the mackinac - sierra club...¥ dirty air gets vote of the house ¥ lawmakers say yes! to urban...

THE MACKINACQUARTERLY PUBLICATION OF MICHIGAN’S SIERRA CLUB p AUGUST-OCTOBER 1999

The Amazing(BUT TRUE!)

Escapades ofour 1999Legislature

Summer ‘99: Grab your gas mask andcome to the beach!......................2

The 1999 legislative sessionscores a big hitwith the Mackinac Chapter............3

Michigan Forest Biodiversity...............6

Any ol’ growthis NOT smart growth.......................9

We’re on the Retreat! —to CampMiniwanca, that is.......................10

Don’t let your schedule crash!Get a Y2K Sierra Club calendar........11

Environmental litigation:A step in the right directionat Burt Lake................................12

Wilderness skills:Please don’t be shocked!..............13

Group Meetings& Programs.................................14

State & local outings.......................18

Mackinac Chapter Calendar...............24

A tree in Kensington Metro Parksurveys its domain.

PHOTO BY NANCY GROENHOF

2 THE MACKINAC QUARTERLY p AUGUST-OCTOBER 1999

MACKINAC CHAPTER EDITORIALSUMMER’S AWASH WITH BEACH CLOSINGS AND SMOG ALERTS

W H E R E A R E T H E G R E E N W A S H E R S N O W ?

T H E M A C K I N A C Q U A R T E R L YThe Mackinac (USPS 396610) (ISBN 0744-5288) ispublished quarterly (February, May, August, Novem-ber) by the Sierra Club’s Mackinac Chapter, 300 N.Washington Square, Suite 411, Lansing, MI 48933.Periodical postage is paid at Lansing, MI.

Postmaster: Send address changes to TheMackinac, Sierra Club, 300 N. Washington Square,Suite 411, Lansing, MI-48933.

Annual dues for the Sierra Club are $35 of which $1is for a subscription to The Mackinac. Non-membersubscriptions are available for $10 per year from theMackinac Chapter office.

The Mackinac reaches more than 15,000 membersand friends of the Sierra Club in Michigan. Bothdisplay and classified advertising is accepted. For acurrent ad rate card, contact: Gary Semer, BusinessManager, 449 Pacific, Plymouth, MI-48170; 734-453-4443; e-mail: [email protected].

We reserve the right to refuse advertising which wefeel conflicts with the goals and purposes of the Club.

Bylined articles represent the research and opin-ions of the author and not necessarily those of theSierra Club or the Mackinac Chapter.

Mackinac Chapter Office:

Davina PalloneAlison HortonAnne M. WoiwodeGary SemerBob VolzLydia FischerMike JohnsonSue KellyHelen LeBlancFred Townsend

Mackinac Editor:Contributing Editors:

Business Manager:Calendar Editor:Editorial Board:

517-484-2372517-484-3108mackinac.chapter@sierraclub.orgwww.sierraclub.org/chapters/mi

Phone:Fax:

E-mail:Website:

When Governor John Engler dis-patched US Senator SpencerAbraham last summer to stumpthe state and take to the airwavesas the voice of the Clean Michi-gan Initiative ballot campaign, itsounded like a new day haddawned for the environment inMichigan. “We have seen our

beaches closed too often,” intoned Abraham to the media on Lake St. Clair’s MetroBeach. The multi-million dollar TV ad campaign—funded by the big three, the util-ity giants, and the largest and most politically powerful of Michigan’s industrial pol-luters—featured a plaid-shirted Abraham against scenic backdrops of Michigan’snatural beauty, exhorting voters to support the ballot measure for a cleaner, healthierMichigan.

Where are they now?Senator Abraham? ...and Governor Engler? ...and the Governor’s point man on

the environment, Department of Environmental Quality Director Russ Harding?Well, just recently Abraham was telling radio listeners in Saginaw with pride thatCongress has managed to delay any improvements in the fuel efficiency standardsfor SUVs. And Harding was in Washington, DC. He had told Detroit radio listenersthat he was headed there to testify on “the very important issue of achieving im-

provements in the air quality of ourstates,” but his testimony focused onhow Michigan has maneuvered in thecourts to block new federal rules to im-prove air quality. And Engler, whowasn’t shy about pushing all his priorityissues through the state legislature in arush this spring, dragged his feet onasking for start-up of the environmentalbond spending—and when he did makea proposal, it didn’t include a dime ofspending for Lake St. Clair clean up.

So much for that big green mediablitz of the summer of ’98.

Welcome to the summer of ’99. Bythe time the July 4th weekend rolledaround, Michigan locations had ex-ceeded the 8-hour health standard forsmog 127 times (during May and Junealone). In the summer of 1998, we hitthose smog levels 123 times; in 1997,only 91 times. Twenty seven beaches inOakland County were closed in theweek leading up to the July 4th holiday.In 1998, 24 were closed in the month ofJuly; and in 1997, 8 were closed inJuly. Lake St. Clair beaches startedclosing in mid-June this year.

The greenwashing team of CleanMichigan campaign days is nowhere tobe seen this summer—not at MetroBeach, or the lake beaches dotting Oak-land County, or in the smog hotspotsfrom southeast Michigan to Muskegon.They are not calling for an end to thepolluted runoff, raw sewage overflows,or sprawl development that are causingour lake contamination. They are notworking to crack down on industrialpolluters who violate our air laws or of-fering their leadership to insist wemove quickly towards cleaner power

plants and industrial facilities or morefuel efficiency in our automobiles andtrucks.

The Engler-Abraham greenwashingcampaign of 1998 is still alive and well.At every opportunity, the greenwasherstell us the air and water in Michigan arecleaner than ever—though the data usedto argue that point is selectively chosen,if any is provided at all. And the trail ofbeach closings, smog alerts, wetlandsdestruction, and environmental law vio-lations that crisscrosses this state is dis-missed as a delusion.

A word of advice to thegreenwashers: Though you can foolsome of the people some of the time,you can’t fool all of the people all ofthe time. Environmental stewardship ispart of your job—greenwashing isn’t.One thing people are pretty clear about,whether they live in Detroit or TraverseCity, is that they have a right to a clean,healthy environment. p

Welcome to the summerof ’99. By the time theJuly 4th weekend rolledaround, Michiganlocations had exceededthe 8-hour healthstandard for smog 127times (during May andJune alone).

THE MACKINAC QUARTERLY p AUGUST-OCTOBER 1999 3

ENVIRONMENTAL ROADKILL IN THE 1999 LEGISLATIVE SESSION

on Michigan's Legislative HighwayGreatest Hits

MACKINAC CHAPTER BLASTS LEGISLATURE’SENVIRONMENTAL RECORD

On June 22, in front of a full house of theCapitol Press Corps, the Mackinac Chapterof the Sierra Club and the Michigan Envi-ronmental Council (MEC) held a press con-ference to protest the legislature’s dismalenvironmental record and call attention to aridiculous proposal to create a special li-cense plate to provide for roadkill clean-up.

The derisively dubbed “roadkill licenseplate” was dramatized by Dan Farough, theChapter’s Membership Involvement Direc-tor, who dressed up as “Roger the RoadkillDeer” and presented the winners of aroadkill license plate design contest.

The design contest, brainchild of thechapter’s Anne Woiwode, ignited immedi-ate reporter interest when it was announcedon a chapter-sponsored listserv. “Theroadkill license plate proposal was a perfectvehicle for us to demonstrate the lows towhich our legislature had sunk on the envi-ronment,” said Alison Horton, director ofthe Mackinac Chapter. “While a special li-cense plate with the sole purpose of gener-ating funds to clean up roadkill is a ridicu-lous misappropriation of state dollars, itpales in comparison to the other misdeedsof this legislature.”

Among the bad actions cited by Sierra Club (see the article Greatest Hits on Michigan’sLegislative Highway: Environmental Roadkill in the 1999 Legislative Session, below, for de-tails):

• Millions for Furniture and Nothing for Lake St. Clair• Dirty Air Gets Vote of the House• Lawmakers say Yes! To Urban Sprawl• Business Interests Say Public Can’t Handle Truth About Environment

The event was a major media hit for the Sierra Club. Stories reporting on the absurd actionsof the legislature were carried all over Michigan. Papers such as the Detroit News, LansingState Journal, and Ann Arbor News carried the story, which also went out with photos onthe AP wire. TV stations inLansing and radio stations inDetroit broadcast the hit, cul-minating in a one-on-one de-bate on Detroit’s top talk radiostation, WJR, between AlisonHorton and Michigan Depart-ment of Environmental QualityDirector Russ Harding. “Thecoverage generated will helpdefrock this legislature’s andthis Governor’s attempt to lookgreen,” said Anne Woiwode.“It is important for people toknow the truth and not be mis-led about what is happening atthe capitol—and this event cer-tainly helped to do that.” p

E N D O F L E G I S L A T I V E S E S S I O N P R E S S C O U P H E L P E D B Y “ R O A D K I L L L I C E N S E P L A T E ”

B Y D A N F A R O U G H

Membership Involvement Director, Mackinac Chapter Sierra Club

................................................................................

$10,000,000 FOR FURNITURE—$0 FOR LAKE ST. CLAIRMichigan Legislators will enjoy brand-new office furniturewhen they move into new Legislative offices later this year, asa result of a supplemental appropriation (HB 4075). But theydidn’t have time to appropriate any funds from the voter-sup-

Roadkill Press Conference: Alison Horton &Roger Roadkill (aka Dan Farough) presentEnvironmental Roadkill of the 1999Legislature to Capi-

ported Clean Michigan Initiative (HB 4065) to clean up LakeSt. Clair or any other Michigan waterways. With the firstbeach closings of the season already behind us, Michigan citi-zens can stand on shorelines pondering that the Legislature ispoised to approve funds to monitor contamination so we know

................................................................................

B Y A N N E W O I W O D E

Program Director, Mackinac Chapter Sierra Club

see GREATEST HITS page 4


continued on next page



just how much clean-up is needed, but not being done.

STATE FORESTS OR STATE TREE FARMS?For the third year in a row, the Michigan Legislature put thetimber industry ahead of all other State Forest users by man-dating a minimum level of timber be marked for harvest—855,000 cords in FY2000—in the Department of Natural Re-sources (DNR) appropriations bill (SB 370). While throwing abone to those concerned about wildlife and recreation in theforests, the budget won’t have needed funding to make suremandated timber levels aren’t hurting other forest uses. Thismandated level is suited to help keep deer numbers at abnor-mally high levels—so the taking of deer with trucks, cars, andother vehicles will continue to be a major pastime on Michi-gan roadways.

CAMPAIGN CONTRIBUTIONS TRUMP HABITAT PROTECTIONWhen a major contributor to Senator Loren Bennett’s cam-paigns had his golf course building permits brought underscrutiny for threatened and endangered species, the Senatorevidently concluded that the Michigan Natural Features Inven-tory was doing too aggressive a job trying to protect rare andsensitive species. Senator Bennett pushed through amendmentsto the Senate’s Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)appropriations bill (SB 364) and DNR appropriations bill (SB370) which threatened the survival of the program. Represen-tative William Byl, House Appropriations SubcommitteeChairman, and the members of his committee brought reasonback into the discussion in the House, and a common senseresolution of concerns prevailed in the end.

DEQ LUST LAXITY LEADS TO LEGALIZED LEAKS IN LAKESThere is more than one way for an agency to correct its failureto properly implement laws, as the Michigan DEQ taught usthis year. The DEQ erred a few years ago in their understand-ing of a law that allowed the flow of contaminated groundwa-ter into lakes and streams without Clean Water Act permits.DEQ employees thought it meant gasoline from leaking under-ground storage tanks (LUSTs) could also flow freely into lakesand streams without any permits. Instead of asking for fundingfor enforcement to correct this error, the DEQ asked that thelaw be “fixed” to make their failure to enforce the law the newstandard (HB 4471).

