Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve » Events

Spiritual Day of Fasting on YD Plains

elimywhit — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 19:37:17 +0000

A small gathering a watershed residents and supporters of clean water and pure environment will be coming together this Sunday (July 18th) which is Lake Superior Day. All are welcome to fast together and may arrive anytime to the site. Below is a description on how to get there.

From Marquette: Travel up County Road 550 from the Dead River bridge and continue for approximately 22 miles until you reach County Road 510. Turn left on County Road 510 and continue for 3 miles. Take a right onto County Road AAA and continue for 8.7 until you reach the Clowery Trail. From there, follow the signs that will be posted roadside. If you have questions, call 362-8521.

Breeding Bird Survey needs Volunteers

elimywhit — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 14:42:14 +0000

As part of our mission, YDWP will continue to collect as much scientific data as we can to document the conditions of the watershed. We will be conducting a Breeding Bird Survey on June 12, 2010 and need more people to help collect information. If you like to go birding or just to be outdoors, this is a great activity for you. We will be sampling various habitats through the Yellow Dog River watershed throughout the day. If interested in volunteering, please email river2wolf@aol.com or call our office at 906-345-9223 and ask for Nancy.

Rally at the Capitol

elimywhit — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:21:39 +0000

We are taking the cause down to Lansing as we rally on the capitol steps. Please read below for more information and attend if you can!

Thursday, June 3, 2010
11:00 am – Gather on the Capitol Lawn
11:30 – 2:00pm Reading of the Environmental Justice Petition
Reading a Tribal Rights Statement
Performance – There are many musicians joining us including, Drew Nelson, Miko Fossum, Rachael & Dominic Davis, Jen Sygit, Sam Corbin, Josh Davis, Wanda Degen, Victor McManemy, Seth Bernard, and May Erlewine. We have a P.A. system so that all can hear. Please tell everyone!

2:00pm – Deliver the petitions and Tribal Rights Statement to the Governor’s office

At 3:00 pm, we will walk from the Capitol Steps to the Lansing Center – 333 E. Michigan Ave – three blocks away to attend Natural Resources Commission Meeting. Public Comment starts at 4:30. Those on the schedule for Public Comment get 5 minutes – those not scheduled get 3 minutes. To get on the speaking schedule you must email Teresa Gloden glodent@michigan.gov and inform her you would like to be on the schedule for Public Comment at the June 3rd NRC meeting – subject: Yellow Dog Plains or whatever you want. If you do not schedule, after all confirmed speakers are finished they will open it up to the public for the 3 minutes each time frame. We will NOT demonstrate inside the meeting other than with our presence. Link to Agenda: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/agnJUNE10-G_321393_7.pdf

Anyone needing a ride or willing to drive to Lansing and take riders from the U.P. – please contact Wendy Johnson at 906 361-5179 or ydwp@yellowdogwatershed.com . Everyone is on their own getting there and coming back! Blue Flags! Make them up – just buy the material and put it on a staff. Small or large – we want blue flags waving!!

This is a peaceful demonstration of our rights. Be there.
Please check this Facebook event for last minute updates: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=126546587362974

Update on Plains Activities

elimywhit — Fri, 07 May 2010 11:00:04 +0000

Over the course of the two weeks, we have seen one arrest, two protests, petitions, and letter writing campaigns. To top it all, members of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community have come to Eagle Rock to help protect it from mining development. Yesterday, Cynthia Pryor pleaded not guilty which would mean it will go to a jury trial. The article below from the Huffington Post is a great article that sums up what we are all standing for. For more coverage, see these media resources below and be sure to comment where possible:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/cynthia-pryor/a-sacred-fire-is-burning_b_567652.html

http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/video.aspx?id=453744

http://www.miningjournal.net/page/content.detail/id/543839.html?nav=5006

http://www.standfortheland.com/

In addition, there will be a small drumming circle on Eagle Rock next Tuesday evening with local group Log Jam. If you are interested in coming up, bring your drum and some friends around 5:30pm.

Kennecott seeks Groundwater Permit change

elimywhit — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 16:49:57 +0000

Kennecott filed an amendment letter to the MDNRE in February seeking modification of a Groundwater Discharge permit. Details indicate that they would bring the water to the surface and covering it all with 8″ of gravel, two layers of styrafoam board and a 40 ml liner, as opposed to an underground injection. There will be a public hearing scheduled for March 11th 7:00 at Westwood High School in Ishpeming for interested citizens to ask questions and get more details on the changes.

