Tag Archives: Great Lakes

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 !

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

 

Water and the Public Trust

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Posted: April 12, 2010

ONLINE COMMENTARY – Detroit Free Press

Water and the public trust

BY JAMES OLSON

The future of Michigan’s economy and quality of life, like that of other Great Lakes states and provinces, hinges on our ability to preserve the integrity of one-fifth of the world’s fresh surface water as a public trust — that is, publicly controlled and held by government for the benefit of all citizens, not for the possession, ownership, or control to benefit the few.

The public trust not only creates a right in the public as beneficiaries of this trust, but also imposes a duty on the state as trustee for citizens. This duty prohibits the sale, alienation or subordination of water to private interests for private gain. It protects everyone’s use of water, such as drinking, growing crops, swimming, boating, navigation, fishing, hunting, canoeing, kayaking, wildlife, education, research, and manufacturing products or generating electricity.

It does not mean the public can trespass or take over private rights in land, including the right to use water to farm, manufacture or recreate. The public trust is a critical boundary that protects all water users and the economy, especially the economy of farmers, forestry, industry and utilities, fishing and tourism, all of whom share these waters with the public and other landowners and the needs of the environment.

If public trust principles are not reaffirmed (these principles have been around for more than 2,000 years), then the water commons that supports all life and economy here will be diminished in flow, level and quality, and claimed by special or foreign interests under international treaties such as NAFTA. That’s the danger if a limit is not placed on the sale or export of water out of our watersheds and the Great Lakes Basin.

In other words, industries and the jobs they produce, like farming — Michigan’s second largest industry — will be forced to compete with the infinite demand for water anywhere in the country, continent or the world. Imagine owning land and depending on water, and suddenly having to compete with those willing to pay more money for the water than we can afford for growing our food, and watching it being sold and drained from beneath our feet gallon by gallon.

This is why everyone in Michigan, regardless of political persuasion, should support the passage by the Legislature of state Rep. Dan Scripps’ proposed public trust bill (House Bill 5319).

In less than 30 years, half the world’s population will be without safe drinking water if current water waste and pollution are not curbed. Recent U.N. and business surveys demonstrate that world demand for freshwater will outstrip supply by more than 30%.

Why would Michigan leave itself open for the rest of the world to press a finger on the map, buy land, and come here and ship the water somewhere else?

There will be naysayers, like those falsely claiming that they own groundwater or have a private property right to sell water for any reason at any price without regard to the effect on a neighbor, a lake or stream, or the public. But these claims are misplaced.

There is only a right to use water in connection with use of land or needs of a community in a watershed or basin. No one person or landowner owns the water any more than the air, the Great Lakes, a river, or the fish, nor should we ever recognize such right.

Landowners, farmers and businesses enjoy the right to use the water without diminishing or selling it off at the expense of everyone who shares the use of the water commons.

House Bill 5319 declares water a public trust, imposes a duty on the state and government, as the trustee, to protect water and related natural resources, and prohibits the government or anyone from violating the public trust principles. Water cannot be sold for a private purpose and profit as if water were a product or commodity; it cannot be transferred or diverted if it impairs the use or common rights of the public in water, or is used to subsidize a few at the expense of all.

The bill also grants each citizen the right to bring a lawsuit in the courts if the government or another violates the public trust duty and principles. What good is a public trust or right, if citizens cannot enforce it when government violates its public trust duty? If citizens can act, we will maintain public control, respect private use, and prohibit the private abuse or export of freshwater, basic to the survival of all of us.

James Olson is a Traverse City attorney.

Additional Documents

Public Trust Press Release World Water Day event

Public Trust Bill ACTION ALERT 3-19-2010- final (2) (2)

Public Trust Bill Action Alert


Article available on http://www.freep.com/article/201004120300/OPINION05/100409057

TAKE ACTION: Help Stop New Kennecott Exploration

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Proposed Mineral LeaseRecently the DNRE announced a public comment period for leasing over 4000 acres of mineral rights to Kennecott for further exploration. The exploration would take place in Southern Marquette County, Northern Dickinson County, and Southern Houghton County.