DIRTY AIR GETS THE VOTE OF THE HOUSEMaybe if the five straight days of smog standard violations inmost of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula cities had happened BE-FORE the vote, Michigan Legislators would have voted theother way. As it was, 78 members of the House decided onJune 1st to support a resolution opposing the implementationof federal air quality standards designed to reduce emissions ofsmog causing air pollutants.

HOUSE SAYS:DON’T TELL ANGLERS & FAMILIES ABOUT TOXIC FISH

When a Detroit Free Press editor wrote about visiting sixstores where fishing permits are sold but only receiving the re-quired public health advisories on eating and preparing fishfrom one of them, Representative Laura Baird thought theLegislature needed to provide clear direction that fish adviso-ries must be distributed to anglers by all vendors of fishingpermits. The requirement would cost nothing, and the DNRwould conduct random audits to see how well compliance wasoccurring. While half of her colleagues agreed, the Bairdamendment to the DNR Appropriation bill (SB 370) failed byone vote to become part of the law.

BUSINESS SAYS PUBLIC CAN’T HANDLE THE TRUTHABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT

Senator Ken Sikkema proposed that the DEQ be required toannually report on the status and trends related to the State’senvironment and natural resources (SB 462). Representativesof the business community considered this legislation poten-tially dangerous, saying that members of the public who hadaccess to such information could not be trusted to use the in-formation without causing hysteria.

HOUSE GIVES OIL INDUSTRY THE ONLY WORDON GLOBAL CLIMATE CHANGE

Maybe Representative Larry DeVuyst, chairman of the HouseConservation and Outdoor Recreation Committee, didn’t no-tice those five individuals who had submitted cards to testifyin opposition to HR 98, a resolution asking the US Senate notto support implementation of the Kyoto Protocol on green-house gas emissions. After allowing the representative of the

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American Petroleum Institute to speak on behalf of the DEQ,the Chairman dispensed with following the Open MeetingsAct and moved immediately to a vote of the committee on theresolution—without allowing opponents to speak. Amongthose blocked from speaking were members of the faith com-munity who had traveled from throughout the state specificallyto attend the hearing.

LONE RANGER GUARDING MICHIGANFROM OUT-OF-STATE WASTE

Representative Liz Brater proposed a DEQ appropriations bill(SB 364) amendment to put eight Conservation Officers (COs)on staff to police out-of-state waste being imported into Michi-gan. Her amendment was downsized, giving just one full-time-equivalent DEQ CO to police all of Michigan’s borders forviolations on our laws regarding out-of-state waste.

TOO CHEAP TO ADOPT-A-STREAMWhat do you do with a very popular program that doesn’t costmuch and encourages thousands of citizens to participate incleaning up our rivers and streams? If you are the MichiganLegislature, you tube it. A mere$50,000 cut from the DEQ budget—with ripple effects knocking out fund-ing for effective voluntary action allover the state.

LEGISLATORS SAYYES! TO URBAN SPRAWL!

Through boilerplate language in thebudget (SB 364), Representative Will-iam Byl proposed the Legislature di-rect the DEQ to consider the impactsof grants and technical assistance onurban redevelopment and existing in-frastructure. It was the first, highlyvisible policy action on the implica-tions of state spending on land use—and if it had passed, it would havebeen the first time “a state agencywould have to think about whether itsactions promoted wise land use—or

financed expensive sprawl.” (Detroit Free Press editorial, 6/9/99). Instead, bowing to tremendous pressure from lobbyists fordevelopment interests statewide, the language was dropped inthe Conference Committee.

LEGISLATORS JUST SAY NO TO ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICERepresentative Derrick Hale proposed the Legislature directthe DEQ to convene a Task Force on Environmental Equityand Justice (SB 364). The purpose would be to determine ifstate government environmental policies, permits, or other ac-tions unduly burden economically disadvantaged or low-in-come communities. Evidently most House members just don’twant to know, because they just said no to this task force.

MICHIGAN OKAYS MORE TOXIC WASTE INJECTION WELLSRepresentative Ray Basham proposed that the state not issueany permits allowing multi-source commercial hazardouswaste disposal wells in Michigan in the next fiscal year (SB364). His proposed amendment was shot down, opening the


see GREATEST HITS page 16


M I C H I G A N F O R E S T B I O D I V E R S I T Y P R O G R A M


................................................................................

A N N E W O I W O D E

Program Director

................................................................................

M A R V I N R O B E R S O N

Project Consultant

The Sierra Club believes theIRNP GMP is fatally flawedand in violation of theNational EnvironmentalPolicy Act, the Clean WaterAct, and National Parkmandates.

LEGISLATIVE LOWDOWNTimber Marking Mandate StaysThe Appropriations Committees of the House and Senate chosenot to touch the language in the Administration’s FY2000 bud-get, which mandates at least 855,000 cords of timber be markedfor Department of Natural Resources (DNR) logging on StateForest lands. Those opposing the timber marking mandate didmake significant strides, however, laying groundwork for achange in the next session. Joining theSierra Club in opposing the markingmandate were the Michigan UnitedConservation Clubs and the ResourceStewards, an organization of retiredDNR and Department of EnvironmentalQuality staff. These groups are urgingthat timber marking levels be tied toplanning activities under the State For-est Compartment Reviews, which nowrequire public input. The DNR ForestManagement Division signaled its support for this change aswell. Efforts are expected to strike agreement on this issue be-fore the FY2001 budget hearings get underway next year.Attack on the Michigan Natural Features InventoryThwartedAn effort launched by Senator Loren Bennett to discontinue a20-year arrangement between the state and The Nature Conser-vancy (TNC) was derailed by Representative William Byl.Bennett sought to forbid contractual arrangements as of Octo-ber 1999 between TNC, which provides identification and data-base functions for the Michigan Natural Features Inventory(MNFI), and state agencies. Representative William Byl andthe members of his Appropriations Subcommittee on Natural

Resources and Environmental Quality concluded the prohibi-tion made no sense, and modified the language to call for theagency to develop a plan for transition. The House language,which prevailed in conference committees, directs the DNR todevelop a plan—to be delivered to the legislature in March2000—for providing these services in the future.First Appeal of DNR Compartment Review Filed

In the first test of newly adopted proce-dures for appeals of DNR managementdecisions on State Forests, the SierraClub has filed an appeal of the DNR’sCompartment Reviews conducted on theGladwin and Roscommon Forest Man-agement Units (FMU) of the Au SableState Forest. Tim Flynn, a long-time for-est activist who has closely followedState Forest management for most of thepast decade, drafted the appeal. The AuSable State Forest is made up roughly of

state lands in the 12 counties north of the Isabella andMontcalm County borders, and east to the Lake Huron shore-line.

The appeal addresses activities planned for Year of Entry2000 in the two FMUs. Flynn’s document raises three broad is-sues of concern in the decision which violate DNR policies onmanaging state forests, biodiversity protection, and old growth:

1. clearcuts in these FMUs which completely remove “bio-logical legacies”;

2. the cutting of extremely rare older stands at an acceler-ated rate; and

3. the failure to consider the designation of stands for oldgrowth.

The DNR policy calls for submission ofappeals within 45 days of a decision,and gives the agency 30 days to re-spond. The DNR has informed the Si-erra Club that it will exceed the 30days, but has not indicated when a deci-sion will be made regarding the appeal.

NATIONAL FOREST NEWSHuron-Manistee National ForestStarts Public InputInto Old Growth ProcessIn 1986, as part of the settlement agree-ment on appeals of the Forest Plan forthe Huron-Manistee National Forest(HMNF), the Forest Service committedto designate at least 173,000 acres ofHMNF old growth. The public input

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If you would like information about the MichiganForest Activist Network, fill in and send this form toF.A.N., Sierra Club, 300 N. Washington, Suite 411,Lansing, 48933, or email <[email protected]>with the same information:

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MFBPcontinued from page 6

Does the design of oldgrowth areas includelarge enough blocksand appropriatecorridors to provideecological benefits?

process for that designation began this summer and will runthrough the fall. A scoping document with maps and descrip-tions of the initial proposal are available from the HMNF at theaddress below. The first phase of public comment is designedto solicit input about what the Forest Service must consider inputting together its proposed action. The Sierra Club has sub-mitted extensive comments regarding the need for additionalinformation about the Forest Service’s ini-tial proposal. Among issues of concern arehow much land proposed for inclusion isalready in a protected status and whetherthe design of the old growth areas includeslarge enough blocks and appropriate corri-dors to provide ecological benefits.

On August 17th, the HMNF will hold apublic meeting at which discussion about arange of alternatives for old growth willtake place. This meeting, along with comments from the public,will be used by the Forest Service to develop several alternativeold growth designs and to conduct an environmental review ofthe proposed designation.

This old growth designation process will complete com-mitments made 13 years ago, but the old growth issue will berevisited in the upcoming Plan Revision. At that time, ques-tions will be raised about whether the acreage numbers—set in1986 to address pileated woodpecker habitat—should be dra-matically increased to address new scientific findings regardingbiological diversity protection.

To get on the mailing list and receive a copy of the Huron-Manistee National “Forest Scoping Document: Proposed OldGrowth Settlement Agreement Amendment,” contact theHMNF at:

Huron-Manistee National ForestOld Growth Settlement Agreement Amendment Projectattn: Jim DiMaio1755 South Mitchell StreetCadillac, MI 49601616-775-2421.

Borrowed Time VictoryA controversy over proposed management in a remote area ad-jacent to Big Island Lake Wilderness in the Hiawatha NationalForest appears to be on its way to a positive resolution. TeresaChase, Munising District Ranger, has signed a decision on theBorrowed Time Project that proposes no management activitieson the lands in the eastern part of the project—an extensiveunroaded area that provides a connector between two wilder-nesses and a Research Natural Area. Borrowed Times was ap-pealed successfully a few years ago by several environmental

organizations, and remanded to the Ranger to address failure toaddress cumulative effects. A nationwide Roadless Area Mora-torium declared by the Chief of the Forest Service was put intoplace this spring—but even though it clearly qualified, the east-ern portion of Borrowed Time was not included in the morato-rium on road building. Chase has directed that this portion ofBorrowed Time and all other areas designated 8.3 ManagementAreas in the forest should be reviewed together, in order tocompletely consider potential effects of management in these

areas. On the ground, this means the rare, re-mote habitat provided for pine marten, lynx,and other sensitive species in this area hasbeen protected for the foreseeable future!Third Sylvania Wilderness Lawsuit Deci-sion: Wilderness WinsA critical victory has been won in a GrandRapids federal court on a lawsuit challengingthe Forest Service’s authority to control mo-tor boat usage on this predominantly wilder-

ness lake. Judge Robert Bell ruled in favor of the Forest Ser-vice, an outright victory for wilderness protection. The UpperPeninsula Environmental Coalition submitted amicus briefs inthis case, and hailed the decision. However, the plaintiffs havefiled an appeal—and while that appeal is pending, all ForestService regulations challenged in the lawsuit are held in abey-ance. It is expected that no further action will occur in this caseuntil next year.National Park Management Plan updatesIn 1995, Isle Royale National Park (IRNP) became the firstpark unit in the country to begin an update of the General Man-agement Plan (GMP) using a “streamlined” process. The SierraClub believes the IRNP GMP—as it was finalized and releasedthis past spring—is fatally flawed and in violation of the Na-tional Environmental Policy Act, the Clean Water Act, and Na-tional Park mandates. The Sierra Club is joined in its concernsby the Environmental Law and Policy Center in Chicago—a re-gional public interest law firm—and by CALM, a group lo-cated on the Keweenaw Peninsula. Disappointment with the fi-nal Isle Royale GMP was heightened when concerns raisedabout compliance with legal mandates were virtually ignored inthe course of its preparation. The National Park Service seemedmuch more concerned about bluster from the Isle RoyaleMotorboaters Association, and unresponsive to well-docu-mented concerns raised by environmental organizations aboutthe planning process and GMP.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore (PRNL) is about toembark on a revision of its GMP this summer using the sameprocess. The age of the PRNL GMP—and the many changesthat have come about since the original was adopted in the

see MFBP page 8


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1980’s—were cited as reasons for the update. The park is ex-pecting to send out newsletters and to hold meetings for re-ceiving initial input from interested parties this summer. Formore information and to get on themailing list, contact Pictured Rocksat 906-387-2607, or check out theirwebsite at: <http://www.nps.gov/piro/vvc_main.htm>.

