I just made a donation in memory of our beloved friend and colleague Deb Marois. Please do not add my name to any mail lists. Please also do not share my name with any other organizations or businesses. Thank you for all you do to protect the Up North beauty that we love and miss so dearly. ~Denise Baker and Andy Knott
My name is Emily Kotz and I am a graduate assistant at Michigan State University studying community sustainability and will be holding a series of focus groups in the Upper Peninsula on July 14th and 15th. Our focus groups are on the topic of Great Lakes coastline management and community input is very important for our research.
We hope to gain community input on how to become better stewards of the Great Lakes and produce a messaging campaign along with the Office of Great Lakes.
On July, 14th we will be at the Landmark Inn in Marquette from 3-4pm and on July, 15th we will be in Munising at the Alger Parks and Recreation Center at 4pm and 5pm.
Each focus group session will last an hour and light snacks will be provided to participants. In addition a $25 monetary gift will be given to all participants.
If you are interested in joining please email my research team at [email protected] Thank you for your interest in our research and hope to see you there!
Thank you for informing us of your effort to add additional funding to control the spreading of chronic wasting disease in the Farm Bill 2018. Yes, the research in universities is important to “treat, mitigate and eliminate chronic wasting diseases”, as you stated in your letter dated May 28th, 2019. In addition, Senator Tester (D-Montana) has also introduced a bill: Act (S.689) to address CWD.
This federal effort is needed but action in the field has to start NOW at the State Level with federal funds. CWD is an infectious disease that spreads quickly (example: The Great State of Wisconsin). I understand research and university research takes time that we do not have.
Infectious disease in a wildlife population has to be addressed with 100% effort. All core areas need to be treated with proven wildlife management of an infectious disease and that is removing all the animals. Then, testing the surrounding areas for other positive animals, not just deer.
Waiting for university research will allow CWD to spread. It is time to ACT. Don’t worry about your citizens, they are in this fight together with you and will support elimination of this infectious disease. Elimination is the only intelligent goal.
All the best,
Dr. Lints
Below is information that I have shared previously with your staff and others.
I have completed a literature research of CWD in the United States concerning Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The literature is from our Federaly funded organizations: Center for Disease Control (CDC) and National Institute of Health (NIH). The consensus: more research has to continue to determine how to manage CWD. Science has not discovered a cure for the disease in the animal population. They have been working on vaccines but no breakthroughs. What I am about to talk about is from literature review and asking questions. When the literature is completed by those who trust no one, the facts will direct us that we need a new wildlife plan.
In 2002 the United State Government outlined an Action Plan to address CWD. This plan had did not have the science at the time to detail a better plan. Current science (Dr. Soto 2015 NIH funded) discovered that CWD spreads in grasses to other animals, not just deer. This CWD grass is a fact and proven. Thus, the reason our wildlife biologist have not be able to stop the disease in our wildlife animal population. Wisconsin and Michigan DNR biologist have tracked the CWD over the last 20 years showing that is moving through(spreading) our wildlife even with population reduction of wildlife animals.
What can we do as citizens of Michigan? Contacting your Michigan and Federal representatives is very important but more urgent is upping your knowledge of the disease so we can change our behavior of how we handle all animals.
Debbie Stabenow’s Regional Manager (Brandon Fewins) knows about CWD and has inform me that Debbie(ranking member of the Agriculture committee) is supporting a bill to determine the best scientific path of a new action plan. Our new Michigan DNR head, Dan Eichinger, can be contacted though is secretary, Judy Tkaczyki). Dan has a big problem to address in our wildlife animal population: CWD. Remember, CWD is a very infectious disease spreading in our wildlife animals and exists in grasses (Food chain items).
The only way to stop this disease is remove all animals(not just deer) in the infected areas—-all animals and incinerate them ie New York(documented control of an infectious TB disease in wildlife populations). Other States(Wisconsin) would have taken a more aggressive approach but did not have enough science research to make the right decisions before 2015. Remember, the research of Soto(NIH funded) in 2015 discovered that prions(probably all strains) are spread laterally in grasses to other animals. This research is a “game changer” of how we approach CWD. Just taking out deer will not solve our wildlife infection. We have to change the behavior of our citizens and “how deer are handled” plus removing all other animals in the infected area. This will be a big job.
The Federal Government has to be involved urgently dictating the removal of animals on private land due to the danger of contamination the food chain. The DNR has been locked up in courts trying to remove TB and fought hard to remove TB in the Alpena area but blocked by landowners/hunters. CWD is a national food chain challenge that has priority over animals on private property. “National food protection” should be a top priority. I am hopeful that an organized DNR and our citizens give us a chance to live through this infectious disease to protect the next generations.
Please do your own complete literature review from usg.gov, CDC and NIH before you make your personal decision to act and participate in fighting an infectious disease at your door.
Below are my suggestions outlining fighting CWD that is a start for State and Federal officials.
I am a retiring hydrogeologist looking to volunteer my credentials and experience to the cause of groundwater protection.
Greg Cross commented
2019-05-12 19:40:47 -0400
Hello,
I am collecting buttons from campaigns and organizations working to protect the environment and sensitive habitats. My involvement in social and political movements inspired me to begin collecting buttons as a way of preserving this aspect of our history.
Would you please send me a selection of any you have?
Last year Doug McInnis received the “Special Renewable Energy” Award but noticed it wasn’t listed in the 2018 EOY column. Will Doug McInnis be handing out the same award for 2019 to someone?
educational hands on experiences where students learn the importance of preserving culture, building positive relationships, sustainable living and taking care of the environment.
