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Rio Tinto’s Idea of Community Relations
This morning I witnessed a scene that I hoped I never would. As most of you know, a group of citizens, both tribal and non, have been occupying the land known as Eagle Rock for over a month now. They have tents up, a cooking shelter, a sacred fire, and flags flying in the wind…
Activist Songwriter Releases “Eagle Rock”
Drew Nelson, acclaimed singer and songwriter, recently released his latest song, entitled Eagle Rock-Song for the People. This is a wonderful song that tells of the story of our struggle to keep the Yellow Dog Plains free from pollutants and accessible for all to enjoy. “This is not a local problem, it is a global…
Woodland Road permit withdrawn
The permit application for the Woodland Road project was withdrawn from review according to a letter sent to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment on May 7. The letter was sent from the Woodland Road, LLC which was planning to build a road connecting the Yellow Dog Plains to M-28 near Humboldt Township….
Update on Plains Activities
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…
Environmental Justice Action
Another way to support the efforts of our group is to read through the principles of environmental justice and the accompanying letter created by the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve. We believe that the main tenets of environmental justice have been violated throughout the entire process thus far. Attached to this post are accompanying materials such…
Plain to See
In our ongoing effort to persuade the public and our elected officials that developing a mine in this watershed is not the best choice both environmentally and economically, we invite our members and the public to get involved now more than ever. As many of you know, a private citizen, Cynthia Pryor, was arrested Tuesday…
Federal Agencies Disapprove of Haul Road
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, U.S. Army Corp of Engineers and U.S. Fish and Wildlfife has recommended to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment to NOT APPROVE the Woodland Road wetlands permits. There were two important concerns that emerged from all three agency comments: 1. They recognized that the intent of the road…
Kennecott seeks Groundwater Permit change
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…
McCormick Backcountry Fundraiser
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 6th at 10 am and carpool to the south entrance of The McCormick Wilderness. Plan for an easy to…
MDEQ gives permits “final” approval
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…