New Sulfide Mining Exploration

Proposed Mineral Lease Will Affect

Marquette County:

  • T43n-R25w Sec. 18 & 19
  • T43n-R26w Sec. 1, 6-10, 14, & 18

Dickinson County:

  • T43n-R27w Sec. 1, 3, 4-6, 9, & 13

Houghton County:

  • T47n-R36w Sec. 16

Public Comment Should Be Sent To:

Tom Hoane
FMD DNRE
P.O. Box 30452
Lansing, MI
48909-7952

Doctors resign en masse over uranium exploration

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The Montreal Gazette
December 4, 2009 1:58 PM

MONTREAL – Twenty doctors have handed in their resignations at the Centre hospitalier régional de Sept-Îles.
In an open letter addressed to Quebec Health Minister Yves Bolduc, the physicians say they have quit, as a group, to protest plans to build an uranium mine on the North Shore.
The protest comes on the heels of the introduction new government mining legislation, which does not impose a moratorium on uranium exploitation in Quebec.
The doctors say they fear for their own families’ health as well as for the health of the population in the region.
The letter’s signatories say they plan to leave the region and, in some cases, the province.
Lorraine Richard, the Parti Québécois MNA for Duplessis, says the doctors’ departure will be a disaster for health care in the Sept-Îles region.
The town of Sept-Îles, with a population of 26,000, is located on the shores of the St. Lawrence River, about 915 kilometres northeast of Montreal.
© Copyright (c) The Montreal Gazette

Wetlands program saved, but state budget cuts expected

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October 1, 2009

James Clift, 517-256-0553

Lansing — The legislature will return to Lansing today to put the final touches on a bill that will keep Michigan’s wetlands program running at the state level for an additional three years.  Proposals had been made to send the program back to the federal government to operate on a limited basis.

Environmental groups applaud the efforts of the legislature to protect these critical resources. Wetlands protect neighborhoods from flooding, cleanse water before it reaches lakes and streams, safeguard the purity of well water and provide vital habitat for fish and other water-dependent wildlife.

“Keeping the program in Michigan is certainly an environmental issue, but it is also a very pressing economic issue,” said Grenetta Thomassey, policy director at Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council. “Sen. Patty Birkholz, Rep. Rebekah Warren, and Rep. Dan Scripps all understood that and worked tirelessly to help keep the needed perspective.  Relinquishing the program would have meant unacceptable work-related delays as our state climbs out of the recession, in addition to increasing the likelihood of damaging environmental violations.  And keeping the program here, and funded, keeps our prospects much higher for being eligible for Great Lakes Restoration funding from the federal government which will also create jobs as it restores wetlands and provides clean water infrastructure.”

Unfortunately, the retention of the wetland program is the only good news for natural resources in a budget deal that includes drastic reductions in general fund support for Michigan’s public health, water protection and natural resources management. In the case of the Department of Environmental Quality the cuts amount to a 39% reduction in general funds for program designed to protect public health. We believe the legislature must explore more thoroughly options that increase revenues, either through the elimination of outdated tax breaks or new sources.

MEC President Chris Kolb noted that the budget does not give away Michigan’s wetland protection program to the federal government – a positive and important development. But he said even that silver lining is not enough to outweigh the damage that draconian budget cuts will have.

Senate passes $400M Great Lakes bill

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Thursday, September 24, 2009

Deb Price / Detroit News Washington Bureau

Washington — The Senate easily passed legislation tonight containing $400 million for Great Lakes restoration by deterring invasive species, cleaning up highly polluted sites and expanding wetlands.

The funding level for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative falls short of the $475 million passed by the House in June and supported by President Barack Obama.

Michigan Sens. Carl Levin, D-Detroit, and Debbie Stabenow, D-Lansing, voted for the bill.

Andy Buchsbaum, the Great Lakes project director at the National Wildlife Federation, said environmentalists will work with House-Senate conferees to try to ensure the final bill has the $475 million funding level.

“This is an unprecedented funding level for cleanup of the Great Lakes, and absolutely critical to bringing the lakes back to health,” Buchsbaum said.

Read entire article:   www.detnews.com/article/20090924/LIFESTYLE14/909240476/1409/METRO

Scripps Lays Out Plan to Protect Michigan’s Waters

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Placing waters in the public trust will protect the Great Lakes

— September 02, 2009

GLEN ARBOR – Speaking to a gathering of citizen activists, State Representative Dan Scripps (D-Leland) laid out his vision for protecting all of Michigan’s waters, including lakes, rivers, streams and groundwater, by affirming they should be clearly defined as a public resource, giving them the same protections against privatization as the Great Lakes and all surface water.

“We’re surrounded by 20 percent of the world’s fresh water, and with that blessing comes an incredible responsibility,” Scripps said. “We must act as responsible stewards of our waters and preserve our lakes, rivers and beaches for future generations. Our waters are not only part of our heritage, but a key part of creating and protecting thousands of jobs across Northwest Michigan and a cornerstone of Michigan’s tourism industry.”

Scripps will introduce legislation this week to clarify that Michigan’s waters are subject to the public trust, placing them under the shared ownership of the people of Michigan for the benefit of present and future generations.