I wanted to include this on my nomination for this group. for EOY
Pete Nelson commented
2019-02-01 17:05:55 -0500
I’m an entomologist interested in the intersection of agriculture and ecology, born and raised in Alpena, who has recently returned to Michigan. This past summer I worked as a tree fruit consultant in NW Michigan, an experience that reaffirmed my desire to engage in conservation in this great state. As a graduate student, I was involved in teaching and outreach and found the interaction with students of all ages thoroughly rewarding. I’m hoping to utilize more of my skills to share with others how amazing NW Michigan’s natural history is.
I’m reaching out to NMEAC because the goals of the organization align with my professional and personal perspective as well as interests. If someone has the time to meet and discuss what you perceive the natural history and conservation educational needs of northwest Michigan are, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you
James Hilgendorf commented
2019-01-25 23:51:03 -0500
I’m writing from El Cerrito, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area.
I’m a filmmaker, speaker, poet, and the author of ten non-fiction books, part of a new journey called “Traveling to a New America.”
This coming year, I’m giving talks and holding conversations in towns and cities all across America, both in-person and online via Zoom video.
Amid all the divisiveness, chaos, and loss of hope we see all around us, this is a time of immense opportunities, of a deep, transformational shift in all our lives that is beginning to reshape the core and heart of America.
Would you and your group like to sponsor one of my talks?
In America today, there’s so much talk about borders and walls. You can see me reading a passage from one of my books on this topic – called “Hurricane”. jimhilgendorf.net/hurricane
I love to engage audiences, large or small, through my talks and readings from my books, and a conversation about who we are, and who we are to become, here in America.
For an online event, we would be talking together on Zoom video.
You can download the Zoom app (zoom.us) free. There is no technical expertise required. I would simply send you an email with a notice of a certain time to click a link, and we would be automatically connected and online. All you need is a computer or laptop with a good built-in camera.
If you have an interest in sponsoring one of my talks in person, instead of online, and have a budget for this, we could also discuss details for that.
Any payment for my talks in various ways, according to your circumstances – a direct payment or honorarium; admission charges; admission charges with free books being given away; a split from proceeds of a dinner, etc., would be appreciated.
If you have an interest in talking further, please contact me directly by email or phone.
SOMOS – Society of the Muse of the Southwest, Taos, New Mexico:
“I was deeply moved by your talk. It resonated on many levels.”
“It was inspiring and challenging. The author is a combination of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Bernie Sanders, Karl Marx, the Buddha, Ralph Nader, and Walt Whitman.”
“I enjoyed your presentation, especially your optimism and dedication. I am inspired to remain optimistic in these changing times.”
Napa Valley Arts Association
“Thank you for your presence and words. Very inspiring.” Emily Freiman, President
“Thank you for your thoughtful, eloquent presentation!”
“Thank you for your presentation at the Art Association. I especially love your writing! Very very strong. Huge WOW. Thank you for your dedication and talent. Loved your reading from the America book. Poignant.
Santa Barbara Chapter of IANDS – the International Association for Near-Death Studies
“James Hilgendorf presented a one-hour talk tonight, titled “Waking Up To Who You Really Are” to an audience of about 100 of our attendees. During the talk, he presented ideas from his own Buddhist background, as well as ideas and commentary from a wide array of famous people, including Arnold Toynbee, Joseph Campbell, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Leo Tolstoy, Friedrich Nietzsche, Henri Bergson, Kenneth Ring, Daisaku Ikeda, John Wheeler and others, in an attempt to stimulate reflection upon the nature of our lives and our relationship to the universe around us, and to provide insights into the nature of happiness and of life and death itself. After the talk, there were many interesting questions from the audience. I felt his talk gifted us all with deep insights, guidance, and light. Very simple. Very beautiful.” – Barbara Bartolome, Founder/Director
Spring Lake Village Senior residence, Santa Rosa, CA. – Lois Gilbert
Our small group of Unitarian Universalists at Spring Lake Village (our lovely senior residence in Santa Rosa, CA) had the great pleasure of hosting James Hilgendorf to talk at one of our monthly speakers’ series, offered to all the residents and their friends. Lots of people came and I received many, many compliments on the presentation, and requests that he return. As I was the one who arranged the meeting with Jim, I will take this opportunity to highly recommend him. His talk is clear, informative, and intelligent; his manner warm, friendly, and approachable. About 10 of us were able to have dinner with Jim and his wife, Elizabeth afterward, here at Spring Lake Village. We all opened up with personal stories, as did Jim and Elizabeth. This is a very special event to have, very warm, and personally satisfying.
My name is Christian and I work for the vehicle donation and recycling program Vehicles For Veterans. I contacted you a little while ago to see if you could put our link somewhere on your website. I didn’t receive a response so I am just reaching out again to see if you are interested in helping.
The proceeds from these vehicle donations go to support disabled veterans and other causes for our nation’s veterans. We are a free available resource for the people of Michigan. If you would like the learn more, just click on the link below, or contact me with any questions you have!
My name is Christian and I work for the vehicle donation and recycling program Vehicles For Veterans. I contacted you a little while ago to see if you would put our link on your website. I didn’t receive a response so I am just reaching out again to see if you are interested in helping.
The proceeds from these vehicle donations go to support disabled veterans and other causes for our nation’s veterans. We are a free available resource for the people of Michigan. If you would like the learn more, just click on the link below, or contact me with any questions you have!
As you may know, nominations for the Sara Hardy Humanitarian Award are being accepted until January 2, 2018. Before we head into the busy holiday season, we are hoping that you will agree to help us with a special nomination.