ENDANGERED SPECIES ISSUESGray Wolf Federal Downlisting inMichigan and Wisconsin?The wolves in Michigan are continu-ing to recover, with population num-bers in the UP estimated this pastwinter at about 174 individuals. Up-per-level officials in the Interior De-partment, eager to show off “successstories” under the Endangered Spe-cies Act, have been itching to getdownlisting or delisting of the wolfin the Upper Great Lakes region un-der consideration as quickly as pos-sible. The process was slowed someby anticipation that Minnesota, theheart of wolf country for the lower48 states, was working on a wolfmanagement plan which would guidethe state’s management after federaldownlisting or delisting occurred.This spring, the Minnesota Legisla-ture failed to approve a plan afterlegislative fighting ensued over amanagement proposal put togetherand agreed to by all major interestgroups in the state. A major area ofdebate was whether hunting ofwolves would be allowed.

With the Minnesota situation inturmoil, the US Fish and WildlifeService (USFWS) is still consideringproposing a downlisting of the wolfin Michigan and Wisconsin, fromfederally endangered to federallythreatened (Minnesota wolves are al-ready designated as threatened). Notimeline has yet been announced, butit is expected that a proposal may beforthcoming. A USFWS web page

provides a site to check updates on this issue, and you can addyour name to a list for updates: <http://www.fws.gov/r3pao/wolf/trck1pdf.html>. Or, call the USFWS at: 612-713-7337.Canada Lynx ListingAttracting Agency and Industry Attention

After many years of litigation byDefenders of Wildlife, the courtshave ordered the USFWS to proceedwith considering the listing of theCanada lynx under the federal En-dangered Species Act. The historicrange of the lynx covers all of Up-per Peninsula and most ofMichigan’s Lower Peninsula, so thelisting could have implications formost or all of the public forests inMichigan. Currently, a region-wideinteragency team is discussing thepotential habitat needs of theCanada lynx in preparation forchanges in management, which maybe required under the listing. Thiselusive creature is generally foundin remote areas where deep snow isfound in winter and the snowshoehare thrives. Also of concern will bewhether the bobcat, now found inmost of Michigan, is out-competingthe lynx in areas which were previ-ously lynx domain.

Apparently, the timber industryis beginning to worry about the im-plications of this listing. The GreatLakes Forest Alliance—a quasi-gov-ernmental organization made up ofstate foresters, timber industry rep-resentatives, academics, and ex-offi-cio Forest Service representatives—put together a forum on the CanadaLynx listing in late June.

No schedule for public inputhas yet been set. USFWS has a Re-gional website for information onthe Canada lynx at: <http://www.r6.fws.gov/endspp/lynx/index.htm>. p

For more information on these is-sues, contact Anne Woiwode at theChapter Office.

MFBPcontinued from page 7


SIERRA CLUB STEPS UP FIGHT IN SPRAWL HOTSPOTS

B Y D A N F A R O U G H

Membership Involvement Director & EPEC Organizer, Mackinac Chapter Sierra Club

................................................................................

The Sierra Club’s EnvironmentalPublic Education Campaign(EPEC) swung into high gear inJune and July as it continued itsmission to fight sprawl throughoutMichigan. Central to EPEC’s objec-tives is to inform the public of thedangers of uncontrolled growth tothe environment, public health, andthe economy and to promote sus-tainable alternatives for communi-ties. The education campaign hasbegun focusing on sprawl hotspotswith local groups in Mid-Michigan,Southeast Michigan, and the HuronValley in order to challenge run-away development.

Mid-Michigan, already asprawl hotspot, came close to over-heating in early summer as the corecommunities of Lansing, East Lan-sing, and Meridian Township be-came engaged in a land war overyet another proposed golf coursedevelopment in Meridian Town-ship. Egged on by developers, thecommunities threatened each otherwith annexations and detachmentsin order to side-step a citizen peti-tion drive that sought to have a sayin land use decisions.

EPEC and members of the Cen-tral Michigan Group responded inthe press, at local public hearings,and by furthering plans for impor-tant citizen anti-sprawl training.The area’s main newspaper, theLansing State Journal, was barragedwith letters to the editor and opin-ion page submissions calling for thecentral EPEC goal of regional plan-ning over petty land grabs. The vastmajority of submissions ran, culmi-nating in a Sierra Club opinionpiece and the paper’s own opinionwhich echoed our call for a regional

approach to planning. Coinciden-tally, the developers lobby has beenrunning an ad campaign which dis-torts their agenda and claims theyare supporters of “smart growth,”while they actually continue to op-pose smart growth policies. Mean-while, Sierra Club members voicedconcerns at public hearings, contin-

ued plans for mid-July training tomobilize citizen support for smartgrowth over sprawl, and continuethe momentum to prevent under-hand maneuvers that side-step pub-lic input.

Across Michigan, plans are un-derway to train citizens in anti-sprawl tactics at the local level. Thesprawl hotspots of the Huron Val-ley/Ann Arbor and Southeast

Michigan have laid the groundworkfor training workshops. Tour deSprawl—events to focus public at-tention on the problems associatedwith sprawl—are being organizedin the Lansing Area, Grand Rapids,Southeast Michigan, andWashtenaw County. This fall thesprawl issue seems likely to get

even hotter as the Sierra Club, al-lied groups, and concerned citizensforge ahead with plans to maketheir communities livable and sus-tainable. The message to propo-nents of runaway development isclear: “if you can’t stand the heat ofpublic accountability, get out of thekitchen.” Keep an eye out for howyou can make a difference and getinvolved. p

T E M P E R A T U R E R I S E S A S E N V I R O N M E N T A L P U B L I C E D U C A T I O N C A M P A I G N A N DL O C A L G R O U P S M O B I L I Z E


NAME(S): PLEASE INCLUDE ALL NAMES IN YOUR GROUP,INCLUDING AGES FOR CHILDREN.____________________________________________________________________________________________________________ADDRESS:____________________________________PHONE:____________________________________VEGETARIAN MEALS? (CIRCLE ONE): YES NO

lk 1999 AUTUMN RETREAT REGISTRATION FORM jX

Send Registration Form with paymentbefore September 2!Make checks payable to: Sierra Club

AGE CATEGORY

0-4 YEARS OLD

5-17 YEARS OLD

ADULT RUSTIC SHELTER

ADULT REGULAR DORM

ADULT LAKESIDE DORM

FEE

FREE

$35$55$70$90

TOTAL

$_____$_____$_____$_____

$_____TOTAL ENCLOSED:

SEND TO:Sierra Club Autumn Retreatc/o Cathy Semer449 PacificPlymouth, MI 49170

jklX

It’s hard to believe its been ten years since our first annual Sierra Club Re-treat took place at Yankee Springs in southeast Michigan. Back then, local Si-erra Club groups cooked the meals and lodging was rustic at best.

Ten years later, we have found less primitive—but still beautiful!—sur-roundings for our annual Autumn Retreat at Camp Miniwanca on the shoresof Lake Michigan.

As always, this retreat weekend will feature fun and relaxation, with alittle conservation education and outdoor recreation thrown in. It’s a time toshare with old and new friends while swimming, canoeing, debating environ-mental issues, or just plain relaxing in the woods or on the beach.

A diverse crowd of singles, seniors, families, members and friends turnup at the retreat for two days and nights (including five meals). We will haveongoing activities for school-age kids at our “Kids Kamp” (Saturday ONLYthis year), and many workshops and outdoor activities for adults.

A GREAT LOCATIONYou’ll love Camp Miniwanca. Hike up the highest dune for a great LakeMichigan sunset, or head down a wooded path to the crafts center. It’s nowonder the camp is called Miniwanca—”many waters”—it’s an incrediblecombination of more than a mile of Lake Michigan beach front, 360 acres ofpiney woods, sand dunes, and extensive waterfront on nearby Stoney Lake.

A CHOICE OF LODGINGWe offer a reduced weekend rate for those wishing to pitch a tent or stay inone of the rustic shelters (no electricity, no heat, and no screens on the win-

dows) with nearby bathrooms andshowers. But we also offer comfort-able lodging in dorm buildings withshared bathrooms on each floor.Please bring your own sheets, sleep-ing bags, and towels. Two types ofdorm rooms are available:“Lakeside” dorms, with two singlebeds to each room, are offered at aslight cost premium. Other dormrooms are a short walk away, withtwo bunkbeds per room. All dormshave shared bathrooms.

CONSERVATION WORKSHOPSOur fun and informative lineup ofworkshop topics range from forestecosystems in Michigan to politicalactivism. Other activities includebirding, hiking, canoeing, and star-gazing. This year, we are seekingoutdoor enthusiasts to share 10-15of their favorite slides from a localouting or special trip abroad.

1999 AUTUMN RETREATS E P T E M B E R 1 7 - 1 9 : 1 0 T H A N N U A L R E T R E A T O F F E R S E S C A P E T O L A K E M I C H I G A N



Learn to quicklymaster strokes &

bracing techniques

Also covered:Safety, Equipment,Rescues & Rolling

CALL NOW!RON SMITH

BEGINNING KAYAKING LESSONS

(734) 878-3689 or [email protected]

AT BLACK PARROT PADDLING, L.L.C.

SILENT AUCTIONOur most enjoyable fund-raisingevent is the Silent Auction, featuringitems donated by businesses andmembers. Hand-made crafts, bakedgoods, or services are welcome.Bring something to donate, or justplan on participating in the biddingSaturday evening!

MUSIC AND MORE!Join us for music in the evenings,with singing in the Lodge or aroundthe campfire with a range of talentedmusician-members. Bring your owninstrument, or just your voice!

DIRECTIONS:Take US 131 North from Muskegonor South from Ludington to M-20(New Era) exit, then 5 miles West toStony Lake. You will receive an areamap and map of the camp in yourconfirmation packet soon after theSeptember 7 registration deadline.

WHAT TO BRINGBring your own towels, bedding,and flashlight. If you plan to camp,bring your own camping equipment.Optional items include: walkingshoes or hiking boots, sun screen,sun hat, sketch book, swimsuit,camera, binoculars, field guides,and musical instruments. Plan forany type of weather, including sun,rain, and wind (but hopefully notsnow!). Evenings will likely becool—sometimes we even needsweaters in the indoor class-rooms!—so bring a sweater andlight jacket.

