Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve » Uncategorized

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elimywhit — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:03:58 +0000

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.

Ruling on jurisdiction not in favor of petitioners

elimywhit — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:21:07 +0000

The National Wildlife Federation, Keweenaw Bay Indian Community, Huron Mountain Club, and Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve have pointed out that the DNR’s land lease decision violated the common law public trust doctrine. The plaintiffs asked that Judge Paula Manderfield should consider that re-opening a previous decion. In March, Manderfield dismissed the opponents’ appeal of the DNR’s lease decision. In April, Manderfield agreed to reopen a portion of the case to hear the public trust jurisdiction issue only. Because Manderfield’s original capacity in this case was to rule on an appeal to an earlier DNR decision to lease to Kennecott, mining company attorneys argued the claim lies outside Manderfield’s jurisdiction. Judge Manderfield issued a decision on Monday aftering hearing oral arguments on June 10. The judge has rejected the plaintiff’s claim. The plaintiffs are considering an appeal of the decision. “Judge Manderfield’s opinion is based upon jurisdictional grounds only. The opinion does not indicate that the plaintiffs are incorrect on the merits of the case – namely, that the DNR violated the public trust by leasing public lands to Kennecott for mining and barring the public from public land for at least 40 years,” said Michelle Halley, of the National Wildlife Federation. “This decision eviscerates the public trust doctrine because it eliminates the public ability to bring an effective public trust claim against state agencies. Because of that, it is likely that we will appeal this decision.” A ruling is still pending on suits against the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for granting permits to mine on the Yellow Dog Plains. There is no anticipated timeline for this decision. Kennecott also needs a groundwater discharge permit from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Welcome

admin — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:49:59 +0000

The Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve is an environmental organization comprised of grassroots individuals who take environmental ethics to heart. We focus on informing the public about the watershed, conducting sound science, and protecting the resources from threats like sulfide mining. There are many pressures on the rivers and forests and we strive to balance the need for wild places with the necessities of humankind. This truly is one of the last unspoiled wilderness areas in the eastern United States.

Our watershed is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in Baraga and Marquette County. It runs free and clean through wild country until it eventually reaches Lake Superior. This is how we want it to stay. Please take a look through our site and consider becoming a member or donating to help our mission.