“Nominees are to be someone you believe exemplifies the ideals of the City Commission. These ideals are to promote mutual understanding and respect among all people and to discourage discriminatory practices.” (taken from:
Several of us feel that Sally Van Vleck would be the perfect recipient of this award. Indeed, we were surprised to learn she had not already received this prestigious award.
We’ve learned that the committee looks for the same person to be nominated by several people. This is where you come in. If you could submit a nomination for Sally and ask others who know of Sally and her years of work to do the same, we might be able to help bring some recognition to this very deserving woman.
Here’s what we need to do:
Please submit a letter to include the nominee’s name, address, telephone number and humanitarian activities they are involved in along with the reasons why you are nominating this individual. The nominator should include their name and phone number in the letter as well. If you prefer, you can use this nomination form: http://www.traversecitymi.gov/downloads/sara_hardy_nomination_form.pdf
Here is Sally’s address and phone number for the nomination form:
1308 Neahtawanta Rd.
Traverse City, MI 49686
231-290-5040
Please send nominations to:
Traverse City Human Rights Commission
400 Boardman Avenue
Traverse City, Michigan 49684
(or fax to the Human Rights Commission at 231-922-4470)
Let’s avoid being caught up short by the holiday season. Let’s do this now. But, let’s keep it quiet so Sally does not find out what we are up to!
Please share this with anyone you think would like to be involved.
Dan McCarthy i am with Citizens Climate Lobby and we are hard at work on doing what needs to be done. Google our local chapter or find my own contact info at jwier.studio ( no http or .com needed)
I was introduced to your organization Thursday at the NMC forum featuring Peter Sinclair. I must say, I was disappointed. After an effective 15-20 minutes laying out the problem, he segued into “Actions”. Great! Where do us environmentalists go from here? How do we respond to the great existential threat? Well, not to worry, per Mr. Sinclair, market forces are taking care of it. Now that the price of renewables has fallen to next to nothing, the big corporations have got our backs! Now we have G.M., Mitsubishi, Dow Chemical and the like to thank for saving our planet.
With nothing for citizens groups to do we can dissolve our “Action Councils” knowing we are safely in the hands of big business and the forces of the market. What rubbish!
What if anything is anybody doing about a million gallons of sewage in Betsie Bay. The DNR falsely claimed it would all wash into lake Michigan (I somehow fail to see the good part of that) but the south end of the bay near the leak had a huge unprecedented algae bloom and sea weed overgrowth this past summer 2018. Why isn’t anybody concerned? Here is the Record Eagle article and you can see other news online:
Seven weeks of raw sewage goes unnoticed in Betsie Bay | Local …
Mar 24, 2018 – Heather Hettinger, a fisheries biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, said that sewage spills are never a good thing, but that the small, shallow Betsie Bay has a lot working in its favor. … “Instead of sitting in one body of water for a long time, it will be dispersed into Lake Michigan.”
The DNR in their great concern has…..done nothing!
One downstate village was fined thousands of dollars by the DNR because during repair of their sewage pipe crossing a river the plastic that holds ground dirt from getting from the side of the river into the water was missing for a few hours. No dirt got in the river but they were fined because it potentially could have. Here a million gallons of sewage over 7 weeks and nobody does squat.
Hello, Citizens’ Climate Lobby posted this event on their Facebook page in “collaboration” with a dozen other organizations and was wondering if you wanted to post this event on your Facebook and/or website as well? Maybe NMEAC can be added to the collaborators list on the FB event page. Here is the link: https://www.facebook.com/events/1200247550099746/
I wanted to alert you to a major threat to Michigan’s environmental protection laws: Steve King’s Amendment to the Farm Bill, the so-called “Protect Interstate Commerce Act.” On its face, this legislation is aimed at stripping states of their right to set policy regarding agricultural products sold within their borders. However, the language is so broadly defined that it could lead courts to nullify hundreds of state laws across the country that protect our environment from dangerous pesticides, animal waste, and irresponsible farming practices.
Will you join the growing coalition opposing the King Amendment’s attack on the environment? If so, simply reply “yes.”
The following are examples of state laws safeguarding Michigan’s beautiful environment that would be jeopardized if this legislation passes:
• Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 286.82 – establishes authority to protect cherry crops from pests, including via the seizure or destruction of infected crops
• Mich. Admin. Code R. 285.715.7 – restricts sale of noxious weeds and establishes maximum percentage of noxious weeds allowable in shipments of regular seed
• Mich. Comp. Laws § 287.731 – prohibits the import of animals determined by the state to endanger native wildlife
• Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 29.495, § 29.497, § 29.499, § 29.501 – requires that any cigarettes sold in the state be tested in accordance with specific test methods and meet certain flammability standards, in order to reduce unintended fires
The threat is urgent because the House just passed its version of the Farm Bill, which contains the King Amendment. We need to make sure that the Senate rejects this terrible amendment and that it is NOT included in any final House/Senate package.
A diverse, rapidly growing array of organizations, including the Alabama Rivers Alliance, Center for Biological Diversity, Environmental Working Group, and Southern Environmental Law Center oppose King’s bill.
Would the Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council be willing to send its own letter to House leadership, or sign on to our joint letter that opposes King’s measure and a related bill introduced by Rep. Sensenbrenner (HR 2887)? If you prefer to send your own, we would be happy to provide drafts or examples of letters submitted to Congress by other concerned organizations. Or would you simply allow us to add your organization’s name to our coalition list as mentioned above?
