will start gathering on Saturday the 16th. There will be a check-in station on the AAA road about a half a mile before the main gates of the proposed mine, where someone will be handing out information. You will be on your own with food and water. There is a spring at the Salmon Trout River where it crosses the AAA, for good fresh water. Swimming is close by at the Yellow Dog River also. There is shaded state land near but not within sight of the mine. This would be a good opportunity to enjoy the Yellow Dog Plains and see it for what it is.

We need people to assist with the drum sites. We need teams at each drum site which will also be rest stations for the walkers. If you and a friend are available to assist from 10:00 in the morning on Sunday the 17th until sunset – we need you! Two people per site is what we are looking for. If you have a large tent or tarp that can be set up to give shade and rest — that would be wonderful.

Water will be available at these rest stops, but people should also bring their own water, food and beverages.

The opening ceremony starts at NOON but walkers may join at any time and at any drum site location. Walking will be 80% on two track or the AAA. Only one leg will be walking through a Jack Pine forest and this will be marked.

Please visit www.standfortheland.com and http://www.savethewildup.org/ for updates and additional information. There will be a map posted before the date of the event.

We need LOTS OF PEOPLE. Please spread the word in any way you can. Far and wide — we need a gathering of the people. This will be a safe event – please come. This is a very important ceremony that needs to be done at this place and at this time.