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Re: E-M:/ What were the most important environmental issues/stories/events of 2007?
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Enviro-Mich message from Doug Welker <dwelker@up.net>
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Here are a few more:
1. The purchase of 2000 acres of land by the Trust For Public Land
in the western U.P., 1800 acres of which was was private land within
Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness. The land includes Sturgeon Falls
and the 350-foot deep bedrock section of the gorge. The land will
eventually be sold to the Ottawa National Forest.
2. The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund board's approval for
state purchase of a number of key properties that will enhance
protection of river corridors and other special areas. (I know this
is an annual event, but it should still be recognized for its importance)
3. Proposed development by the Upper Peninsula Power
Company/Wisconsin Public Service of shorelines on a number of
lakes in the western half of the U.P. Shoreline development on most
of these lakes is currently minimal.
4. The spread of viral hemorrhagic septiciemia in Michigan
waters. This disease affects almost 50 species of fish, and can
cause catastrophic dieoffs in some species, particularly salmonids
(trout, etc.). Much of its spread to inland lakes has been the
result of the transportation of contaminated minnows that are used
for bait, and this year the DNR has imposed tough new regulations for
minnow dealers. The potential effects on our aquatic ecosystems
could be significant.
-doug-
07:41 AM 12/27/2007, David Holtz wrote:
My nominations for top Michigan environmental stories for 2007:
1, Michigan Supreme Court overturns 30 years of law and in the
Nestle v. MCWC case guts citizen standing to sue under the Michigan
Environmental Protection Act. By 7-2 margin, public supports
restoring MEPA in constitution setting the stage for potential
constitutional amendment in 2008.
2. Michigan DEQ buries its own consultants' report critical
of controversial Kennecott UP nickel mine proposal and then after
an internal review goes ahead and approves the mine permit setting
the stage for wholesale mining in the UP. The action undermines
public confidence in the department at a critical time when DEQ is
under assault from Republican budget cutters.
3. Highest dioxin contamination ever recorded is discovered in the
Saginaw River On Dec. 7, the Detroit Free Press reported that EPA
officials charged in a confidential August internal report that Dow
concealed the dangers of dioxin contamination in local waterways and
insisted on negotiating cleanup details with Granholm's office
instead of the state Department of Environmental Quality's staff.
4. Despite wider recognition of climate change and declining
interest nationally in carbon-polluting coal plants, up to seven new
dirty coal plants are proposed for Michigan without objection from
Michigan's legislature. The new plants, if built, would negate any
actions taken by the Legislature and the governor to reduce global
warming impacts in Michigan, which is the 10th largest producer of
carbon emissions in the nation.
Eartha Melzer wrote:
Hi group,
I'm working on a story that will review the top Michigan
environmental stories of the year, whether or not they received coverage.
Can anyone help out by sharing what you think the top items were?
Declining lake levels? Wider recognition of climate change? Plans
for a UP nickel mine? Continuing surge in farmers markets?
I appreciate any ideas,
Eartha Melzer
<http://www.michiganmessenger.com/>www.michiganmessenger.com
(231) 933-3249
(231) 342-7796 cell
Doug Welker
26344 Tauriainen Road
Pelkie MI 49958
dwelker@up.net
(906) 338-2680
Never underestimate the power of human greed.
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