Thank you very much in advance for your consideration. If you’d like to discuss the above in further detail, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the number below.
From members of the Cherryland Electric Cooperative “Member Advisory Committee”; Tom Gallery, Peter Wolcott, Steve Smiley ([email protected])
IT IS URGENT TO CONTACTYOURCHERRYELECTRICCOOPERATIVEBOARDMEMBERSANDMANAGERNOW TO DEMANDTHEYVOTE TO SUPPORTSOLARENERGY BY CUSTOMERS / MEMBERS.
At this MONDAY’S June 18, 9 AM, Cherryland Electric Cooperative Board of Director’s meeting the board will be making decisions on the fate of solar energy for members by voting on proposals that basically kill solar energy for member installations. Of the seven board members, four board members can IMMEDIATELY propose policies to advance solar energy in our community and reject the solar killing resolutions.
We recommend:
• VOTE TO RE-INSTATE “FULL NET METERING”, from the modified net metering program that was established to pay 5.6 cents/kW-hour, in contrast to 12 cents/kW-hour with full net metering. Cherryland recently cancelled the net metering program arguing they (and our generation cooperative) met their 10 MW – 1% solar goal!). In reauthorizing full net-metering the 20-kW capacity cap per member should be removed. The board should make a motion to re-instate full net metering at this June 18, meeting, ANDNOTDELAYANYAPPLICATIONSFORSOLAR PROJECTS—SOME THATHAVEBEENPLANNEDAND/OR UNDERCONSTRUCTION.
• VOTE TO Re-instate 10 cents/kW-hr, with guaranteed allotments for small and medium size member solar projects. REJECTTHE 6.5 cents/kW-hour Solar “Buy All / Sell All” (BASA) proposal by Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative (our “generation” cooperative) that reduces the price from 10 cents/kW-hour to 6.5 cents/kW-hour.
Benefits:
• Solar energy installed by Cherryland Electric members is a great benefit, enriching our and community.
• When a member installs solar on their property the excess clean energy goes right to their neighbors at no added expense to the grid, providing cheap, clean, high quality energy.
• Solar system owners provide a free source of capital to our cooperative, free financing for clean energy.
• Outside studies place the value of solar to a utility at over 14 cents/kW-hour, exceeding the retail price paid by members. Solar systems do not increase member or the cooperative costs, they provide clean, affordable energy. Anything less than the retail full net meter price is cheating our members.
• When we members install solar systems, we keep our money at home, improving our local economy and the environment with multiplied community economic benefits? Two-thirds of our money paid to our cooperative is sent out-of-state for coal, gas and atomic energy.
We salute the excellent operations and service staff at our cooperative, while demanding that the board and management advance policies the make solar work for members. Contact our cooperative board immediately.
Come to the Monday, June 18, meeting at 9 AM in Grawn and voice your concerns.
I just received my certificate in the mail. Thank you for the award. I apologize for missing your event, it would have been great to mingle and hear what people are up to.
Our program is going strong. It has been very rewarding introducing environmental issues to my students and having them respond so positively. We have had many in depth discussions about local, national and world-wide issues and I have come away from those discussions impressed (and I have to admit, suprised) by their interest and passion. I look forward to teaching this class for many years to come, as we will be able to investigate and explore new environmental developments and issues as they come up.
Again, thank you for the award, I will share this with my students.
I would like to bring you and June in on a conference call on (TUESDAY) May 15th at 3pm NEEDGREG & JUNE email to send conference call number and info. Proposal & Agenda
The Forestry Assistance Program of Leelanau, Benzie and Grand Traverse Conservation Districts is teaming up with Leo Creek Preserve to host a Tree Waste to Biochar Workshop, on Tuesday, June 12, 6:00-8:30 pm. I can forward a pdf of the flyer or you can pull it off the Leelanau Conservation District website at leelanaucd.org. Should be a very interesting evening.
Hey NMEAC I wanted to send you news of an event we at NREC are putting on this Thursday. I hope you can post it on your site!
Jeff AndersonIn the words of Stephanie Mills:
Had Enough Snark?
Want to witness a live argument that’s civil, respectful, and exciting?
Come to THAT’S DEBATABLE, a free event. It’s the first in a series of formal public debates sponsored by the Neahtawanta Research and Education Center.
You’ll hear what two teams of local talent have to say, pro and con, about this proposition:
Two years of civic or military service should be required, without exemption, of every U.S. citizen on attaining voting age.
(The composition of the teams may surprise you.)
They are on the Pro side; TC West High Debaters Aage Denton and Michael Carley
on the Con side; Donna Gundle Krieg, representative for NW MI Libertarian Party and Anthony Weber ethics teacher at NMC and pastor for Church of the Living God.
And moderating will be Benjamin Marentette the TC City Clerk
You’ll have an opportunity to hear differing opinions, judge the reasoning of the debaters, and share in their passion to persuade and prevail.
Months in preparation, Edition One of THAT’S DEBATABLE, will take place April 26 at 7PM in the Milliken Auditorium at Northwestern Michigan College. Co-sponsored by WNMC and Eric Hines and underwritten by Conflict Resolution Services and supported by International Affairs Forum this public battle of wits will be broadcast live on WNMC Radio.
The Michigan Environmental Hall of Fame will be holding it’s 2018 induction ceremony May 9 at 6:15 in the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids. This year the Honorable Vern Ehlers will be induced into the Legacy Circle.
Individuals are Bill Murphy, former Enforcements Officer for the MDNR, Bob Garner, former legislative assistant and host of Michigan Outdoors television show, and Helen Taylor, State Director for the Nature Conservancy.