QUESTIONS?Call Cathy or Gary Semer at 734-453-4443 if you need further assis-tance. Otherwise, we’ll see youSept. 17! p

SIERRA CLUB CALENDARS CAN BE ORDERED FROM YOUR LOCALSIERRA CLUB GROUP. CONTACT YOUR GROUP DIRECTLY (SEE PAGE23 FOR GROUP REPRESENTATIVES) OR CALL THE CHAPTER OFFICEAT 517-484-2372 FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Sierra ClubYear 2000 Calendars

Sierra Club 2000 Wall Calendars: Majestic natural scenes of wilderness,birds, oceans, wildflowers, or wildlife. Spiral bound. $11.95-$12.95.

Sierra Club 2000 Engagemwnt Calendar: Stunning images of flora andfauna, from panoramas to close-ups. Spiral bound. $12.95.

Sierra Club 2000 Pocket Calendar: Week-at-a-glance format, in a conve-nient vest-pocket size. $4.99

RETREATcontinued from page 10


E N V I R O N M E N T A L L I T I G A T I O N :

SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS LOCAL ZONINGON BURT LAKE

B Y C H R I S B Z D O K

...................................................................

In the 1990s, the focus of a lot of regu-lation has moved away from Lansingand Washington DC and out into localcommunities. As this happens, moreand more of the important environ-mental skirmishes are being fought be-fore city councils and in townshipplanning commission meetings. There-fore, it is vitally important that theselocal governments havebroad powers to protectnatural resources.

Those powers got abig boost this summerfrom the Michigan Su-preme Court. In a casecalled Burt Township vDepartment of NaturalResources, the court affirmed localgovernments’ ability to regulate the useof natural resources within theirboundaries. Specifically, the SupremeCourt ruled that the Department ofNatural Resources (DNR) must com-ply with township zoning ordinanceswhen it builds public access sites onlakes within township borders. TheBurt Township case is expected to havea profound effect on communities’ability to plan for orderly developmentof their shorelines and protection oftheir water resources. As Burt Town-ship attorney Jeff Lyon put it, “Itmeans that local government still ex-ists.”

The dispute which led to the highcourt’s decision began in 1989. TheDNR, looking to increase access forlarge, deep-draft boats on Burt Lake,purchased a lakefront parcel in a resi-dential area of Burt Township. TheDNR proposed building a parking lot,restroom facilities and a boat ramp,which would require yearly dredgingof a channel 76 feet wide and over 330feet long into the lake’s bottom. Hear-ing of the plan, the Township wrote tothe DNR requesting that the agencyapply for a zoning permit. The DNRresponded that it was not subject to lo-

cal zoning ordinances, and began con-struction.

The Township obtained a restrain-ing order from Cheboygan County Cir-cuit Judge Robert Livo to halt con-struction until the court could fullyreview the matter. Then, based on ar-guments presented by the Townshipand the Burt Township Association—a

local group dedicated to protecting thelake—Judge Livo ruled that the DNRhad to receive approval from theTownship Board to build the boatramp.

The DNR appealed, and theMichigan Court of Appeals affirmedJudge Livo’s decision. Before the Su-preme Court, the Michigan Environ-mental Council and the Tip of the MittWatershed Council joined the BurtTownship Association and a number oflake associations in filing briefs to sup-port the Township. After argumentslast winter, the high court ruled in fa-vor of the Township again.

The court ruled that the TownshipZoning Act gives townships broadpowers to regulate the use of landswithin their borders, including the useof waterfront property. Therefore, astate agency could only be exemptedfrom township zoning authority if an-other statute stated clearly that theagency was exempt. The Court heldthat none of the statutes cited by theDNR contained a clear statement thatthe Legislature intended to exemptDNR boat launches from local zoning.According to the Court, the fact thatthe Legislature gave the DNR power tocreate recreational facilities does not

mean that the DNR can ignore localzoning in doing so.

The Burt Township decision is avictory for local participation in themanagement of lakes and streams. Itgives a voice to local residents in whathappens to the water resources in theircommunities, and balances the State’sneed to build recreational facilities

with the community’sneed to protect the in-tegrity of its neighbor-hoods.

But the decision isbigger than that, too.Zoning is often themost important line ofdefense for threatened

natural resources. The SupremeCourt’s pronouncement that local gov-ernments have broad powers to protectnatural resources should help commu-nities use their zoning ordinances tocombat all sorts of environmentalproblems—from sprawl, to air and wa-ter pollution, to environmental justice.By affirming the power of local zoningand rejecting the state’s claim of exclu-sive authority over natural resources,the Supreme Court recognized theLegislature’s decision to give Michi-gan citizens access to environmentaldecision-making at the local level. Thetrue importance of the Burt Townshipcase, therefore, can only be measuredlater—by how many people show up atcity hall.

Club member Chris Bzdok is an attorneywith Olson, Noonan & Bzdok, P.C., aTraverse City firm with a statewidepractice in environmental law. His of-fice represented the Burt Township As-sociation. p

The Supreme Court’s opinion isavailable on the Institute forContinuing Legal Education’sWebsite. Go to www.icle.org/misupct and search for “Burt.”

The Supreme Court’s pronouncement that localgovernments have broad powers to protectnatural resources should help communities usetheir zoning ordinances to combat all sorts ofenvironmental problems—from sprawl, to airand water pollution, to environmental justice.


From a distance, lightning can be amesmerizing, awe-inspiring sight.Up close however, it’s one of themost powerful and deadly threats toyour life in the wilderness. In fact,lightning’s deadlier than any otherweather-related phenomenon, in-cluding tornadoes, floods, and hurri-canes. In the US alone, lightningkills between 150-300 people eachyear. With the most hazardousmonths for lightning upon us, youshould know what to do when light-ning threatens you in the outdoors.

Since lightning is very unpre-dictable and a subsequent strike canoccur many miles from a previousone, you should seek shelter when-ever a lightning storm approaches.To estimate how far away a light-ning storm is, count the number ofseconds which elapse between aflash of lightning and its corre-sponding bang of thunder and dividethis number by five. This will tellyou how many miles away the stormis. For example, a 20-second flash-to-bang count means the lightningstrike occurred approximately fourmiles away. If subsequent flash-to-bang intervals decrease, you’ll knowthe storm is moving closer.

The safest place to seek shelterduring a lightning storm is inside ofa substantial, enclosed building.Avoid touching or standing neardoors, windows, walls, and otherthings—such as telephones, TVs,computers, radios, appliances, fire-places, sinks, tubs, toilets, etc.—which may conduct lightning intothe building’s interior. A parked,fully enclosed, metal vehicle withthe doors and windows closed isalso a good place to seek cover.

However, to be protected, keepyour hands in your lap so you don’ttouch anything which might con-duct lightning into the vehicle.Touching a steering wheel, gearshifter, ignition key, radio, micro-phone, telephone, or window crankcould be dangerous. Since convert-ibles, fiberglass vehicles, mountainbikes, ATV’s, motorcycles, open-

decked boats, canoes, sea kayaks, gazeboes, and small sheds offer no protec-tion whatsoever, abandon them and keep your distance.

Lakes, wet beaches, rivers, riverbanks, wet boggy areas, hills, ridges,clearings, and areas with tall isolated trees are some of the worst places to beduring a lightning storm, so avoid them. Anytime you’re the tallest objectwithin a 30-yard circle, or you’re within a few yards of a taller object, you

could be at risk. In forested areas, avoid tall treesand seek cover in a low, brushy area. If you’recaught on a hilltop or ridge, descend as far as pos-sible, avoiding caves, overhangs, and rocky out-crops. In open areas lacking any apparent shelter,seek out a low spot such as a depression, draw, orravine—just make sure it’s not waterlogged. Keepin mind people have been killed by lightningwhich has struck up to 100 yards away.

Once you’ve taken shelter, squat down onthe balls of your feet on whatever dry insulating

material is at hand. A sleeping pad, seat cushion, PFD, coil of rope, or someextra clothing will do. Squat with your feet together, hands on your knees,head lowered, and mouth open. Never lie down, or stand with your feet apart,as you’ll increase your chances of injury from a ground shock as the light-ning from a nearby strike dissipates. Lightning dissipating along the surfaceof the ground tends to seek the path of least resistance, so your goal is to pre-vent it from traveling up one leg and down the other (if your feet are apart) orthrough your vital organs (if you’re lying down). Since lightning tends tojump between people in a group, avoid the tendency to huddle. Instead, stay

at least 15 feet apart. Light-ning can also jump fromnearby objects, so keep yourdistance from fences, gates,poles, signs, telephone poles,power lines, undergroundpipes, trees, building exteri-ors, large rock outcrops, ve-

WILDERNESS SKILLS:HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM LIGHTNING IN THE OUTDOORS

B Y M I C H A E L A . N E I G E R , P H . D .Central Upper Peninsula Group

Copyright ©1999

................................................................................

Estimate how far away a storm is.

Never lie down!

Immediate first aid is essential. see LIGHTNING page 17



NEMG

CUPG TLG

TG

AG

WMGWMcNG

TVG

CMG

KVGHVG

CG

NG

SEMG

&Group Meetings Programs

GROUPBOUNDARIESOF THEMACKINACCHAPTERSIERRA CLUB

AGAlgonquin Group

If you are interested in helping to build anactive Group or want information about theSierra Club in this area, please contact DanFarough at the Mackinac Chapter office at517-484-2372.

CMGCentral Michigan Group

General meetings are held the 3rd Mondayof the month at the Harris Nature Center, offVan Atta Road in Meridian Township.Come at 5:30 pm for supper (small donationrequested) or at 6:15 pm for the meeting.Call Pete Pasterz at 517-676-3339 for de-tails.

The Conservation Committee usuallymeets the 2nd Monday of the month inWells Hall on the MSU campus. Call MariaLapinski at 517-569-3302 for details.

The Executive Committee meets the 1stMonday of the month. Call Jerry Schuur at517-351-7796 for details.

CUPCentral Upper Peninsula Group

Sierra Club members in the central andwestern counties in the Upper Peninsula areinvited to participate in CUP group activi-ties. General membership and executivecommittee meetings are held 7 pm in WestScience, Room 270, on the Northern Michi-gan University campus. For details call JohnRebers, 906-228-3617.

To receive news about outings or otherSierra Club activities in the Central UpperPeninsula, send $5 for a subscription to theCUP newsletter to Sierra Club, 338 WestCrescent, Marquette, MI, 49855.

CGCrossroads Group

Sierra Club members of Livingston, south-ern Genesse, and western Oakland Countiesmeet monthly at the Brighton District Li-brary, 200 Orndorff Dr., Brighton, for infor-mative and entertaining programs. Thesemeetings begin at 7 pm and are open to thepublic.

The Conservation Committee meetsmonthly to discuss and address local issues.Call Emily Gobright, 517-548-0595 orDavid Wright, 810-229-1685 for details.

The Executive Committee meets on thelast Wednesday of the month. Call RickPearsall at 810-227-6298 for details.

HVGHuron Valley Group

General Meetings of the Huron ValleyGroup of the Sierra Club are held 7:30 pmon the 3rd Tuesday of the month at the UMMatthaei Botanical Gardens, 1800 N.Dixboro Road, Ann Arbor. For details call313-665-7345.

8/17 General Meeting. LanceBurghardt, professional photographer andWCC photography instructor, will talk about“How to Take Better Outdoor Pictures.”

9/21 General Meeting. This is our an-nual “All you need to know about the HVG-Sierra Club” meeting. Learn about the ac-tivities of the group, mix and mingle withnewcomers and longtime members, and findout how many ways there are to be involvedin interesting outdoor and environmental ac-tivities.

10/19 General Meeting. Topic TBA.

KVGKalamazoo Valley Group

General membership meetings are usuallyheld 7:30 pm on the 3rd Thursday of eachmonth at Kalamazoo Valley CommunityCollege, Texas Twp Camput, Room 4370.

