On April 16, 2008 the Northern Michigan
Environmental Action Council (NMEAC) presented
its “Environmentalist of the Year” awards
recognizing individuals, students, educators,
journalists, public service employees,
volunteers and businesses who best represent the
most outstanding individuals involved in
environmental advocacy and action throughout
northern Michigan. 12 awards were
presented from a group of 36 nominees. The
Friends of the Jordan River Watershed is pleased
to announce that President John Richter was
awarded
Environmentalist of the Year (General)
“for his leadership of Friends of the Jordan
River Watershed, his efforts to stop gas and oil
drilling within the boundaries of the Jordan
River Natural Area, and for valuing and
protecting this wonderful natural resource as
his life’s work.
“Led by Dr.
Richter, the Friends of the Jordan have allied
with Star Township and Antrim County to
challenge construction of an injection well at
Alba, headwaters of the Lake Charlevoix and
other major river watersheds. CMS Energy plans
to transport 135,000 gallons of toxic leachate a
day emanating from kiln dust (CKD) under the Bay
Harbor Golf Course, to Alba. Friends of the
Jordan River have criticized CMS, and Bay Harbor
for creating golf courses using uncapped CKD as
a base. Golf course watering contributes to the
hazardous leachate that is planned for disposal
at Alba.
The keynote speaker at the award ceremony was
Dr. Howard Tanner, Director of the DNR for 8
years under Governor Milliken’s administration.
Gov. William Milliken and Dr Howard Tanner were
founding fathers of the Jordan River State
Forest. Accepting the award, Richter stated,
“This award given by NMEAC affirms the important
work done by members of Friends of the Jordan.
It was particularly meaningful to accept this
award in the presence of Michigan conservation
giants Governor Milliken and Dr. Tanner.” |