Also included this year, in the Projects category is Project Clarity, an attempt to clean up the Macatawa Water Shed, for School/Colleges, the Great Lakes Leadership Academy, in the Non-Profit category, The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.
The speaker this year will be Helen Taylor, State Director for the Nature Conservancy.
Drew Warner commented
2018-02-05 15:22:59 -0500
Hello,
WE would love to help spread the word about all you are doing. Please send a press release to me and we’ll get it to our editors at MyNorth Media. We’d also love to be the ticketing service provider for the May event this year as a local provider with MyNorth Tickets over Brown Paper Tickets. Rates are comparable and we offer much more local promotion!
The current draft under consideration has no exemptions, even though the Watershed Center, Russ Soyring, and Lauren-Tribe have all said
that NMC should be exempt. Without an exemption, the current draft would make all of the NMC land North of Eastern Avenue unusable for
anything other than a tree lot, as it is currently all wooded. Building a dorm or a classroom or a library would require removing enough trees
that the replacement requirements under the currently proposed ordinance could not be met. An exemption for “units of local government”
would not exempt NMC, as the Michigan Supreme Court has ruled that community colleges are not units of local government. NMC has not
been a ruthless remover of trees and, in fact, has worked to keep the wooded sections of its campus intact to a great degree.
The proposed ordinance needs to be amended to exempt NMC by name.
My name is Emily Kotz and I am a graduate assistant at Michigan State University studying community sustainability and will be holding a series of focus groups in the Upper Peninsula on July 14th and 15th. Our focus groups are on the topic of Great Lakes coastline management and community input is very important for our research.
We hope to gain community input on how to become better stewards of the Great Lakes and produce a messaging campaign along with the Office of Great Lakes.
On July, 14th we will be at the Landmark Inn in Marquette from 3-4pm and on July, 15th we will be in Munising at the Alger Parks and Recreation Center at 4pm and 5pm.
Each focus group session will last an hour and light snacks will be provided to participants. In addition a $25 monetary gift will be given to all participants.
If you are interested in joining please email my research team at [email protected] Thank you for your interest in our research and hope to see you there!
Best,
Emily Kotz
Dear Senator Stabenow,
Thank you for informing us of your effort to add additional funding to control the spreading of chronic wasting disease in the Farm Bill 2018. Yes, the research in universities is important to “treat, mitigate and eliminate chronic wasting diseases”, as you stated in your letter dated May 28th, 2019. In addition, Senator Tester (D-Montana) has also introduced a bill: Act (S.689) to address CWD.
This federal effort is needed but action in the field has to start NOW at the State Level with federal funds. CWD is an infectious disease that spreads quickly (example: The Great State of Wisconsin). I understand research and university research takes time that we do not have.
Infectious disease in a wildlife population has to be addressed with 100% effort. All core areas need to be treated with proven wildlife management of an infectious disease and that is removing all the animals. Then, testing the surrounding areas for other positive animals, not just deer.
Waiting for university research will allow CWD to spread. It is time to ACT. Don’t worry about your citizens, they are in this fight together with you and will support elimination of this infectious disease. Elimination is the only intelligent goal.
All the best,
Dr. Lints
Below is information that I have shared previously with your staff and others.
I have completed a literature research of CWD in the United States concerning Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD). The literature is from our Federaly funded organizations: Center for Disease Control (CDC) and National Institute of Health (NIH). The consensus: more research has to continue to determine how to manage CWD. Science has not discovered a cure for the disease in the animal population. They have been working on vaccines but no breakthroughs. What I am about to talk about is from literature review and asking questions. When the literature is completed by those who trust no one, the facts will direct us that we need a new wildlife plan.
In 2002 the United State Government outlined an Action Plan to address CWD. This plan had did not have the science at the time to detail a better plan. Current science (Dr. Soto 2015 NIH funded) discovered that CWD spreads in grasses to other animals, not just deer. This CWD grass is a fact and proven. Thus, the reason our wildlife biologist have not be able to stop the disease in our wildlife animal population. Wisconsin and Michigan DNR biologist have tracked the CWD over the last 20 years showing that is moving through(spreading) our wildlife even with population reduction of wildlife animals.
What can we do as citizens of Michigan? Contacting your Michigan and Federal representatives is very important but more urgent is upping your knowledge of the disease so we can change our behavior of how we handle all animals.
Debbie Stabenow’s Regional Manager (Brandon Fewins) knows about CWD and has inform me that Debbie(ranking member of the Agriculture committee) is supporting a bill to determine the best scientific path of a new action plan. Our new Michigan DNR head, Dan Eichinger, can be contacted though is secretary, Judy Tkaczyki). Dan has a big problem to address in our wildlife animal population: CWD. Remember, CWD is a very infectious disease spreading in our wildlife animals and exists in grasses (Food chain items).
The only way to stop this disease is remove all animals(not just deer) in the infected areas—-all animals and incinerate them ie New York(documented control of an infectious TB disease in wildlife populations). Other States(Wisconsin) would have taken a more aggressive approach but did not have enough science research to make the right decisions before 2015. Remember, the research of Soto(NIH funded) in 2015 discovered that prions(probably all strains) are spread laterally in grasses to other animals. This research is a “game changer” of how we approach CWD. Just taking out deer will not solve our wildlife infection. We have to change the behavior of our citizens and “how deer are handled” plus removing all other animals in the infected area. This will be a big job.