Here is the link to the actual proposal amendment: http://tiny.cc/vkoPN

Photo by Chauncey Moran

McCormick Backcountry Fundraiser

elimywhit — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 17:48:35 +0000

Join the YDWP and fellow community members for a scenic backcountry ski into The McCormick Wilderness along with a gourmet hot lunch and drink. The trip will meet at Peter White Public Library on Saturday, March 6^th at 10 am and carpool to the south entrance of The McCormick Wilderness. Plan for an easy to medium difficulty ski, about 5 miles roundtrip, with a stop at a heated winter camp where lunch will be provided. There is a suggested donation of $15.00 per person. Come to support the YDWP and enjoy peak winter scenery on a ski across the awesome landscape of McCormick Wilderness.
We ski across frozen lakes, off trail through the winter forests, and enjoy an area during a time when not many visit the wilderness.

Persons interested in participating should contact the YDWP office as space is limited. You may contact them via email at ydwp@yellowdogwatershed.org or by phone at (906)-345-9223.

McCormick Tree Line in the Fall

Woodland Rd Permit Hearing Scheduled

elimywhit — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 18:13:04 +0000

The MDEQ announced a public hearing to review the permit to build Kennecott’s south haul road, known now as the Woodland Road, from the Yellow Dog Plains to Humboldt Township. The hearing will be held on February 10, 2009 at 7pm at Westwood High School (300 Westwood Drive, Ishpeming, MI 49849). The company plans to cross 8 waterways including the Yellow Dog River, Mulligan Creek, Dead River, Middle Branch Escanaba River, Wildcat Canyon, and more. According to the company, 38 acres of wetlands will be removed. There are several ways to access the information submitted by the company.
1. The Peter White Public Library has the application on file.
2. Visit http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3307_29692_24403—,00.html for the full application. Scroll down to What’s New and click on Woodland Road Permit Application.
3. Visit http://www.deq.state.mi.us/lwmpnh/default.asp?PermitNo=09520086 for notice of hearings and summary of application. Comments can also be emailed by using this link.
4. Use this document, Woodland_Road_Analysis[1], to help understand why the MDEQ should not approve these permit and formulate comments for the hearing.

Written comments will be accepted 10 days after the scheduled hearing. Please make it to this meeting. This area should be left wild and building a haul road straight through it will endanger wildlife, plant ecosystems, opportunities for solitude, and water quality of 8 different waterways. We will keep you posted on more updates as the comment period approaches.

State threatened gentians could be impacted

Humboldt Mill Application Decision

elimywhit — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:27:06 +0000

Humboldt Mill Environmental Permits Proposed for Approval
The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) today announced its decision proposing permit approvals that would enable Kennecott to refurbish and then use the Humboldt Mill.
The MDEQ has proposed approvals for three permits required under state law for operating the Humboldt Mill. The MDEQ will hold a public hearing on the proposed permits on December 1, 4:00 – 10:00 p.m. at the Westwood High School Auditorium, Ishpeming. View proposed decisions and all documents related to the Humboldt Mill project at http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-3311_4111_18442-205482–,00.html.

YDWP hosting Film Festival!

elimywhit — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:23:21 +0000

The Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve, Downwind Sports, and Students Acting to Save Michigan’s Water will be hosting the national Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival this November. The festival will be a two night event, November 5^th and 6^th, in Jamrich 103 on the campus of Northern Michigan University. Doors open at 6pm and films start at 6:30pm.

The Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival is now the largest environmental film festival in the country, with over 100 venues nationwide. The main goal is to inspire activism in those who attend, and make a lasting impression on the environment. Marquette’s venue will show 8 films over two nights and feature local experts on the subject of each film.

The films address a range of environmental issues, from urban organic gardening to faith communities greening their churches to the impact of roads in wilderness areas. “I love the way each film focuses on issues that we all face, no matter what your beliefs are, but in a way that is visually exciting and very inspiring. All of the films have really great cinematography and lively soundtracks,” said Emily Whittaker, Executive Director of the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve. “It’s great that our community is going to be part of this national circuit of festivals.”

Check out one of the film clips

Tickets can be purchased in advance at Downwind Sports or calling the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve office at 906-345-9223. Tickets will be available at the door as well. Admission for both nights for adults is $15, one night is $10. Ticket price for students is $5 per night. Call 906-345-9223 for more information or visit our www.yellowdogwatershed.org.

