fyi
Help us out here to express you opinion on this threat to the fabled Mason Tract. You can send the three emails in lesst than 2 minutes. See link below and the email which I received back from my email to the Michigan Governor which further explains the situation.
Believe this is a special historical trout fishing and wilderness area within Huron National Forest. George Mason was one of the founding members of Trout Unlimited which started in Grayling, Michigan in the mid 1950s which is right where the Mason Tract is.
If you ever get the chance fish it for its native browns, brooks, and rainbows. Its a classic unique fly fishing river.
Thanks for your support
Hal
http://www.questoutdoors.net/misc/sbattack/
Thank you for your e-mail regarding a proposed drilling application the Mason Tract in Crawford County.
On May 5, 2003, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) received an application for a permit to drill and operate the proposed USA South Branch 1-8 Well from Savoy Energy, L.P. The United States owns the surface and mineral rights of the land where the proposed drilling site is located, and has leased the mineral rights for oil and gas exploration and production. The well is proposed to be directionally drilled to a bottom hole location approximately 1000 feet west of the surface location.
This application has drawn considerable attention due to its proximity to the Mason Tract. The Mason Tract originally comprised approximately 1,500 acres of land along the corridor of the South Branch Au Sable River, conveyed to the State of Michigan in 1955 by the late George W. Mason. This property is held in reserve to provide an area where the public can enjoy an undeveloped natural environment and recreational experience. To provide a wider protective fringe additional property was acquired, which has increased the size of the tract to approximately 3,000 acres. While the proposed well site is actually 800 feet east of the eastern boundary of the Mason Tract and one half mile east of the Au Sable River, a number of citizens have expressed concern that there could be impacts associated with the drilling and production of the well.
The role of the MDEQ is to assure the environment, natural resources, and public health and safety are adequately protected from harm due to potential drilling and production activities. Staff of the MDEQ's Geological and Land Management Division has performed an initial field review and will be conducting an additional review with representatives of the United States Forest Service and the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. They will evaluate the permit application and consider possible impacts from noise and odors and whether there are feasible alternative locations for the well and/or production facility.
The MDEQ must follow the administrative procedures required by law in evaluating the permit application. The procedures require an assessment of the potential impact to the state's natural resources. After review, if the MDEQ determines the application is deficient, it may request additional information from the applicant prior to deciding to issue or deny the permit.
We appreciate your interest and the fact that you have taken the time to write to express your views. Your comments will be considered as we continue to review this matter.
Sincerely,
Harold R. Fitch
Chief, Geological and Land Management Division
Michigan Department of Environmental Quality
Constitution Hall, 525 W. Allegan St.
P.O. Box 30256
Lansing, MI 48909-7756
Dear Mr. Fitch,
The U.S. Forest Services Mio Ranger District has recently approved a request by Savoy Energy, L.P. to construct and operate an exploratory gas and oil well on the border of the Mason Tract, in Crawford County, SE of Grayling (Sections 7 & 8, T25N, R1W). The proposed well would be situated less than a half mile from the South Branch of the Au Sable River, and a mere 700' from the Mason Tract. The 10,000' well would be slant drilled to explore for gas and oil under the Tract.
The proposal includes constructing a one mile access road, leveling a three acre site to situate the drill and pit for drill cuttings and brine, and a two mile long pipeline to transport the oil and gas to existing pipelines. While exploring for and extracting fuels are a modern day necessity, this particular well puts pristine forest and river in jeopardy. The Au Sable River is a world renowned fishing destination and provides a host of outdoor recreational opportunities. An accident at the drilling site or pipeline would not only destroy the fragile ecosystem, but the economy of the local communities that depend on the tourism this great resource generates.
As a sportsman and outdoor enthusiast I am opposed to any drilling in this area. While I hope that you will deny Savoy Energy the necessary permit, I am asking that a full environmental impact study be completed before the permit is considered.
Sincerely,
Hal Eckert
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"The ability to delude yourself may be an important survival tool."
Jane Wagner
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