Category Archives: WAVE

Posts relating to the WAVE group.

Souper Supper

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WAVE (Water Action Vital Earth) will host a “Souper Supper” Harvest Fest on Saturday, November 19th, at the Messiah Lutheran Church in Marquette (corner of Magnetic and Fourth St.)  from  6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Freshly made soups such as Nutmeg Squash, Pear and Parsnip and Chicken Noodle highlight the menu along with delicious homemade breads and pies. Pies of all kinds will be available by the slice or whole pie to take home and enjoy or to freeze for the holiday.

Live music will be provided by Continue reading →

CALL Governor Snyder Thursday and Friday!!!

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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

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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) 662-9987 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 !

U.P. Grassroots Campaign

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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 (EIS) on every aspect of the Eagle Mine project. The open ended campaign began July 9 with a rally on the steps of the Marquette County Court House.

UP Grassroots Campaign

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Invitation to Join U.P. Grassroots Campaign

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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

 

“Defend Our Water” Campaign Kickoff Schedule, July 9, 1:00

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Kickoff Schedule:

CALL to RALLY: Drumming
Welcome and Introduction of the Campaign
SPEAKERS:

Rev. Jon Magnuson
Dr. Allan Olson
Laura Gauger, WI
Scott Rutherford
Sing-a-long with Circle of Friends and Cora Thiele
Drummers and Chanting
Art activity for children
Information Table
Pure WATER
Evening in Big Bay:
RALLY at the Mine Site Gate: Saturday, July 9, 4:30 pm
Food and Social in Big Bay
Fireworks, 10:30 pm, Squaw BeachOn Saturday, July 9, concerned citizens of Upper Michigan, Northern Wisconsin, and Lower Michigan will launch their ongoing, organized “U.P. Grassroots Campaign to Defend our Water and Stop the Eagle Mine.”

Led by WAVE (Water Action Vital Earth), the action partner of SWUP (Save the Wild U.P), the campaign kicks off with a rally on Saturday, July 9, on the steps of the Marquette County Courthouse at 1:00 pm.

Featured speaker will be Laura Gauger of Wisconsin, author of the book, The Buzzards have Landed. Other speakers include Dr. Alan Olson, addressing the importance of water, Jon Magnuson of the Cedar Tree Institute, and longtime activist Scott Rutherford of Hancock.

Speakers will make the case that the mine poses a clear and present danger to our watersheds of Lake Superior, and to the health of local citizens for generations to come.

WAVE holds that this mine is only the beginning of exploitation, and will lead to water contamination on a scale hitherto unknown in this area.

Following the rally, participants will travel to public lands near Eagle Rock for a time of meditation and reflection, before going to Big Bay for a picnic supper and Big Bay’s annual Fireworks.

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 environmental impact study (EIS) on every aspect of the Eagle Mine project.

WAVE, in March, had appealed to the governor do so because of the grave danger the mine posed to our water resources and our health.   He refused, an action WAVE and SWUP found unconscionable.

Scott Rutherford, 77, a veteran and member of WAVE, is planning an extended, open-ended fast, beginning July 9.

Scott says, “The fast is, in part, an appeal to Governor Snyder to reflect on the moral implications of his refusal to call a halt to work on the mine.”

Campaign planners are working on several events during the summer and fall, including walks on the Yellow Dog Plains, special speakers and workshops, street theatre presentations, fund-raising socials, and an area-wide conference.

Everyone of good heart is welcome to participate in all events, say the members of WAVE and SWUP. Updated information will be continually provided on this website.

 

 

WAVE Action: Street Theatre Spoofs Governor Snyder

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This photo courtesy of MJournal

WAVE members wrote and performed a skit on the steps of Marquette County Courthouse Friday (4-29)  to an audience of passersby, honking motorists and a variety of  WAVE supporters. The skit featured Governor Rick Snyder, Michigan’s Department of Environmental Quality, Kennecott Minerals, WAVE, a doctor, a lawyer and a police officer with her cop-dog, Nutmeg. The supporting crowd chanted “Ensure the PURE” and “Our Governor doesn’t listen!” in response to his (the Governor’s) ‘passing off’ of Wave’s request for a comprehensive environmental impact study for the Eagle Project.

Read more  http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/561699/WAVE–New-enviro-group-stages-anti-mine-event.html?nav=5006

Response letter to Snyder:  Response to Gov denial FINAL

2011 0428 WAVE PressRelease-2

WAVE Rally Scheduled for Friday April 29

 

WAVE, a new grassroots environmental coalition, will hold a public rally on Friday, April 29 at 5:00 PM on the steps of the Marquette County Courthouse in Marquette. The rally will feature street theater, music and WAVE’s response to the Governor. The public is invited to attend and encouraged to bring friends, family, signs, noise makers and musical instruments.

 

The rally is to protest Governor Snyder’s refusal to halt mining giant Rio Tinto’s development of the Eagle Mine project.  WAVE requested the Governor to halt the project until an environmental impact study encompasing all aspects of the Eagle Mine Project could be performed, including mining, power, transport and milling of ore.

 

The  Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) responded on behalf of the Governor.  A letter signed by DEQ Director, Dan Wyant, stated, “We believe the Eagle Mine can be operated without causing harm to the environment and the tourist industry.”