Here is a quick look at the program:

November 5

1. Last Frontier: Conservation & Exploration in Papua New Guinea Trip Jennings- Introduced by Sam Crowley (Sea Kayak Specialists)
New Britain Papua New Guinea is one of the last frontiers between the industrialized world and tribal village life. This film weaves the story of an epic kayaking expedition around the story of a culture, ecosystem and river on the brink of change. (Papua New Guinea, 2007, 19min) www.riversindemand.com

2. Hardrock Mining – Rethink, Reform
Adam Cramer, Nat Lopes- Introduced by Cynthia Pryor (Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve)
As human-powered outdoor recreation enthusiasts, we all need metal, from climbing carabiners and bike frames to trekking poles and ski edges. However, there remains a problem: 19th century values and policy are guiding 21st century high-tech mining technology. www.outdooralliance.net

3. Paradise Found: The Phoenix Islands
Kate Raisz- Introduced by Jon Saari (Upper Peninsula Environmental Coalition)
In a remote corner of the Pacific, the nation of Kiribati has created the world’s largest marine reserve, the Phoenix Islands Protected Area. The reserve covers 410,500 square kilometers and is home to thriving coral reefs and abundant sea life, including sharks and manta rays. The film follows scientific expeditions to these islands and the efforts of the people of Kiribati and the international environmental community to create the reserve. (US, 2005) www.neaq.org, www.phoenixislands.org

4. Division Street

Eric Bandick- Introduced by Dr. John Anderton (Northern Michigan University-Geography Department)
This is not your father’s road trip. Roads and cars have fragmented wild landscapes, ushered in urban sprawl, and challenged some of the bedrock values we once took for granted. But as the transportation crisis appears to be spiraling out of control, a new generation of ecologists, engineers, city-planners, and everyday citizens are transforming the future of the American road. From pristine roadless areas to concrete jungles, follow filmmaker Eric as he tours North America, dodging Yellowstone’s grizzlies and Miami’s taxicabs, and highlighting sustainable road projects and wildlife corridors for the 21st century. (US/CANADA, 2008) www.divisionstreetmovie.com, www.transalt.org

November 6
1. Homegrown Revolution
Jules Dervaes- Introduced by Natasha Gill (Marquette Food Co-op)
In the midst of a densely urban setting in downtown Pasadena, radical change is taking root. For over twenty years, the Dervaes family have transformed their home into an urban homestead. As a family for this new paradigm, they harvest nearly 3 tons of organic food from their 1/10 acre garden while incorporating many back-to-basics practices, as well as solar energy and biodiesel. www.freedomgardens.org

2. Burning the Future: Coal in America – 30 min.
David Novack, Alexis Zoullas- Introduced by John Rebers (Sierra Club)
Confronted by an emerging coal-based US energy policy, activists in West Virginia watch the nation praise coal without regard to the devastation caused by its extraction. Faced with toxic ground water, the obliteration of 1.4 million acres of mountains, and a government that appeases industry, our heroes demonstrate a strength of purpose and character in their improbable fight to arouse the nation’s help in protecting their mountains, saving their families, and preserving their way of life. Montana CINE Best of Fest (US, 2007) www.burningthefuture.com

3. The Good Life Parable: An MBA Meets a Fisherman
Mark Albion and Free Range Studios - Introduced by Emily Whittaker (Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve)
A businessman and a fisherman on a small island. He tries to teach the fisherman about business but the fisherman teaches him about life. (US, 2008) www.makingalife.com, www.freerangestudios.com

4. Renewal

Marty Ostrow, Terry Kay Rockefeller- Introduced by Jon Magnuson (Cedar Tree Institute)
In communities across America, people are rolling up their sleeves in practical and far-reaching ways. Offering a profound message of hope, this film shows people driven by their spiritual and religious convictions, being called to re-examine what it means to be human and how we live on this planet. The full-feature film presents eight individual stories of Americans around the nation in different faith traditions, who are working to become better stewards of the environment. In this edited version for the Wild & Scenic On Tour, three parishes are featured: a Christian, a Jewish and a Buddhist congregation . Best of Fest, Hazel Wolf FF (US, 2007) www.renewalproject.net

To find out more about the festival origins, visit
http://www.wildandscenicfilmfestival.org/

If you would like to volunteer at this event, contact us at 906-345-9223.

October Board Meeting in Marquette

elimywhit — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 15:25:15 +0000

October 21, 2009 at 7:30pm- The Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve will hold their next Board meeting in Marquette at the Marquette Federation of Women’s Clubs at 104 W. Ridge St. The group will provide brief updates on activities as well as a presentation and discussion on the Clean Water Act. Refreshments will be provided and donations are accepted. For more information, call 906-345-9223.