The Executive Committee meets 7:30pm on the 2nd Wednesday of each month,and all members are welcome. ContactVerne and Cindy Mills at 616-344-4279 fordetails.

9/16 7:30 pm. “Tour de Sprawl Pro-gram” with invited speakers from the region.Discussion on sprawl, it’s impact on qualityof life, what is being done, and what stillneeds to be done.

10/21 7:30 pm. “Outdoor Equipment/Clothing” with representatives from localsporting goods suppliers.

NGNepessing Group

Meetings are held 6:30 pm on the 2ndWednesday each month at Mott CommunityCollege, in the “New Students” Prahl Build-ing, Genesee Room, 1401 E. Court St. inFlint. These meetings are free and refresh-ments are available. Non-members are wel-come; parking is free. Find out what localvolunteers are doing and hear our featuredspeakers. For details, call Carol Graham at810-659-4965.

Our current projects include working toget curbside recycling in Flint, water testingin the Flint River watershed, fundraising,trail repairs, and great outings. Come helpus, and meet some fun and interestingpeople! Check the Nepessing web page atwww.gfn.org/sierrang.

The NG weekly hiking schedule isavailable at 810-743-0335 or on the webpage.

NEMGNortheast Michigan Group


SEMGSoutheast Michigan Group

General membership meetings are held 7:30pm on the 1st Thursday of each month, Sept.through June, at Northwest Unitarian-Uni-versalist Church, 23925 Northwestern Hwy(southbound M-10 service drive) betweenSouthfield and Evergreen roads, and Nineand Ten Mile roads in Southfield. For meet-ing information contact Cindy Gunnip at248-336-2984.

The Executive Committee meets 7:30pm on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at St.John’s Episcopal Church, Woodward and11-mile Rd, Royal Oak. Contact AnnaHolden, Chairperson, for details at 313-331-0932.

Conservation Committee meetings areheld 7:30 pm on the 3rd Thursday of eachmonth at St. John’s Episcopal Church. Park-ing in back of the church, south of 11 MileRoad. For details call Ed McArdle, 313-388-6645.

Outings Committee. Contact PhilCrookshank if you are interested in planning


dSpend 10 minutes a month on the environment.

Help protect Michigan's natural heritage, our Great Lakes, our air and water—for our families and our future.

All you need is an e-mail address.

You'll join members of Sierra Club and other groups in a rapid response networkwhich makes decision-makers and business leaders sit up and take notice.

We email you 10 to 12 alerts a year. You reply using our sample letter.We turn it into a fax and deliver it.

It's that easy.

Sign up on the web at www.mienv.org/map.htm. Tell them Sierra Club sent you.

join the michigan actionproject e-mail network

GROUP MEETINGS & PROGRAMScontinued from page 16

or leading outings, 313-562-1873.Political Action to support pro-environ-

ment legislation, state and national. ContactTim Killeen, Chair, Political Action Com-mittee. 313-526-4052.

9/2 Mystery guest!! This will be a realtreat. Door prizes, raffle, and refreshments.

9/11 (Sat.) Outings Scheduling Meet-ing. This is open to everyone interested indoing or learning about outings. You arewelcome to join us in a fun filled eveningbeginning with a potluck dinner at 6 pm,then participate in the planning meeting forthe next quarter at 7 pm. We will meet atBev and Marshall’s house, 5121 Thorncroft,Royal Oak. Call 248-280-4975 for direc-tions.

10/7 Urban sprawl, and what you cando to stop it.

TLGThree Lakes Group

Sierra Club members in the Upper Peninsula

counties of Chippewa, Luce, Mackinac, andSchoolcraft are welcome to attend meetingsof the Three Lakes Group. Business meet-ings are held monthly at various locations inSault Ste. Marie. Programs are held on the1st Wednesday of the month from Septem-ber-May at the Walker Cisler Center on thecampus of Lake Superior State University.For details call Floyd Byerly at 906-632-0218.

TVGThumb Valley Group

We would appreciate any input on potentialmeeting options, especially ones as centrallylocated for the TVG as possible. Additionalleaders and programs desired.

Please contact Craig and JanisKendziorski at 517-631-5170 if interested inbeing on leadership team and/or arrangingan event. We are not having group meetingsat this time. Please see the Outings on page18 for TVG activities (Xskiing, Potluck,Earthday, Hikes, etc).

9/14 7 pm Leadership Meeting. Leaders

and others interested in planning TVG ac-tivities. 4209 Linden Drive, Midland. Con-tact Craig and Janis at 517-631-5170 for de-tails.

TGTraverse Group

At this time, no general membership meet-ings or programs are scheduled. See the Out-ings on page 18 for some special TraverseGroup activities.

WMcNGWakelin McNeel Group


WMGWest Michigan Group

Meetings are held 7 pm on the 2nd Thursdayof each month at Kent Community Hospitalmeeting room. Everyone welcome! CallMarty Lore at 517-682-1316 for details. p

THE MACKINAC CHAPTER WEB PAGEYour online information source about environmentalissues, current action alerts, outings, and lots of waysto get involved.

Find links to your state legislators, important stateenvironmental agencies, and other sources of envi-ronmental information.

WWW.SIERRACLUB.ORG/CHAPTERS/MI


Learn how to buildwith logs and stone!The Michigan School of Log Building and Stone Masonryoffers 5-day hands-on workshops in early June.Call (517) 734-4688 for information now!

• Scandinavian Full Scribe Technique• Chink-style Building & Saddle Notching• Complete Stone Masonry Work; Tools Provided

Courses include the option of three excellent meals dailyand comfortable lodging at NettieBay Lodge.

Other workshops at NettieBay Lodge:School of Bird Identification Weekend

The Outdoor Woman WorkshopFacilities available to groups for private workshops.

NettieBay Lodge

Your hosts: Mark and Jackie Schuler9011 West 638 Hwy., Hawks, MI 49743(517) [email protected]




4164, SB 84 & 85) languish in committee this first sixmonths of the 1999 Legislative Session. Both highwayfunds and game management funds could go to remove car-casses from the roadways, since state policies to increase thenumber of roads and the number of game animals havegreatly contributed to the escalation of roadkill during thelast several decades. At a time when the Legislature ishappy to debate how to give back a “surplus” in our state’sbudget, they are forcing environmental interests to fightover relatively small sources of funds, like the specialty li-cense plates, to provide funding to critically underfundedprograms. p

way for permitting a well that is expected to receive signifi-cant amounts of toxic waste from out of state.

MICHIGAN’S IMAGE ON THE NATION’S HIGHWAYS:ROADKILL ACCELERATES, NATURAL HERITAGEAND CLEAN WATER STALLED

Your opportunity to buy a license plate that would partiallyfund the cleanup of roadkill along Michigan’s highways(HB 4081 & 4082) moved one step closer to becoming a re-ality, while license plates which would allow Michigan citi-zens to support grossly underfunded natural heritage pro-grams (SB 179 & 180) and protect clean water (HB 4163 &


LIGHTNINGcontinued from page 13 It takes a lot of these:

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

To save a fewof these:

Please help us raise fundsfor Michigan conservation.

Volunteer to sell tickets for theMACKINAC CHAPTER 1999

“SPRAWL COSTS US ALL” RAFFLE

$500 2nd Prize & 5 $100 Prizes

Cost: $2 per ticket or 3 for $5

Proceeds benefit conservation in Michigan, and yourlocal Sierra Club earns up to 80 cents per ticketwhen you write its initials on the back of the stub!

Sure! I’ll try to sell ____ raffle ticketsto benefit Michigan’s environment!

..........................................................................

..........................................................................

..........................................................................

..........................................................................

Mail to: Fred Townsend, 3851 Granger Road,Ortonville, MI 48462-9103

When you return tickets stubs, please include a check made out toSierra Club Mackinac Chapter and mail it to the above address.

Drawing Sept. 18, 1999, 7 p.m., Camp Miniwanca, 8845 W.Garfield, Shelby, MI 49455. Need not be present to win. Lic.#R53714 Org. I.D. 106921

WIN $1,000FIRST PRIZE!

NAME

ADDRESS

CITY, STATE, ZIP

PHONE

hicles, and other large metal objects.In addition to squatting down to avoid a direct hit,

you should also discard metal framed backpacks, fishingpoles, rifles, shotguns, shovels, walking sticks, and otherprojecting items which might act as a lightning rod. Ifyou don’t exit an aluminum or steel framed tent—andyou should—assume a squatting position. Resist thetemptation to wait out a storm lying in your sleeping bagas dozens of campers have been killed this way. Many ofthese victims were not killed by a direct hit; instead, theywere fatally injured by a ground shock as lightning froma nearby strike dissipated along the ground or throughtree roots under them. If you hear crackling or zingingsounds, or your hair stands on end, act quickly, as alightning strike may be imminent.

If someone is injured by lightning, immediate firstaid is essential since approximately 80 percent will sur-vive. Many victims who appear dead can be revived byadministering CPR, so treat them first. Dressing burns orconsoling screaming survivors can wait. As with any se-rious injury, keep an eye out for the onset of shock too.Impaired eyesight, balance, and hearing are common-place among lightning victims.

Since the majority of lightning fatalities occur eitherbefore or after a storm’s peak, seek shelter early and usecaution before resuming any outdoor activity. By under-standing the different ways lightning can injure you inthe wilderness, you’ll be better able to protect yourselfwhen a lightning storm threatens.

Editor’s Note: Michael Neiger of Marquette is an avid wil-derness tripper and Central Upper Peninsula Group tripleader who welcomes your comments and opinions via e-mail at <[email protected]>. p

A WILL IS A WAY...To make a substantial gift to protect theenvironment. Continue your involvement byincluding the Sierra Club in your will. There areseveral ways to include the environment in yourlong-range plans—we can even help you plan agift to support your local Chapter. For informa-tion and confidential assistance, contact:

Sage KuhnSierra Club Planned Giving Program85 Second Street, 2nd FloorSan Francisco, CA 94105(415) [email protected]


OutingsT O E X P L O R E , E N J O Y A N D P R O T E C T

M A C K I N A C C H A P T E R S I E R R A C L U B


h

AUGUST

8/1 SEMG Waterloo Hike. Come and enjoya 6-mile loop hike with the grungy campersat Waterloo Rec Area (who did an overnightcamp). Come to the campsite at Green Lakecamping area by 10 am; bring water and atrail lunch. Go west on I-94 to M-52(Chelsea exit); go through town, and northabout 8 miles to the Green Lake camp-ground entrance road on the left (brownsign). Drive in and look for us. Entrance isnorth of Waterloo Road. State park entrancefee. Joanne Spatz, 248-932-5370; LizAllingham, 313-581-7579.

8/2-5 NG Casque Isle Trail. Backpack. 9am. 33 miles. Trail follows the north shoreof Lake Superior. Trailhead is north side ofHwy. 17 at junction of East Rossport Rd.,which is at the east end of Rossport Ontario.Trail ends at Agusabon River Gorge,Terrance Bay, Ontario. Trail head is 327miles NW of Sault St. Marie. The trail is“rugged and physically demanding” and “al-though it bends inward away from the lakeat times, it returns again and again to payhomage to the greatest of fresh waters.” Res-ervations needed. Limit 8. No carpooling.Mike Ugorowski, 810-235-7365.

8/6-9 NG Lake Superior Provincial Park.Car camping. 2 pm. Lake Superior Provin-cial Park north of Sault Ste. Marie. Dayhikes—moderate to strenuous. Beautifulcoves, beaches. Details to follow. JeanGaffney, 810-236-1721.