 

WAVE in its letter asking for the halt in development of the mine said:

 

“Allowing the development of the Eagle mine to continue or to close the mine down is, quite simply, a question involving life and death choices.  Physicians and public health professionals have testified repeatedly that our health and the health of our children is being placed at great risk by the Eagle mine for generations to come. We think you would agree that we should not compromise the lives of our people for a short term economic gain.”

 

WAVE provided the Governor with copies of petitions signed by over 15,000 persons that expressed concern about the risks posed by the mine.  They were signed by a cross section of Michigan citizens.

 

 

 

Snyder Dodges WAVE Group Request

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4/18/11

Dear Catherine,

Governor Rick Snyder asked us to respond directly to your inquiry on his behalf.  Attached is a letter from Director Dan Wyant of the Department of Environmental Quality.

Thank you.

Mary Beth Thelen

Executive Management Assistant to the Director

Department of Environmental Quality

Thelenm2@michigan.gov

517-373-7917 or 517-241-7390

Read the letter from the DEQ:   WAVE Response 4-18-11

WAVE Group ACTION: Phone the Governor!

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APRIL 12 ACTION:

If you can spare a moment this week please make two phone calls for the following reasons:

WAVE wrote a letter to Governor Snyder on March 24 requesting a specific action. It reads,

“…we urge you to use your authority to issue an executive order calling for an immediate halt to activity at the Eagle Mine site until a complete impact study can be prepared by EPA mining experts.  This review should encompass all aspects of the Eagle Project, including mining, transport, and milling of ore, as well as other potential mining projects in the vicinity of the Yellow Dog Plains.”

The Governor has not responded to our letter of request, so it is time to call and email both the Governor’s office and the U.P. office!!!

On the call please ask, “Are you going to issue an executive order or not?? When can we expect a response from the Governor? Has the Governor received the 15,000 signed petitions from citizens across the state in opposition to this project?”

Thanks for taking action! Our U.P.Governor’s representative at the Northern Michigan Office is Greg Andrews, so ask for him specifically.

Read this letter from Jessica to Governor Snyder:  http://keweenawnow.blogspot.com/2011/04/letter-from-jessica-koski-gov-snyder.html

 

Governor Rick Snyder
P.O. Box 30013
Lansing, Michigan 48909PHONE: (517) 373-3400
PHONE: (517) 335-7858 – Constituent Services
FAX:(517) 335-6863
E-MAIL: Rick.Snyder@michigan.gov
Northern Michigan Office
1504 West Washington, Suite B
Marquette, MI 49855
(906) 228-2850   Greg Andrews		 Washington D.C. Office
444 N. Capitol Street, Northwest
Hall of the States, Suite 411
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 624-5840

For Immediate Release: March 29, 2011

GOVERNOR ASKED TO HALT ALL ACTIVITY AT EAGLE MINE SITE

Marquette, MI — Representatives of WAVE, a new grassroots environmental coalition, met today with Greg Andrews, Governor Snyder’s Upper Peninsula representative.  They brought a letter to the governor, calling for an immediate halt to construction of the Eagle Mine on the Yellow Dog Plains.

WAVE asks that EPA mining experts prepare an impact study that encompasses all aspects of the Eagle Project, including mining, transport, and milling of ore. WAVE contends that the environmental impact statement funded and prepared by Kennecott Minerals did not meet the requirements of the new law regulating nonferrous metallic sulfide mining in Michigan.

Accompanying the letter were petitions signed by over 15,000 persons, including doctors and health care professionals who oppose development of the mine because of the risks posed to the region’s water resources and to the health of people dependent upon it.

London-based Rio Tinto, aggressively anti-union, is developing the mine under the subsidiary name Kennecott Minerals. Despite numerous pending lawsuits, Kennecott has acquired the necessary permits and may soon begin excavating the mine.  The portal is to be blasted through Migi zii wa sin (Eagle Rock), a Native American sacred site, an act akin to blowing up a church, synagogue or temple to the Ojibwe tribe.

According to WAVE spokesperson Catherine Parker, “The mine puts surface water, ground water and air quality at risk—along with the numerous and permanent jobs that come from the current recreation and tourism businesses.”  She adds that the flawed process demonstrated by the permitting of the Eagle Mine sets a dangerous precedent, especially with the recent increase in mining exploration in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Testimony from doctors and public health professionals makes it clear that health is a key concern, especially for our children, seniors and future generations. To date, the state has chosen to ignore the potential health impact on the region, and WAVE hopes that Governor Snyder will change that.

They are requesting an in-person meeting with Governor Snyder to discuss their concerns.

Parker explained that the choice facing the Governor—whether to halt the mine’s development or allow the portal to be blasted—will impact the health of people in the Upper Great Lakes Region. She continued, “This is Governor Snyder’s opportunity to take a long term view of what is best for Michigan’s citizens and not jump at the fast money and short term economic gain represented by the Eagle Mine’s development.”

WAVE is a new grassroots coalition of individuals and representatives of environmental, health, and citizen groups around the Great Lakes Region.  Its mission is to protect our water resources as part of a sustainable future.

Contact:  Catherine Parker

Phone:     (906) 662-9987

Email:   waveactions@gmail.com

3.29.11 Press Release-Governor

Governor Rick Snyder–FINAL 1 3-23-11-2

Wave

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WAVE is a new citizen-based group seeking to preserve Michigan’s pristine waters.

It is a grassroots coalition of individuals and representatives of environmental, health, and citizen groups around the Great Lakes Region. Its mission is to protect water resources as part of a sustainable future for our region.

Learn more about WAVE

WAVE