The Federal Government has to be involved urgently dictating the removal of animals on private land due to the danger of contamination the food chain. The DNR has been locked up in courts trying to remove TB and fought hard to remove TB in the Alpena area but blocked by landowners/hunters. CWD is a national food chain challenge that has priority over animals on private property. “National food protection” should be a top priority. I am hopeful that an organized DNR and our citizens give us a chance to live through this infectious disease to protect the next generations.
Please do your own complete literature review from usg.gov, CDC and NIH before you make your personal decision to act and participate in fighting an infectious disease at your door.
Below are my suggestions outlining fighting CWD that is a start for State and Federal officials.
All the best,
Ron Lints
Ronald R. Lints DDS, MS
231-392-2539
I am collecting buttons from campaigns and organizations working to protect the environment and sensitive habitats. My involvement in social and political movements inspired me to begin collecting buttons as a way of preserving this aspect of our history.
Would you please send me a selection of any you have?
Thank you!
Regards,
Gregory Cross
educational hands on experiences where students learn the importance of preserving culture, building positive relationships, sustainable living and taking care of the environment.
I wanted to include this on my nomination for this group. for EOY
I’m reaching out to NMEAC because the goals of the organization align with my professional and personal perspective as well as interests. If someone has the time to meet and discuss what you perceive the natural history and conservation educational needs of northwest Michigan are, I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you
I’m a filmmaker, speaker, poet, and the author of ten non-fiction books, part of a new journey called “Traveling to a New America.”
This coming year, I’m giving talks and holding conversations in towns and cities all across America, both in-person and online via Zoom video.
Amid all the divisiveness, chaos, and loss of hope we see all around us, this is a time of immense opportunities, of a deep, transformational shift in all our lives that is beginning to reshape the core and heart of America.
Would you and your group like to sponsor one of my talks?
In America today, there’s so much talk about borders and walls. You can see me reading a passage from one of my books on this topic – called “Hurricane”. jimhilgendorf.net/hurricane
I love to engage audiences, large or small, through my talks and readings from my books, and a conversation about who we are, and who we are to become, here in America.
For an online event, we would be talking together on Zoom video.
You can download the Zoom app (zoom.us) free. There is no technical expertise required. I would simply send you an email with a notice of a certain time to click a link, and we would be automatically connected and online. All you need is a computer or laptop with a good built-in camera.
If you have an interest in sponsoring one of my talks in person, instead of online, and have a budget for this, we could also discuss details for that.
Any payment for my talks in various ways, according to your circumstances – a direct payment or honorarium; admission charges; admission charges with free books being given away; a split from proceeds of a dinner, etc., would be appreciated.
If you have an interest in talking further, please contact me directly by email or phone.
Thanks, and best wishes.
James Hilgendorf
Cell: 510-501-9564
Email: [email protected]
_________________________________
My website is at: http://www.jameshilgendorf.org
My Facebook Page, “Traveling to a New America”, is at:
http://www.facebook.com/NewDreamOfAmerica
Here are a few comments from my previous talks:
Comments from Talks:
SOMOS – Society of the Muse of the Southwest, Taos, New Mexico:
“I was deeply moved by your talk. It resonated on many levels.”
“It was inspiring and challenging. The author is a combination of Ralph Waldo Emerson, Bernie Sanders, Karl Marx, the Buddha, Ralph Nader, and Walt Whitman.”
“I enjoyed your presentation, especially your optimism and dedication. I am inspired to remain optimistic in these changing times.”
Napa Valley Arts Association
“Thank you for your presence and words. Very inspiring.” Emily Freiman, President
“Thank you for your thoughtful, eloquent presentation!”
“Thank you for your presentation at the Art Association. I especially love your writing! Very very strong. Huge WOW. Thank you for your dedication and talent. Loved your reading from the America book. Poignant.
Santa Barbara Chapter of IANDS – the International Association for Near-Death Studies
“James Hilgendorf presented a one-hour talk tonight, titled “Waking Up To Who You Really Are” to an audience of about 100 of our attendees. During the talk, he presented ideas from his own Buddhist background, as well as ideas and commentary from a wide array of famous people, including Arnold Toynbee, Joseph Campbell, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, Leo Tolstoy, Friedrich Nietzsche, Henri Bergson, Kenneth Ring, Daisaku Ikeda, John Wheeler and others, in an attempt to stimulate reflection upon the nature of our lives and our relationship to the universe around us, and to provide insights into the nature of happiness and of life and death itself. After the talk, there were many interesting questions from the audience. I felt his talk gifted us all with deep insights, guidance, and light. Very simple. Very beautiful.” – Barbara Bartolome, Founder/Director
Spring Lake Village Senior residence, Santa Rosa, CA. – Lois Gilbert
Our small group of Unitarian Universalists at Spring Lake Village (our lovely senior residence in Santa Rosa, CA) had the great pleasure of hosting James Hilgendorf to talk at one of our monthly speakers’ series, offered to all the residents and their friends. Lots of people came and I received many, many compliments on the presentation, and requests that he return. As I was the one who arranged the meeting with Jim, I will take this opportunity to highly recommend him. His talk is clear, informative, and intelligent; his manner warm, friendly, and approachable. About 10 of us were able to have dinner with Jim and his wife, Elizabeth afterward, here at Spring Lake Village. We all opened up with personal stories, as did Jim and Elizabeth. This is a very special event to have, very warm, and personally satisfying.
My name is Christian and I work for the vehicle donation and recycling program Vehicles For Veterans. I contacted you a little while ago to see if you could put our link somewhere on your website. I didn’t receive a response so I am just reaching out again to see if you are interested in helping.