8/8-14 Mackinac Chapter Service Trip.Help build North Country Trail in PorcupineWilderness State Park. Group will stay in abase camp and have time to enjoy the state

park. Stay one day or as long as the wholeweek. Gene Elzinga, 906-225-1704 [email protected].

8/8 HVG Geology Center to Park LyndonHike. This will be a 6-mile hike through gla-cial terrain at an easy pace to fit the dogdays of summer. Meet at Guy Larcom CityHall parking lot at 1 pm to carpool. RonKillebrew, 734-429-0671.

8/8 SEMG Heritage Park Hike. See a trea-sure in our own backyard. Spend 2-3 hoursexploring Farmington Hills’ Heritage Parkand be encompassed by gentle hills, stream-side vistas, and wooded trails along a branchof the Rouge. Summer wildflowers willabound. There may be bugs and wet places.The park is on the west side of FarmingtonRoad between 10 & 11 Mile, west and southof the I-696/Orchard Lake/12 Mile intersec-tion. Meet at 12:30 pm in the nature centerparking lot (left at the first road). Optionalrestaurant stop nearby afterwards. TomLaFramboise, 734-464-7899.

8/8-14 WMG Service Outing and Explora-tion of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula.We’ll basecamp at Eagle Harbor, spendingour mornings assisting the Keweenaw His-torical Society in the restoration of historicalstructures and for the balance of the dayWe’ll explore the “Keweenaw”. We’ll visitlight houses, an old fort, a virgin pine forest,ghost towns, historic mining sites and learnsome history of Michigan’s copper miningboom. This is the Midwest’s most scenicarea! Limit 12. Led by Tom Learmont,former Copper Country resident, 616-984-5917; and Elaine Goodspeed, 616-346-4704.

8/13-15 CUP Backpacking: MackinacCounty (See sidebar, page 21).

8/14-21 CUP Boundary Waters CanoeArea, Minnesota. Spend a week paddling,portaging and camping beside wildernesslakes. This will be a moderately pacedtrip,with time built in for exploring, fishing,or just relaxing. There will be one or twovery long portages. Very well behaved petsallowed subject to leader approval. Limit 4boats. $150 fee includes all meals, snacks,and camping fees. Richard Posey, 906-226-

7934.

8/14 HVG Hidden Lake Gardens Hike.Come enjoy the gentle hills and woods ofthis beautiful preserve near Tecumseh. Meetat Sam’s Club parking lot (across fromMcDonalds) at Carpenter Road and US-12 at9 am. There will be an optional swim after-ward at a nearby lake. Bring swimsuit andbrown bag lunch. Wear hiking boots. KevinBell, 734-913-4764.

8/14 NG (Sat.) Lapeer State Game AreaHike. 10 am. 4 miles. From M-24 and M-21intersection, go north on M-24 for 3.5 milesto Daley Rd. Turn right (east) on Daley andgo 3 miles to Fish Lake Rd. Turn left (north)2.5 miles to Kings Mill Rd. Turn right (east)2 miles to parking lot on right. Weather per-mitting, We’ll picnic and swim atSchneiders. Picnic lunch. Gordon Schneider,810-664-6180.

8/15 SEMG Bald Mountain Hike. Join us aswe hike about 5 miles in this wooded, some-what hilly State Rec. Area. Bring plenty ofwater and a trail snack. Meet at noon inKingswoods Plaza (strip mall) on the westside of Woodward a short distance north ofSquare Lake Rd. Look for the Kerby KoneyIsland—we’ll meet there, and have an op-tional restaurant stop there after the hike.Don Dahlin, 248-644-2746.

8/15-21 Mackinac Chapter Service Trip.Help build North Country Trail in PorcupineWilderness State Park. Group will stay in abase camp and have time to enjoy the statepark. Stay one day or as long as the wholeweek. Gene Elzinga, 906-225-1704 [email protected].

8/20-22 Mackinac Chapter/HVG Wilder-ness State Park. Help on trail projects andenjoy camping in this scenic area west ofMackinac City. Ralph Powell, 2887 Dalton,Ann Arbor, MI 48108; 734-971-9013 (be-fore aug 13).

8/21 NG (Sat.) AuSable River Canoe.9 am. Hinchman Acres Canoe Rental, Mio.One day canoe trip, 20 miles. Call Denny tomake reservations. BYO lunch. Carpool at6:30 am from Clio carpool area. Denny

Abbreviations in capital letterssignify the group that isplanning the outing. Refer to theGroup Meetings map on page 14to determine a group’s location.Trips begin at the trailhead.Outings are open to everyone.


see OUTINGS page 20

OUTINGScontinued from page 18

Crispell, 517-624-5038.

8/22 HVG Barton Park to Silver Lake Rideand Swim. Come enjoy the ride and then arefreshing plunge into the lake. Meet at theBarton Park parking lot at noon. Bring asnack and swimsuit. Milton French, 313-295-6321.

8/22 SEMG Henry Ford Heritage Trail.We’ll visit 5-9 sites by car along the middleRouge River (western Wayne County),where Ford developed small industries toemploy farmers during the winter. Thesesites were often gristmills, converted to hy-dro-electric plants. This historical tour willinvolve minimal walking. Meet at 10 am inthe parking lot behind “Oil Dispatch,” SWcorner of Middlebelt and I-96 (Jeffries Fwy.)in Livonia. Restaurant stop after. JoanneSpatz, 248-932-5370; Lee Becker, 810-294-7789.

8/25-29 CUP/NG Beaver Creek ServiceOuting at Pictured Rocks. Camp at a scenicbackcountry site on a bluff above sandybeach. Canoe or backpack option to camp-site. Light service to re-route trail sectionson the North Country Trail. Day hikes toarea sites. Great swimming and blueberrypicking. Food and group gear provided, per-sonal camping equipment available. Fee:$35, limit 12, with priority for NepessingGroup participants. Charlie Warner, 810-635-8184. For outing brochure, contact:[email protected], or send SASE to:Dave Bos, 337 E. Crescent, Marquette, MI49855.

8/26 NG (Thurs.) Murphy by Moonlight(Millington). Hike & swim. 6:30 pm. 6miles. Hike to beach in daylight. Wearquick-dry clothes or bathing suit under hik-ing clothes. Hot dogs, marshmallows, andcold beverages will be provided (for a dona-tion) at beach campfire. Watch the moon riseover Murphy Lake then hike back. Bringlights, towels, insect spray and aqua socks orsandals to wear in water and around beach(broken glass??) No bathrooms or bathhouses. Take M-15 to Millington Rd. (onlytraffic light in Millington). Go east 4 miles.Trailhead across from Mt. Kotarski sign.Carpooling. Cindy Engelmann, 810-743-0335.

8/28 NG (Sat.) Hogbacks. 10 am. 5 miles.Start at fishing parking lot near 12406 E.Stanley Rd., Davison, 3 miles east of M-15.Restaurant stop. Stan Orlikowski, 810-658-9621.

8/28 TVG (Sat.) Picnic. Bring a dish to

pass. Meet at Barstow Woods near pavilionin Midland at 5 pm. Janis Kendziorski, 631-5170.

8/28-9/4 NG Isle Royale National Park,Windigo to Rock Harbor. Backpack. FromHoughton—fly to Windigo. Hike to rockHarbor and fly back to Houghton. Reserva-tions needed. Limit 4. We’ll attempt tocarpool. Bill McCormick, 248-625-4743.

8/29 SEMG W. Bloomfield Woods NaturePreserve. We’ll look for interesting floraand fauna on a 2 hour stroll through woodsand wetland trails, then visit the nearbyheron rookery. Bring water, insect repellent,and sunscreen. Meet at 9 am at the westedge of K-Mart parking lot on the East sideof Orchard Lake Rd., north of 13 Mile Rd.in Farmington Hills. Restaurant stop after-wards. Lee Becker, 810-294-7789.

SEPTEMBER

9/1-6 CUP Backpacking: Agawa Canyon,Ontario (See sidebar, page 21).

9/5 NG (Sun.) Davison Lake Hike. 7:30pm. 4-5 miles. Ortonville Recreation Area.Go 4.1 miles south of Hadley on Hadley Rd.Left on Fox Lake Rd. 1/2 mile to trailheadon corner of Big Fish Lake Rd. Bring lightsand good batteries. State Park vehicle permitrequired. Tailgate party after. BYO. CindyEngelmann, 810-743-0335

9/5 SEMG Dodge Brothers Park Hike. En-joy the surprising diversity of an urban parkalong the Clinton River at the end of DodgePark Road and Utica Road, Sterling Heights.This will be a brisk-paced 7-mile hike alongpaved trails shared with some wheeled ve-hicles (bikes, rollerbladers). Slower moverscan linger behind. Meet 9 am at the SMARTparking lot, southeast corner of Van Dykeand Metro Parkway in Sterling Heights (be-tween the two banks). Bring bug stuff, wa-ter. Optional restaurant stop after. June Cox,248-435-9522.

9/9-12 CUP Sable Point Service Outing atPictured Rocks. Help build boardwalk overmuddy sections of the North Country Trailbetween the Log Slide and the Lighthouse.Camp at drive-in campground, food andgroup gear provided. Personal campingequipment available. Tour of lighthouse andday hikes included. Fee: $40. Contact:[email protected], or send SASE to:Dave Bos, 337 E. Crescent, Marquette, MI49855.

9/10-13 NG Two-Hearted River Canoe &Hike. Car camping. 5:00 pm. Camp at State

Forest Campground at mouth of Two-Hearted River and Lake Superior. CanoeSaturday. Hike North Country Trail on Sun-day. Bring your own food & equipment. Ca-noe rental available. Call for map.Carpooling encouraged. Lynn Livingston,941-389-4436.

9/11 HVG Point Pelee Hike. Enjoy birdwatching of various species and the migra-tion of the monarch butterfly. Early morningdeparture at 6:30 am. Bring a brown baglunch. Milton French, 313-295-6321.

9/12 SEMG Nature Photography 101. JoinRaymond Abramson and Joy Lovio, 2 expe-rienced photographers who will share basicson how to improve your nature pictures.Geared for single-lens reflex users but point-and-shooters can benefit. Starts with intro-ductory instructional material, then moves tothe field. 8 am meeting time (for the bestlight). Call after 9/1 for meeting place andfield location. Bring: 2 rolls of color printfilm, one 400 & one 800 or 1000 (for pos-sible low light conditions); camera instruc-tion manual; fresh or spare battery; shuttercable or tripod (if you have them), andsomething to sit on (mat, pad, stool). Cleanthe camera lens. We’ll probably be done bynoon when the light gets too contrasty.Joanne Spatz, 248-932-5370; Raymond,248-738-5595; Joy, 248-683-5680.

9/17-19 NG North Manitou Island. Back-packing, base camping. Board the ferry inLeland (NW of Traverse City) on Fridaymorning. Backpack this interesting island orday hike from the village campground. Novehicles. Campsites are limited to two tentsand four people per site. Group site (up to 10people) may be available for $20.00. Back-packers can camp anywhere. Call 616-256-9061 to reserve ferry—$20 round trip. Bringyour own meals. Fees: Ferry & Park en-trance fee & Back Country permit.Carpooling. Cindy Engelmann, 810-743-0335.

9/17 SEMG (Fri.) Out-of-Sight Outing inNorthern Macomb County. Explore the sky,up-close and personal, with John Herrgottand the Warren Astrological Society. Meetat the SMART parking lot on the east side ofVan Dyke, south of Metro Parkway, in Ster-ling Heights (between the 2 banks). Beaware that traffic may be very congested.Come at 6 pm if you want to sup at thenearby Appleby’s before the outing. Comeby 7:30 pm sharp for ride sharing to the “ob-servatory” near 30 Mile and Romeo Plank(maps will be provided.) Dress for beingoutside. Bring binoculars or scopes if youhave them. If it rains, We’ll go inside for a




slide presentation. John Herrgott, 248-643-4767; Joanne Spatz, 248-932-5370.