“This legislation will erase any doubt that the waters of Michigan belong to the citizens of Michigan,” Scripps said, “and that Michigan citizens must continue to have a say in protecting this resource.”

Scripps spoke at a luncheon for the Leelanau Independent Women for Democratic Action.

“Our state relies on healthy waters to sustain jobs in our three largest industries,” Scripps said. “We need to protect these jobs as we work to pull Michigan out of this economic slump. But this plan is about more than that. The Great Lakes are part of what makes us who we are here in Michigan. They’re a defining part of our state – Michigan’s crown jewels – and that’s a history and legacy we must fight to preserve.”

Environmental Writer Dave Dempsey Wins 2009 Michigan Author Award

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Contact: Sarah Lapshan (517) 241-1736
Agency: History, Arts and Libraries
Aug. 24, 2009

The Michigan Center for the Book today announced Dave Dempsey – author of award-winning books on conservation and environmental issues critical to Michigan – as the winner of the 2009 Michigan Author Award. Sponsored jointly by the Michigan Center for the Book (a program of the Library of Michigan), Sleeping Bear Press and the Michigan Library Association, this annual award honors a Michigan writer for his or her contributions to literature based on an outstanding published body of work.

This year’s award will be presented this fall at the Michigan Library Association’s “Ready Set Go!” conference at the Lansing Center and Radisson Hotel in Lansing. Tickets ($25) are available to hear Dave Dempsey speak at the award-presentation luncheon on Friday, Nov. 6. For more information and to access the conference registration, visit the Michigan Library Association Web site at www.mla.lib.mi.us/events/annual.

“It’s both humbling and exciting to receive this award, since Michigan is my home and the source of my writing inspiration. Its land, water, wildlife and people are an amazing tableau,” said Dempsey. “In both the writing I’ve done and the writing I hope to do, I want to tell stories about people who made a difference and the places that shaped them. The Library of Michigan is a remarkable public asset that has made such research possible.”

For 25 years Dempsey’s writings have helped shape conservation and Great Lakes policy, issues that are an integral part of Michigan’s history and character as a state. His newest book is Great Lakes for Sale: From Whitecaps to Bottlecaps. This book poses – and answers – important questions about the export and diversion of Great Lakes water.

He has co-authored The Waters of Michigan, a collection of stewardship essays combined with photographs of David Lubbers that presents a truly unique view and understanding of the waters of Michigan. His other titles include: Ruins and Recovery: Michigan’s Rise as a Conservation Leader, which is an environmental history of Michigan since its statehood in 1837; a biography of former governor and environmental champion William Milliken, William G. Milliken: Michigan’s Passionate Moderate, which was named a 2007 Michigan Notable Book; and On the Brink: the Great Lakes in the 21st Century, a history of and a look forward to the state of the world’s largest freshwater ecosystem, which was a 2005 Michigan Notable Book winner.

“Dave Dempsey’s books have illustrated the heart of Michigan, our great lakes,” said Karren Reish, Michigan Center for the Book coordinator. “In paying tribute to this gifted author, we are also able to spotlight the conservation and environmental issues that are his passion.”

Dempsey has been active in environmental matters since 1982, serving as an advisor to Gov. James Blanchard, working as the program director of Clean Water Action, and is currently serving as senior policy director of the Michigan Environmental Council. He also served under President Clinton on the Great Lakes Fishery Commission.

Previous winners of the Michigan Author Award include Tom Stanton (2008), Sarah Stewart (2007), Steve Hamilton (2006), Christopher Paul Curtis (2005), Patricia Polacco (2004), Diane Wakoski (2003), Nicholas Delbanco (2002), Thomas Lynch (2001), Janie Lynn Panagopoulos (2000), Jerry Dennis (1999), Gloria Whelan (1998), Loren Estleman (1997), Elmore Leonard (1996), Janet Kauffman (1995), Nancy Willard (1994), Charles Baxter (1993) and Dan Gerber (1992).

The Michigan Center for the Book, a program of the Library of Michigan and the center’s affiliates, aims to promote an awareness of books, reading, literacy, authors and Michigan’s rich literary heritage. New affiliates are welcome. For more information about the Michigan Center for the Book and its programs, visit www.michigan.gov/mcfb.

The Library of Michigan is part of the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL). Dedicated to enriching quality of life and strengthening the economy by providing access to information, preserving and promoting Michigan’s heritage and fostering cultural creativity, the department also includes the Mackinac Island State Park Commission, the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs and the Michigan Historical Center. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal.

Read more press releases from the Department of History, Arts and Libraries (HAL).