The proceeds from these vehicle donations go to support disabled veterans and other causes for our nation’s veterans. We are a free available resource for the people of Michigan. If you would like the learn more, just click on the link below, or contact me with any questions you have!
http://www.vehiclesforveterans.org/michigan
Thank you for your time!
Christian Nelson
Vehicles For Veterans
[email protected]
My name is Christian and I work for the vehicle donation and recycling program Vehicles For Veterans. I contacted you a little while ago to see if you would put our link on your website. I didn’t receive a response so I am just reaching out again to see if you are interested in helping.
The proceeds from these vehicle donations go to support disabled veterans and other causes for our nation’s veterans. We are a free available resource for the people of Michigan. If you would like the learn more, just click on the link below, or contact me with any questions you have!
http://www.vehiclesforveterans.org/michigan
Thank you for your time!
Christian Nelson
Vehicles For Veterans
[email protected]
“Nominees are to be someone you believe exemplifies the ideals of the City Commission. These ideals are to promote mutual understanding and respect among all people and to discourage discriminatory practices.” (taken from:
http://www.traversecitymi.gov/sara_hardy_award.asp )
Several of us feel that Sally Van Vleck would be the perfect recipient of this award. Indeed, we were surprised to learn she had not already received this prestigious award.
We’ve learned that the committee looks for the same person to be nominated by several people. This is where you come in. If you could submit a nomination for Sally and ask others who know of Sally and her years of work to do the same, we might be able to help bring some recognition to this very deserving woman.
Here’s what we need to do:
Please submit a letter to include the nominee’s name, address, telephone number and humanitarian activities they are involved in along with the reasons why you are nominating this individual. The nominator should include their name and phone number in the letter as well. If you prefer, you can use this nomination form: http://www.traversecitymi.gov/downloads/sara_hardy_nomination_form.pdf
Here is Sally’s address and phone number for the nomination form:
1308 Neahtawanta Rd.
Traverse City, MI 49686
231-290-5040
Please send nominations to:
Traverse City Human Rights Commission
400 Boardman Avenue
Traverse City, Michigan 49684
(or fax to the Human Rights Commission at 231-922-4470)
Let’s avoid being caught up short by the holiday season. Let’s do this now. But, let’s keep it quiet so Sally does not find out what we are up to!
Please share this with anyone you think would like to be involved.
Thank you!
Susan Rogan
With nothing for citizens groups to do we can dissolve our “Action Councils” knowing we are safely in the hands of big business and the forces of the market. What rubbish!
Seven weeks of raw sewage goes unnoticed in Betsie Bay | Local …
www.record-eagle.com/…sewage…betsie-bay/article_4abe79b7-3350-5b27-9d04-5f2…
Mar 24, 2018 – Heather Hettinger, a fisheries biologist with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, said that sewage spills are never a good thing, but that the small, shallow Betsie Bay has a lot working in its favor. … “Instead of sitting in one body of water for a long time, it will be dispersed into Lake Michigan.”
The DNR in their great concern has…..done nothing!
One downstate village was fined thousands of dollars by the DNR because during repair of their sewage pipe crossing a river the plastic that holds ground dirt from getting from the side of the river into the water was missing for a few hours. No dirt got in the river but they were fined because it potentially could have. Here a million gallons of sewage over 7 weeks and nobody does squat.
Will you join the growing coalition opposing the King Amendment’s attack on the environment? If so, simply reply “yes.”
The following are examples of state laws safeguarding Michigan’s beautiful environment that would be jeopardized if this legislation passes:
• Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 286.82 – establishes authority to protect cherry crops from pests, including via the seizure or destruction of infected crops
• Mich. Admin. Code R. 285.715.7 – restricts sale of noxious weeds and establishes maximum percentage of noxious weeds allowable in shipments of regular seed
• Mich. Comp. Laws § 287.731 – prohibits the import of animals determined by the state to endanger native wildlife
• Mich. Comp. Laws Ann. § 29.495, § 29.497, § 29.499, § 29.501 – requires that any cigarettes sold in the state be tested in accordance with specific test methods and meet certain flammability standards, in order to reduce unintended fires
The threat is urgent because the House just passed its version of the Farm Bill, which contains the King Amendment. We need to make sure that the Senate rejects this terrible amendment and that it is NOT included in any final House/Senate package.
A diverse, rapidly growing array of organizations, including the Alabama Rivers Alliance, Center for Biological Diversity, Environmental Working Group, and Southern Environmental Law Center oppose King’s bill.
Would the Northern Michigan Environmental Action Council be willing to send its own letter to House leadership, or sign on to our joint letter that opposes King’s measure and a related bill introduced by Rep. Sensenbrenner (HR 2887)? If you prefer to send your own, we would be happy to provide drafts or examples of letters submitted to Congress by other concerned organizations. Or would you simply allow us to add your organization’s name to our coalition list as mentioned above?
Thank you very much in advance for your consideration. If you’d like to discuss the above in further detail, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at the number below.
Thank you,
Bethany
From members of the Cherryland Electric Cooperative “Member Advisory Committee”; Tom Gallery, Peter Wolcott, Steve Smiley ([email protected])
IT IS URGENT TO CONTACT YOUR CHERRY ELECTRIC COOPERATIVE BOARD MEMBERS AND MANAGER NOW TO DEMAND THEY VOTE TO SUPPORT SOLAR ENERGY BY CUSTOMERS / MEMBERS.