9/18 (Sat.) SEMG Training Seminar. Do youhave a favorite spot that you think other Sier-rans would enjoy knowing about? Do youthink all outings have to be hikes? If youhave thought about leading an outing butwere nervous because you weren’t sure whatto do, this activity will help put you at ease.Come to the first SEMG day-trip leader in-structional seminar and find out. Experiencedday-trip leaders will provide the do’s anddon’ts to get you started on your leadershipcareer. Meet at 10 am behind the Marathonstation at Tel-Twelve Mall, SW corner of 12Mile and Telegraph in Southfield for a trip toKensington Metropark, instruction, handouts,and a demo activity (short 2 or 3-mile hike).Back to meeting place by 3 pm. Please regis-ter by 6 pm, September 17 with Joanne Spatz,248-932-5370. No trip or training fees. Parkentrance fee.

9/19 SEMG Mystery Hike! Come and explorea new place or rediscover a familiar one.We’ll hike 5-6 miles over fairly easy terrain.The mystery will be solved at the meetingplace. Dress for weather, restaurant stop after-wards. Meet at 11:30 am behind the MichiganNat’l Bank on 14 Mile Rd. and I-75 (Southedge of Oakland Mall) in Troy. Restaurantstop after. Cindy Gunnip, 248-336-2984; LeeBecker, 810-294-7789.

9/21-23 NG P. H. Hoeft State Park. Basecamp with day hikes. Meet on Monday, Sept.20 anytime at P.H. Hoeft State Park, 12 milesnorth of Rogers City. Day hikes Tues., Wed.,and Thurs. at Ocqueoc Falls, Black Mt. Path-way and Forty Mile Point Lighthouse. Reser-vations needed. State Park vehicle permit re-quired. Stan Orlikowski, 810-658-9621;Sharon Gibson, 810-635-4284.

9/24-26 NG AuSable River Canoe & Camp.Roscommon to Mio Dam. Moderate. 8 amfrom Clio carpool. 17 hours by canoe. WatterEdge Canoe Trips, Stephan Bridge Road,Roscommon. I-75 north to exit 239. Go north(right) on M-18 to downtown Roscommon.One block past traffic light turn left at MainStreet, go 0.5 mile to Chevron (StephenBridge Road). Turn right 2 miles, large sign.Reservations needed for canoe rental. Bringyour own food and camping gear. No glasscontainers, no styrofoam coolers. $60 canoerental. Charlie Warner, 810-635-8184.

9/25 HVG Adopt-A-Highway Cleanup.Come help pick up trash from our two milesection of M-14 as part of this Michigan DOT

Get your free copy of “A Citizen’s Guide To StateGovernment” to find out who your legislators are. CallHouse Speaker Chuck Perricone at (517) 373-1774,mention that you are concerned aboutenvironmental protection, and ask him to send youa copy!

Sierra Club National Legislative Hotline: (202) 675-2394

White House Fax Line: (202) 456-2461

White House Comment Line:(202) 456-1111

White House email:[email protected]

The Honorable __________US House of RepresentativesWashington, DC 20515

The Honorable __________US SenateWashington, DC 20510

The Honorable _________Michigan SenateState CapitolLansing, Michigan 48909

The Honorable __________Michigan HouseState CapitolLansing, Michigan 48909

T H E W H I T E H O U S EPresident Bill ClintonThe White House1600 Pennsylvania Ave.Washington, DC 20500(202) 456-1414

U S C O N G R E S SUS Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121

M I C H I G A NGovernor John EnglerState CapitolLansing, Michigan 48909(517) 373-3400

R E S O U R C E S F O R A C T I V I S T S

• ENVIRO-MICH is the Mackinac Chapter-sponsored Internet list and forum forMichigan environmental and conservation Issues. For a free subscription,send email to: [email protected] with a one-line message body of“subscribe enviro-mich” (leave your signature file off).

• Sierra Club’s National Web Page is at: www.sierraclub.org. Check out thedaily War On the Environment postings.

• Find our New, Improved Mackinac Chapter Web Page, by Davina Pallone +designwrench information arts, at: www.sierraclub.org/chapters/mi

• Get a free subscription to “The Planet” by promising to write at least 3 lettersa year to your elected officials in support of the environment. Send your nameand address to Sierra Club Planet Subscription Request, P.O. Box 52968,Boulder, CO 80322-2968.

T A K I N G A C T I O N :YOUR WORDS COUNT!


see OUTINGS page 22


program. Meet at the Big Boy on the northside of Plymouth Road between US-23 andGreen Road in Ann Arbor at 9:15 am tocarpool. We expect to be finished aroundnoon. Kathy Guerreso, 734-994-7183.

9/25 SEMG (Sat.) Proud Lake State ParkHike. Explore the varied habitats in this di-verse park for 2-3 hours. Some hills, somedales, some swamp, some pine forest, a river,some mosquitoes. Come prepared for all.Meet leaders at 10 am at the parking lot be-hind park headquarters, east side of WixomRoad north of Garden Road in Wixom. Op-tional leaderless carpooling from parking lotbehind Marathon station at 12 Mile and Tele-graph (Tel-Twelve Mall) in Southfield at 9:15am. Ken and Stephanie Jacobsen, 810-684-8844 evenings.

9/26 KVG (Sun.) Canoe Trip, KalamazooRiver, Fennville. Enjoy the autumn with a re-laxing paddle down the Kalamazoo River,near Fennville, with fellow Sierra Club mem-bers, family, and friends. Plan to meet at10:45 am with an 11 am departure. We’llhave a 3-3.5 hour trip with lunch on the way.Bring your own food and drink. The first ca-noe costs $25.00, and the price goes downwith each additional canoe. Reservationsmust be made by Sunday, September 12.Karen, 616-948-8840.

9/26 HVG Park Lyndon Hike. Look for earlysigns of fall amid the woods in this hilly areaof glacial terrain. Meet at the Guy LarcomCity Hall parking lot at 1 pm. Ruth Graves,734-483-0058.

9/26 SEMG Waterloo Day Hike. We’ll enjoythis scenic recreation area of glacial hills andlakes—hiking one way from Sackrider Hill toBig Portage Lake. Bring lots of energy, a traillunch, and water for this 6-mile hike. We’llspot cars on arrival. Meet at 10:30 am in theWal-Mart parking lot (near Jeffries) on theSW corner of Middlebelt and I-96 (JeffriesFwy.) in Livonia. Restaurant stop after. LizAllingham, 313-581-7579.

OCTOBER

10/2 NG Crooked Lake Hike. 10 am. 4 milesin the beautiful Pinckney Recreation Area. El-evations over 1000ft with great views. US-23south to N. Territorial Rd. West to Town HallRd. (about 11 miles). North about 1 mile.Follow signs to Pinckney Rec. Area. Go tofar end of parking lot. Lunch: TBD. BillPeake, 810-659-4738.

10/2 SEMG (Sat.) Autumn Hike Extrava-

ganza. We’ll meet at Kensington Metropark(Nature Center) at 9:30 am for a fun-filledfund raiser. Registration fee or get sponsorsfor $ per mile. Door prizes, refreshments,raffle, gifts, contests, games, and more!Morning hike, followed by a potluck picnicwith some appetizers provided. Bob Duda,734-464-0076.

10/3 SEMG Brighton Rec. Area Hike. Joinus on a moderately paced, slightly hilly hike,enjoying the early fall colors. Wear sturdyhiking shoes, bring water, trail snacks, dressfor the weather. Meet at 11:30 am behind theMarathon station at Telegraph and TwelveMile Rd. (Tel-Twelve Mall) in Southfield.Restaurant stop after. Mike Scanlon, 313-884-2214. )

10/8-10 CUP Backpacking: Otsego County(See sidebar, page 21).

10/9-10 NG Jordan River Backpacking. 10am. 18 miles. Meet at Deadman’s Hill Rd.parking area. Take M-32 west out of Gaylordto US-131. Turn left (south) to Deadman’sHill Rd., which is about 0.5 mile. Turn right(west) and go to the end of Deadman’s HillRd. Reservations needed. Bev Howes, 810-239-7204.

10/9 SEMG (Sat.) Proud Lake Day Hike.We’ll explore a different area of Proud Lakeas we ramble along the little-used trails westof Wixom Road. We’ll hike about 6 miles, in-cluding some bushwhacking. Meet at 10 ambehind the Marathon station at Telegraph andTwelve Mile rd. (Tel-Twelve Mall) inSouthfield. Restaurant stop after. LizAllingham, 313-581-7579.

10/10 NG Metamora-Hadley State Rec.Area. Light hike. 1:30 pm. 4.5 miles. Lo-cated in Lapeer County between Metamora &Hadley. Take M-15 to Hill Rd. nearGoodrich. East on Hill Rd./Pratt Rd. (Hillturns into Pratt) 7 miles to Hurd Rd. South onHurd 1/2 mile. Or, take M-24 to Pratt Rd. Gowest on Pratt 2.5 miles to Hurd Rd. South onHurd 0.5 mile. State Park vehicle permit re-quired. Restaurant stop. Charlie Warner, 810-635-8184.

10/10 SEMG Potowatami Trail Hike. A fastpaced, hilly 14-mile hike in the most beautifulpark in SE Michigan. This is an all-day trip,we usually hike about 3 miles per hour. Wearsturdy shoes, and dress for the weather. Tripgoes rain or shine. Bring lunch and drinks forentire day. Meet at 8:30 am in the Wal-Martparking lot (near Jeffries) on the SW cornerof Middlebelt and I-96 (Jeffries Fwy.) inLivonia. Possible restaurant stop after. CindyGunnip, 248-336-2984.

CUP WILDERNESS TRIPS8/13-15 Backpacking: North Coun-try Trail, Mackinac County. 38 kmmoderate paced on-trail trek, easyterrain.

9/1-6 Backpacking: Agawa Canyon,Ontario, Canada. 25-40 km moderatepaced off-trail trek over very difficultterrain with fording of Agawa River.Starts noon Wed. with Algoma Cen-tral Railway bush train ride into re-mote, picturesque Agawa Canyon toexplore seldom traveled east rim ofcanyon: Bridal Veil Falls, overlooks,lakes, & adjacent old-growth wilder-ness. Good trip for those who enjoyexploring remote, rugged areas bycompass. $15.00 donation.

10/8-10 Backpacking: Green Tim-bers Wilderness Tract, OtsegoCounty. 30 km moderate paced off/on-trail trek, varied terrain. Withcamera & compass, we’ll hunt elk inbeautiful Sturgeon River Valley.

11/5-7 Backpacking: High CountryPathway, Otsego & MontmorencyCounties. 40 km moderate paced on-trail trek, easy terrain, elk country.Good trip for late-season 20-degreehiker.

12/3-5 Winter-camping: ShingleMill Pathway, Otsego County. 26 kmmoderate paced on-trail snowshoetrek, varied terrain, elk country. Goodtrip for 10-degree hiker.

Unless otherwise noted, trips start at8 am Friday. $10 Donation, Limit 6.Camping is in the wilderness—nocampgrounds or basecamps. Suitablefor non-smoking, intermediate-levelhiker who’s physically fit, adventur-ous, fully equipped (w/ food), andwho can travel and camp in foulweather.

For equipment list, registrationform, and details, contact MichaelNeiger at 906-226-9620 or via e-mailat [email protected].




