A good start to 2008

Michigan DNR Refuses to Lease State-owned Land to a Risky Mine in the Upper Peninsula

MARQUETTE, MICH. (January 10)—The National Wildlife Federation today applauded Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Rebecca Humphries for refusing to lease State-owned land for a controversial proposed mine in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

“The DNR has made the right decision to not rubber stamp a risky mine that has proven deadly to rivers, streams and communities all over the world,” said Michelle Halley, National Wildlife Federation attorney. “It’s not worth the risk to our economy, health and way of life.”

The Department of Natural Resources declined to make a decision on a land lease after the mining company, Kennecott Eagle Minerals Company, failed to provide information that the agency requested, including response plans in the event of a mine collapse or groundwater contamination that could result from acid mine drainage.

“There is no good reason for the state to allow a foreign-owned company to fence off public land for an indefinite number of years,” said Halley. “The DNR is to be applauded for acting on behalf of citizens and the long-term future of Michigan.”

The land lease application would have allowed Kennecott Eagle Minerals Company to construct surface facilities for a sulfide mining operation on state-owned property in northwestern Marquette County. The property, located on the Yellow Dog Plains, is currently a popular choice for hunting, fishing, wildlife viewing, berry picking and other public uses.

“I commend the DNR for not turning a blind eye to the deficiencies in Kennecott’s permit and having the courage to not automatically green-light a permit to allow this risky mine to move forward,” said Cynthia Pryor, executive director of Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve

Opponents of the land lease noted that it was unprecedented for the State of Michigan to allow an open-ended lease for private corporate gain, particularly when the proposed use was likely to result in long-term pollution.

In addition to possibly finding a new site for surface facilities, further obstacles prevent Kennecott from constructing the mine. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency notified Kennecott in 2006 that an additional permit would be required by the federal agency. Lawsuits and contested cases have been filed against the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality for issuing permits allowing the sulfide mine.

For Immediate Release:
January 10, 2008

New Year thoughts from Sir Thomas Best

On this New Years eve, let's take a moment to reflect on the wisdom of the past, poetical musings on the art of fly tying, and a hundred and ninety three year old message about the fly fishing pastime, from Sir Thomas Best, and from his tome;
"Best's Art of Angling" the 1814 edition.
Enjoy ...

page 93 & 94:

"As I am now acting the part of Physician, let me advise you, whenever you are out in the heat of summer, fishing, and are thirsty, never to drink water, as the consequences may prove fatal; but, either take a little brandy or rum out with you, in a wicker bottle, or wait till you to come to some house where you can have a little : the effects it has of quenching the thirst, and cooling the body , are instantaneous"



Every Man his own Fly Maker



And lastly this introductory message from 19 decades ago...


"The art of artificial fly-fishing certainly has the pre-eminence over the other various methods that are used to take fishes in the art of angling. It requires a great deal of ingenuity and attention, and the variety which attends it, makes it both pleasant and agreeable. The angler is not confined to any particular part of the water in fly fishing but roves from one place to another, trying his fortune, by throwing his flies in to the different eddies, and the most likely places he meets with, to make a captive of the speckled trout; enjoying at the same time the harmonious warblings of the numerous songsters of the groves; beholding the diversity of the prospects around him, and gaining the health and serenity of mind, not to be purchased by all of the riches in the universe."

-hdw

on the road

sunrise

A dog in his element

Showing off the new anti-deer chasing bling.


A little known fact, Brittany's can fly when they want.


Pointing at a sparrow.


Warming up in front of the fire.

The Fourth season from a three season cabin

As long as the wood stove is cranking it stays comfortable.


The stove in the kitchen can be used to cook, this is Italian sausage with sweet red pepper sauce.


Communications have been spotty the last few days. The top of this dead fir has been swinging in the breeze pushing against the cable wire, sometimes its on - sometimes not, not the worst thing in the world.

arnold, mi