At this MONDAY’S June 18, 9 AM, Cherryland Electric Cooperative Board of Director’s meeting the board will be making decisions on the fate of solar energy for members by voting on proposals that basically kill solar energy for member installations. Of the seven board members, four board members can IMMEDIATELY propose policies to advance solar energy in our community and reject the solar killing resolutions.
We recommend:
• VOTE TO RE-INSTATE “FULL NET METERING”, from the modified net metering program that was established to pay 5.6 cents/kW-hour, in contrast to 12 cents/kW-hour with full net metering. Cherryland recently cancelled the net metering program arguing they (and our generation cooperative) met their 10 MW – 1% solar goal!). In reauthorizing full net-metering the 20-kW capacity cap per member should be removed. The board should make a motion to re-instate full net metering at this June 18, meeting, AND NOT DELAY ANY APPLICATIONS FOR SOLAR PROJECTS—SOME THAT HAVE BEEN PLANNED AND/OR UNDER CONSTRUCTION.
• VOTE TO Re-instate 10 cents/kW-hr, with guaranteed allotments for small and medium size member solar projects. REJECT THE 6.5 cents/kW-hour Solar “Buy All / Sell All” (BASA) proposal by Wolverine Power Supply Cooperative (our “generation” cooperative) that reduces the price from 10 cents/kW-hour to 6.5 cents/kW-hour.
Benefits:
• Solar energy installed by Cherryland Electric members is a great benefit, enriching our and community.
• When a member installs solar on their property the excess clean energy goes right to their neighbors at no added expense to the grid, providing cheap, clean, high quality energy.
• Solar system owners provide a free source of capital to our cooperative, free financing for clean energy.
• Outside studies place the value of solar to a utility at over 14 cents/kW-hour, exceeding the retail price paid by members. Solar systems do not increase member or the cooperative costs, they provide clean, affordable energy. Anything less than the retail full net meter price is cheating our members.
• When we members install solar systems, we keep our money at home, improving our local economy and the environment with multiplied community economic benefits? Two-thirds of our money paid to our cooperative is sent out-of-state for coal, gas and atomic energy.
We salute the excellent operations and service staff at our cooperative, while demanding that the board and management advance policies the make solar work for members. Contact our cooperative board immediately.
Come to the Monday, June 18, meeting at 9 AM in Grawn and voice your concerns.
Contact our board and management to express your opinions: Terry Lautner, President, ([email protected] Ph: 231-946-4623), Tom Van Pelt ([email protected] Ph: 231 386-5234), Melinda Lautner ([email protected] Ph: 231-947-2509), David Schweitzer ([email protected] Ph: 231 883-5860), John Olson ([email protected] Ph: 231 938-1228), Gabe Schneider ([email protected] Ph: 517 449-6453), Jon Zickert ([email protected] Ph: 231 631-1337) and Tony Anderson, Mgr. ([email protected] Ph: 231 486-9200).
here.
Our program is going strong. It has been very rewarding introducing environmental issues to my students and having them respond so positively. We have had many in depth discussions about local, national and world-wide issues and I have come away from those discussions impressed (and I have to admit, suprised) by their interest and passion. I look forward to teaching this class for many years to come, as we will be able to investigate and explore new environmental developments and issues as they come up.
Again, thank you for the award, I will share this with my students.
Sincerely,
Tim Reznich
Frankfort High School
Jeff AndersonIn the words of Stephanie Mills:
Had Enough Snark?
Want to witness a live argument that’s civil, respectful, and exciting?
Come to THAT’S DEBATABLE, a free event. It’s the first in a series of formal public debates sponsored by the Neahtawanta Research and Education Center.
You’ll hear what two teams of local talent have to say, pro and con, about this proposition:
Two years of civic or military service should be required, without exemption, of every U.S. citizen on attaining voting age.
(The composition of the teams may surprise you.)
They are on the Pro side; TC West High Debaters Aage Denton and Michael Carley
on the Con side; Donna Gundle Krieg, representative for NW MI Libertarian Party and Anthony Weber ethics teacher at NMC and pastor for Church of the Living God.
And moderating will be Benjamin Marentette the TC City Clerk
You’ll have an opportunity to hear differing opinions, judge the reasoning of the debaters, and share in their passion to persuade and prevail.
Months in preparation, Edition One of THAT’S DEBATABLE, will take place April 26 at 7PM in the Milliken Auditorium at Northwestern Michigan College. Co-sponsored by WNMC and Eric Hines and underwritten by Conflict Resolution Services and supported by International Affairs Forum this public battle of wits will be broadcast live on WNMC Radio.
The Michigan Environmental Hall of Fame
Announces It’s Inductees For 2018
The Michigan Environmental Hall of Fame will be holding it’s 2018 induction ceremony May 9 at 6:15 in the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in Grand Rapids. This year the Honorable Vern Ehlers will be induced into the Legacy Circle.
Individuals are Bill Murphy, former Enforcements Officer for the MDNR, Bob Garner, former legislative assistant and host of Michigan Outdoors television show, and Helen Taylor, State Director for the Nature Conservancy.
Also included this year, in the Projects category is Project Clarity, an attempt to clean up the Macatawa Water Shed, for School/Colleges, the Great Lakes Leadership Academy, in the Non-Profit category, The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy.
The speaker this year will be Helen Taylor, State Director for the Nature Conservancy.
WE would love to help spread the word about all you are doing. Please send a press release to me and we’ll get it to our editors at MyNorth Media. We’d also love to be the ticketing service provider for the May event this year as a local provider with MyNorth Tickets over Brown Paper Tickets. Rates are comparable and we offer much more local promotion!