10/14-17 NG Hiking at Mike Keeler’sCabin. Near Manistee. Fun! Meet at Mike’scabin on Thursday or Friday. Camp in yard.Hike Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Provideown food. Mike Keeler, 810-767-9904.

10/16 SEMG (Sat.) Belle Isle Hike. Meet at10 am at the island casino for a brisk touraround the island (5 miles) using the mainpark road. See the Detroit skyline and Cana-dian parks. Stop to rest while surveying lin-gering waterfowl at the north end. This hikeoften has high wind, so dress accordingly.Optional restaurant stop after. June Cox, 248-435-9522.

10/17 SEMG Hike Kensington. See the gor-geous fall colors in this nearby Metropark ona medium paced 5-mile hike. We’ll walk thetrails from the nature center. Meet at noon be-hind the Marathon station at Telegraph andTwelve Mile rd. (Tel-Twelve Mall) inSouthfield. Call if rainy. Restaurant stop af-ter. Jeanne Mercier, 313-581-6648.

10/21 NG (Thurs.) Montrose Apple Or-chard. Evening/moonlight hike. 7 pm. 3miles. Meet at the Montrose Apple Orchard.From I-75 and M-57, go west 6 miles toSeymour Rd. (light). Turn right (north) 1mile. Campfire, cider, & donuts. Fee: $3.00.Jim Ledtke, 517-624-9195.

10/23 KVG (Sat.) Saugatuck Dunes/CraneOrchard. Join us on October 23rd for a hikethrough Saugatuck Dunes. After the hike,we’ll stop at Crane Orchard in Fennville fordinner and fresh apple dumplings. Meet at theD Ave & US-131 carpool lot at 2 pm. Rus &Ann, 616-685-2301.

10/23 NG (Sat.) For-Mar Nature Preserve.Day hike. 10 am. 2142 N. Genesee Rd. (Bur-ton, just north of Davison Road.) Restaurantstop. Holly Lubowicki, 810-750-6838.

10/23 SEMG (Sat.) Lower Huron Canoe.Let’s look for all the signs of fall on theLower Huron river—a 4-hour float fromHudson Mills to Delhi Park. We’ll meet at10:00 am in the Wal-Mart parking lot (nearJeffries) on the SW corner of Middlebelt andI-96 (Jeffries Fwy.) in Livonia. Canoe fee of$15 must be sent by 10/15 to PhilCrookshank, 17916 Colgate, DearbornHeights, Mi. 48125. Bring a river lunch, dressfor the weather. Phil, 313-562-1873.

10/24 SEMG Holliday Nature PreserveWalk. Come join us on a cool Autumn morn-ing when the slanting rays of the sun makethe colorful hardwoods sparkle. Bring yourcamera for some beautiful fall colors on thisleisurely stroll. Meet at 9 am at theKoppernick entrance to the Nature Preserveon Koppernick Rd. (south of Joy Rd, north ofWarren Ave.) The entrance is east of I-275,

west of Newburgh Rd. Or, meet at 8:30 am inthe parking lot behind “Oil Dispatch,” SWcorner of Middlebelt and I-96 (Jeffries Fwy.)in Livonia. Restaurant stop after. Bob Duda,734-464-0076.

10/30 NG (Sat.) Bald Mountain RecreationArea South Unit. Hike. 10 am. 5 miles. TakeM-24 south to Greenshield Rd., then east toparking area. Probably snowmobile parkingarea. State Park vehicle permit required. Res-taurant stop. Dick Groomes, 810-724-7812.

10/31 SEMG Scare Me to Death Hike! Comeon this Halloween Hike at Bald MountainRec. Area for no tricks, just a treat! Explorethis hilly region on a five mile walk—if youdare. Meet at 10 am behind the MichiganNat’l Bank on 14 Mile Rd. and I-75 (southedge of Oakland Mall) in Troy. Restaurantstop after (if you’re not too scared to eat).Bev & Marshall Fogelson, 248-280-4975.

NOVEMBER

11/2 NG (Tues.) Holly Rec. Jossman Rd. 10am. 4 miles or more. Holly Rec. Jossman Rd.parking lot (Grange Hall Rd. to Jossman Rd.south to second parking lot on west side).Lunch maybe. Mike Keeler, 810-767-9904.


Send your GroupMeetings and Outings to:

Bob Volz, Mackinac Calendar Editor414 Sleepy Hollow Dr.Flushing, MI 48433<[email protected]>

Submit articles & photos to:Davina Pallone

754 E 300 S No.2Salt Lake City, UT 84102

phone: 801-961-9939<[email protected]>

NEXT DEADLINE:JULY 8

SIERRA CLUB MACKINAC CHAPTER DIRECTORYOUTINGScontinued from page 22

MACKINAC CHAPTER OFFICE300 N. Washington Square, Ste. 411Lansing, MI 48933Ph: 517-484-2372Fax: 517-484-3108E-mail:<[email protected]>Website: http://www.sierraclub.org/chapters/mi/

Alison Horton, DirectorAnne Woiwode, Program DirectorDan Farough, Member Involvement/Organizer

SIERRA CLUB MIDWEST OFFICE214 N. Henry Street, Suite 203Madison, WI 53703Ph: 608-257-4994

Carl Zichella, Midwest Regional Staff DirectorEmily Green, Great Lakes Program Director

SIERRA CLUB NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS85 Second Street, Second FloorSan Francisco, CA 94105Ph: 415-977-5500

ADDRESS CHANGES:Please include old mailing label and send to:P.O. Box 52968, Boulder, CO 80321-2968

CHAPTER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEOfficersLydia Fischer, Chair..................... 313-863-8392Sue Kelly, Vice Chair ...................810-227-9563Fred Townsend, Secretary ............ 248-627-3587Helen LeBlanc, Treasurer.............. 517-655-6454Mike Johnson, 5th Officer............ 616-948-8840

AT-LARGE REPRESENTATIVES(Terms expire January 2000)Sue Kelly................................... 810-227-9563John Rebers............................... 906-228-3617Judy Thompson...........................734-677-2517Fred Townsend............................248-627-3587(Terms expire 2001)Lydia Fischer.............................. 313-863-8392Mike Keeler................................ 810-767-9904Helen LeBlanc............................ 517-655-6454Gary Semer.................................734-453-4443Mike Johnson............................. 616-948-8840

GROUP REPRESENTATIVESCentral Michigan

Tom Nelson............................. 517-336-9707Central Upper Michigan

Richard Posey...........................906-226-7934Crossroads

Emily Gobright.........................517-548-0595Huron Valley

Nancy Shiffler.......................... 734-971-1157Kalamazoo Valley

Paul Haas................................616-664-5417Nepessing

Holly Lubowicki....................... 810-750-6838Southeast Michigan

Anna Holden........................... 313-331-0932Three Lakes

Floyd Byerly............................ 906-632-0218Thumb Valley

Craig Kendziorski......................517-637-5170West Michigan

Linda Rosenthal....................... 616-394-4513

REGIONAL GROUP CHAIRSCentral Michigan

Pete Pasterz............................ 517-676-3339Central Upper Michigan

Richard Posey...........................906-226-7934

CrossroadsRick Pearsall............................810-227-6298

Huron ValleyDoug Cowherd (co-chair)........... 734-662-5205Michael Sklar (co-chair).............734-995-1831

Kalamazoo ValleyRus Hollister............................616-685-2301

NepessingLinda Berker............................ 810-664-5009

Southeast MichiganAnna Holden............................313-331-0932

Three LakesFloyd Byerly.............................906-632-0218

Thumb ValleyJanis and Craig Kendziorski........517-631-5170

West MichiganSarah Houwerzyl.......................616-361-5943

CHAPTER COMMITTEESAwards

Sue Kelly.................................810-227-9563Conservation

Judy Thompson........................734-677-2517Chapter Elections and Nominations

Linda Rosenthal....................... 616-776-0817Environmental Education: OPENFinance

Gary Semer..............................734-453-4443Information Systems

Alex Sagady.............................517-332-6971Inner City Outings West Michigan: John Pulver...... 616-453-2480 Washtenaw: Megan Beardsley.....734-996-5615Legal: OPENThe Mackinac

Davina Pallone.........................801-961-9939Mackinac Chapter History

Gwen Nystuen..........................734-665-7632Member Programs

Bob Duda.................................734-464-0076Outings

Ralph Powell............................734-971-9013Personnel

Carol Graham........................... 810-659-4965Political

Gwen Nystuen..........................734-665-7632Raffle

Mike Keeler..............................810-767-9904Sexual Harassment Investigation

Lydia Fischer........................... 313-863-8392Sierra Club Council Delegate

Mike Keeler..............................810-767-9904

11/5-7 CUP Backpacking: Otsego & Mont-morency Counties (See sidebar, page 21).

11/6 NG (Sat.) Hogback Hills, Davison.Maybe some new trails. Hike. 10 am. 8 miles.Can be both day & weekend outing. ContactBill if interested in weekend outing (campingin woods?). Restaurant stop. Bill Somers,810-653-0867.

11/7 SEMG Oakwoods Metropark Hike.Come and visit the interesting Nature Centerat this park, and walk through the Big Treesalong the mighty Huron River. We’ll walkabout 4 miles, with a short bushwhack off-trail to view the mountains of incinerator ashat the landfill bordering the park. A short ex-planation of the results of incineration willfollow. Meet at noon behind the DearbornCivic Center, (SW corner of Michigan Ave.and Greenfield, east end of parking lot) nextto King Boring ballfield in Dearborn. Restau-rant stop afterwards. Ed McArdle, 313-388-6645.

11/8-12 NG Everglades Canoe & Camp. 10am. We’ll meet in a state park near the Ever-glades and camp for 5 days via car and canoe.Reservations by Oct 1. Limit 12. Carpoolingencouraged. Lynn Livingston, 941-389-4436.

11/13 NG (Sat.) Murphy Lake Hike. 10 am.6 miles. 4 miles east of Millington onMillington Rd., across from Mt. Kotarskisign. (M-15 to only traffic light in Millington,turn east.) Restaurant stop. No carpooling.Sue Morris, 810-232-3532.

11/14 SEMG Maybury State Park Hike.Check out this near-by park with remarkablefeatures for such an urbanized area: mapleand beech woods, working farm, fishing lake,horse trails. Hike 2-3 hours at a moderatepace. Meet at the park concession stand, en-trance is on Eight Mile Rd. west ofNorthville, 5 miles west of I-275, just west ofBeck Road. Optional restaurant stop after.Max Nemazi, 734-421-4397. p

Advertise inThe Mackinac

and reach15,000house-

holds inMichigan!

Call 734-453-4443 for ourrate card, or email:<[email protected]>.


POSTMASTER: Send address changes to SIERRA CLUB, 300 N. Washington Sq., Lansing, MI 48933

WHAT DOES THE SIERRACLUB WORK TO DO?To explore, enjoy and protect thewild places of the Earth; to practiceand promote the responsible use ofthe Earth’s ecosystems and re-sources; to educate and enlist hu-manity to protect and restore thequality of the natural and humanenvironment; and to use all lawfulmeans to carry out these objectives.

August 10............................. Steering Committee Meeting: Lansing

September 14.......................Steering Committee Meeting: Lansing

September 18-19.................. Autumn Retreat: Camp Miniwanca

October 9..............................Executive and Political Committee Meetings: Ann Arbor

October 30............................Conservation Committee Meeting: Location TBA

November TBA.......................Michigan Political Training: Southeast Michigan

November 9.......................... Steering Committee Meeting: Lansing

1999 MACKINAC CHAPTER CALENDAR: MAJOR DATES

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the mackinac - sierra club...¥ dirty air gets vote of the house ¥ lawmakers say yes! to urban...

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