From the Bay City Times, 5/5/06:
Nearly two miles of one of Michigan's best trout streams will remain forever wild.
Anyone who can appreciate long stretches of riverbanks with nary a cabin or dock owes thanks to the owner of this land and the Headwaters Land Conservancy of Gaylord.
The landowner, Arnold Ochs of Traverse City, put a conservation easement on the two miles of the North Branch of the Au Sable River south of Lovells.
That's both banks of the river.
He's got a cabin on his 270 acres, and has reserved the right to build one more.
But the rest will remain wild.
In exchange for passing on the millions of dollars the land could be worth if subdivided for homes and cabins, Ochs will get a tax break.
In monetary terms, it's a lopsided trade.
But for the future of the wild riverbanks of a world-famous stretch of water, the deal is priceless.
Pause and appreciate what Ochs and others who have granted conservation easements have done.
They've looked into the future, and invested in it.
They see their land for many years to come just as they see it now.
Forever wild.
Mr. Ochs, FTR and a good portion of its readership thank you from the bottom of our collective hearts.
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A while back, FTR bewailed the finalization of sulfide ore mining rules which would permit a mine to go into operation along the Salmon Trout river in Upper Michigan. Presently, Kennecot-Eagle minerals is applying for a permit to begin mining at the Salmon Trout site, and a public comment period on the application is underway through May 16th. The Michigan League of Conservation Voters and several other organizations are asking citizens to write to Governor Granholm and DEQ director Chester to urge that preserving water quality be the primary concern shaping the implementation of the rules and the issuing of the permit. While Michigan's new sulfide mining rules are among the most stringent on the books, many fear they still may be applied in a way that endangers the Salmon Trout, its remnant population of coaster brook trout, and wild environs along its banks.
It's not too late to prevent or at least minimize damage from the mine. The MLCV has a web page with further information on this issue and templates for letters to the Governor and DEQ director. If you're in the Ann Arbor area, on May 11 MLCV is hosting a workshop on how to engage effectively in the public commment process and take other actions related to the Salmon Trout mine. It will be held at 211 W. Liberty in the 2nd floor conference room from 7-9 PM. MLCV asks that you RSVP by calling (734) 222-9650 or by emailing brian@michiganlcv.org.
I plan to attend. Just look for the tall guy bristling with righteous eco-piscatorial outrage.
Tags: Conservation; Michigan;Fishing
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