|
| |
|
Since 1997, residents from different backgrounds and
professions of the Iron County community have come together to form the Iron
River Watershed Council. They recognize the importance the Iron River has to our
community and believe that by protecting, promoting, and improving the Iron
River they can rectify some of the past damages and ensure that the Iron River
watershed remains a viable resource far into the future.
|
Above: The logo of the Iron River Watershed Project
|
One of the most damaging influences to the Iron River
watershed came from acid mine drainage from the Dober and Buck Mines. In 1995,
the State of Michigan filed a lawsuit against the Hannah Mining Company that
sought retribution for the environmental damages that occurred as a result of
their mining operations. The parties agreed to a settlement in which the Hannah
Mining Company was made to design and implement methods to limit acid runoff and
fined $318,000. The money was to be administered by the state, and eventually
managed by the newly formed watershed council. The award was earmarked
specifically to repair, enhance, or protect the Iron River, as well as provide
for increased public use. The settlement spawned the idea for the watershed
project, and the monies serve as the financial foundation for the projects
undertaken by the council.Below: Aerial view of the Dober Mine treatment
system, showing the settling ponds.
|
|
In 1999, through the efforts of the Iron River Watershed
Council, the Iron County Conservation District was awarded a grant to begin
development of a management plan for the Iron River watershed. Beginning that
summer, and with the watershed council acting as a steering committee, two years
of study of the watershed was conducted, and strategies to address sources of
pollution were developed.
In 2001, the completion of the Iron River Watershed
Comprehensive Management Plan marked a new phase of the watershed project and
began the actual implementation of activities designed to improve the watershed,
and inform and educate its residents and visitors. Funding was supplied through
grants from Section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act, and the Clean Michigan
Initiative. Over time, the management plan will continue to develop and guide
efforts to most effectively sustain the Iron River watershed.
|
 |
Standing, L-R: Jan Huizing (Vice Pres.), George Polich, Dave Tiller, Bob
Gussert (Sec./Treas.), Dr. Elizabeth Rogers, Bud Jacob, Jim Sapletal. Seated: Nancy Roberts,
Rep. Rich Brown, Dr. Bette Premo (Pres.), Jim Bond.
|
|
|
