Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve

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

MDEQ gives permits “final” approval

elimywhit — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 16:15:19 +0000

Two days before the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality ceases to exist, a statement was issued giving “final approval” of mining permits that were being contested by Huron Mountain Club, National Wildlife Federation, Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve, and Keweenaw Bay Indian Community. The approval was given before the administrative law judge had submitted a clarification of his ruling. The MDEQ stated the judge’s ruling was not needed since it pertained to Eagle Rock as a place of worship. They believe that a place of worship must be a building and therefore negates comments that were not in favor of the mining company.
The four co-petitioners have indicated that an appeal to circuit court will be made. However, the company purports that construction and clearing will begin this year, even though they do NOT have their Underground Injection Control permit from the U.S Environmental Protection Agency. The former MDNR stated that they cannot begin construction until Kennecott has received this permit.
Cynthia Pryor, of the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve, stated, ” This is an egregious act that now will absolutely require appeal to a higher court and should require an appeal to the new DNRE Director Rebecca Humphries and the Governor of this state. We should not sit by and accept such action as the accepted mode of “lawfulness” in this state.”

Please call the office of the Governor and lodge your complaint: 517 373-3400 or 517 335-7858.
Letters can be sent to:
Governor Jennifer M. Granholm
P.O. Box 30013
Lansing, Michigan 48909
PHONE: (517) 373-3400
PHONE: (517) 335-7858 – Constituent Services
FAX:(517) 335-6863

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

Gift Memberships Available!

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

Humboldt Mill Permit Hearing

elimywhit — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:01:30 +0000

The MDEQ gave preliminary approval to Kennecott for the reopening of a crushing facility in Humboldt township in Marquette County. Four separate permits were given draft approval and the MDEQ is now seeking comments from the public and stakeholders. A public hearing is scheduled for December 1, 2009 from 4pm to 10pm in Ishpeming, MI at Westwood High School, located at 300 Westwood Dr. Comments are sought on the 1) Air Use permit, 2) NPDES for discharge of treated water into the Escanaba River watershed, 3) Non-ferrous metallic mining permit to operate and reclaim the facility, and 4) deposition of tailings into a pit.

Each person will have five minutes to address the MDEQ with their concerns.
Below are links to the permit applications:
Air Use Permit: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/5of4_295852_7.pdf
NPDES Permit: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/deq/doc40f4_295708_7.pdf

Comments can also be submitted via email to DEQ-Kennecott-Humboldt-Mill-comments@michigan.gov or by mail to:
DEQ Kennecott Comments
Office of Geological Survey
P.O. Box 30256
Lansing, MI 48909-7756

MDEQ reaction to court ruling

elimywhit — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:04:28 +0000

Mich. regulator wants more info on proposed mine
(AP)
LANSING, Mich. — Michigan’s chief environmental regulator wants more information about a rocky outcrop in Marquette County that could affect plans for a nickel and copper mine.
Steven Chester, director of the Department of Environmental Quality, on Friday asked Administrative Law Judge Richard Patterson to reconsider his recommendation about the outcrop, known as Eagle Rock.
Patterson last August said Chester should grant Kennecott Eagle Minerals Co. permits to build the mine — but only if steps are taken to protect Eagle Rock, which Indian tribes use for spiritual ceremonies.
Kennecott Eagle plans to run the mine’s entrace tunnel beneath the 60-foot-high rock.
Chester asked Patterson to look further into whether Eagle Rock is legally a place of worship. After getting the judge’s opinion, Chester will decide on the permits.

Below is the actual Order of Remand from Chester

DEQ_Remand_-_Place_of_Worship[1]

MDEQ and MDNR merge

elimywhit — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 13:34:07 +0000

According to state officials, the creation of a new Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DNRE) will take effect on January 17, 2010. The department’s mission will be a familiar one to our state government family: To conserve, manage, protect and promote Michigan’s natural resources, environment and related economic interests for current and future generations. This includes implementing an ecosystem-based strategy for resource management, effectively using natural resources in a sustainable manner, and providing for continuous improvements in Michigan’s air, water and soils while facilitating and encouraging economic growth.

Here are some proposed changes.

Natural Resources Commission. The Commission of Natural Resources will be transferred, intact, to the new DNRE but will be renamed the Natural Resources Commission (NRC). Commission members will continue to serve through the end of their existing terms, and vacancies will continue to be filled by the governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The NRC will retain existing authority to regulate the taking of game, establish periods of validity for hunting and fishing licenses, and regulate the feeding of deer and elk, without review by or appeal to, the DNRE director. The NRC will also assume functions currently performed by the Citizens Committee for Michigan State Parks and the Water Resources Conservation Advisory Council to further reduce administrative overhead. However, the governor, not the commission, will appoint the department director.

Trails Advisory Council. A seven-member Trails Advisory Council will be established under the executive order, and the functions of the existing Snowmobile Advisory Council and Michigan Trailways Advisory Council, which are being abolished under the order, will be given to this council. The Michigan Trails Advisory Council will focus on the creation, development, operation, and maintenance of snowmobile, equestrian, hiking, skiing, and off-road vehicle trails.

Environmental Science Board. The director of the DNRE will be authorized to convene a seven-member Environmental Science Review Board (ESRB) to advise the DNRE on scientific issues affecting the protection and management of Michigan’s environment and natural resources. The ESRB will be comprised of individuals with expertise in biological sciences, chemistry, ecological science, geology, risk assessment, and other related disciplines. The Site Review Board process under Part 111 of the NREPA is being eliminated for greater efficiency in environmental proceedings.

Agriculture. The executive order also impacts the Michigan Department of Agriculture by giving the governor responsibility for appointing the Agriculture director, a responsibility that is currently held by the Agriculture Commission. The Office of Racing Commissioner will be transferred to the Michigan Gaming Control Board and the Racing Commissioner’s position will be abolished. The executive director of the control board will assume the commissioner’s duties. Several boards and commissions within the Department of Agriculture are also being abolished.

The Governor is appointing Bruce Rasher to serve as transition manager to implement the order and begin building the new department with our help. Bruce has a degree in fisheries and wildlife management from Michigan State University and worked for many years at Consumers Energy, where he was actively engaged in issues related to brownfield redevelopment, energy efficiency and environmental management. He served as mayor of the city of Marshall from 1995 to 1998.

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.