We are a proud member of the Au Sable River Watershed Restoration Committee (ARWRC). Visit them at:
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KOLKE_CREEK

For information on
Kolke Creek or the
Mason Track Oil Well please go to www.gateslodge.com and click the "Fishing Report" then scroll down to the  Conservation Issues heading to get the latest.
Rusty knows best on these!

CADILLAC, MICHIGAN, — The Huron-Manistee National Forests will begin work on an Environmental Impact Statement regarding an application for a permit to drill a natural gas well on National Forest System lands in Crawford County.

In 2003, Savoy Energy LP of Traverse City filed an application with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Forest Service to drill for natural gas on a site referred to as “USA and State South Branch 1-8 Well.”

In 2005, the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management completed an environmental assessment based on Savoy Energy’s application; however, in July 2008, Federal District Judge David M. Lawson declared the environmental assessment and decision to be inadequate and directed the federal agencies to complete a full Environmental Impact Statement.

The drilling unit for the South Branch 1-8 well includes a total of 640 acres. Savoy Energy leased 240 acres of mineral rights belonging to the State of Michigan in 1999.  The remaining acres were leased from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management in 1997, 2000 and 2002.  The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality approved Savoy’s state permit to drill for natural gas in November 2003. The most recent state permit was issued in January 2008.

The Mining and Minerals Policy Act of 1970 requires federal agencies to process applications for mineral development projects on national lands to “foster and encourage private enterprise in the development of domestic resources to help assure satisfaction of industrial, security and environmental needs.”

 Providing opportunities for development of energy resources is a national priority.  Currently there are 10 existing hydroelectrical dams licensed by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to operate on rivers within the Huron-Manistee National Forests.  In August 2008, the Huron-Manistee National Forests received an application to build as many as 28 electricity-generating wind turbines on National Forest System lands in Mason County.

A Notice of Intent to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement, which will solicit public comment on the proposed project, is expected to be published in the Federal Register within three months.

Kenneth Arbogast  Public and Governmental
Affairs Officer  Huron-Manistee National Forests 
Voice: 231-775-5023 X8726
Cell: 231-357-6070
Fax: 231-775-5551

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/15/business/15drilling.html?hp  

http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_346095155.html

THE_RULING

US Forest Service Abandons Drilling Plan Near Mason Tract

World Class Trout Stream Protected

In a major victory for anglers, hikers and canoeists, the US Forest Service has dropped its appeal of a Federal Court decision to protect the Mason Tract and nearby Au Sable River from oil and gas drilling. The Au Sable River is one of the world’s premier blue ribbon trout streams.

The agency action follows a decision issued by Michigan Eastern District Federal Court Judge David M. Lawson in July. The decision came in response to concerns raised by the Sierra Club, Anglers of the Au Sable and Tim Mason about the Forest Service plan to allow Savoy Energy Company to clear-cut and drill on National Forest land adjacent to the Mason Tract and within earshot of the river.

“Clearly some considered oil and gas drilling more important than the solitude required by hunters, anglers and hikers in this spectacular area,” said Marvin Roberson, Sierra Club Forest Ecologist. “Given the importance of this place to the people of the state of Michigan, we applaud this decision to abandon the appeal.”

The Forest Service failed to adequately consider the environmental impacts and alternatives to address concerns including noise and habitat destruction in its plan. As a result the court enjoined the Forest Service from engaging in any activities.. Savoy Energy Company was denied a last minute attempt to intervene in the case on appeal in front of the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals. The decision by the Forest Service to drop its appeal leaves the lower court decision and injunction in place and protects the Au Sable River from destructive drilling.

"This portion of the Au Sable is the most pristine trout stream in the lower peninsula" said Rusty Gates, President of the Anglers of the Au Sable.

"People come here from all over the world to enjoy the beauty and solitude afforded by this river. We're glad to see that it remains protected"

The Mason Tract was established in 1955 when Tim Mason’s grandfather, George Mason, bequeathed a 1,500 acre parcel with eleven miles of frontage on the South Branch of the Au Sable River to the State of Michigan.

George Mason’s gift was conditioned on maintaining the pristine condition of the Tract. Today, the Mason Tract covers approximately 4,500 acres, but the oil and gas rights under the Tract were at least in part owned by the federal government and were leased by the Bureau of Land Management.

According to Tim Mason, who represented the living Mason heirs in this suit, "this recent development will allow my Grandfathers vision to carry on and provide people an opportunity to enjoy the quiet solitude he found so therapeutic and relaxing."

"This unique gift that he left to the people of Michigan and this country has provided recreational hikers, skiers, canoeists and dedicated fishermen and sportsmen an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors in ways that are rare and hard to find these days. On behalf of our Grandfather and the rest of the Mason family we are grateful for the efforts of the Sierra Club, The Anglers of the Au Sable and all of the volunteers that made this happen."

No drilling is allowed on the Mason Tract itself however oil and gas could potentially be retrieved through Forest Service lands abutting the Mason Tract. Savoy Energy Company proposed to set up a drilling platform in an old growth portion of the South Branch Area of the Huron Manistee National Forest. The drilling platform would be near enough to impact the Mason Tract and the only two track trail that leads to the Mason Chapel within the Tract.

The conservationists were represented by attorney Marianne Dugan of Portland, Oregon, one of the most successful environmental attorneys in the nation.

Contact:
Rusty Gates, Anglers of the Au Sable, 989-348-8462
Marvin Roberson, Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, 906-360-0288