A measured victory for the Au Sable

A pristine stretch of Michigan’s Au Sable River will keep its scenic character and is safer from pollution caused by oil and gas drilling, thanks to a decision last week from the Department of Natural Resources.

Several parcels along the river’s “Holy Waters” stretch were leased to the Canadian energy company Encana in an October auction. Some of the land was designated for development, meaning Encana could put surface wells, storage tanks and heavy equipment right alongside the revered fly-fishing waters that gave rise to Trout Unlimited.

The Anglers of the Au Sable, an Environmental Council member group, flagged the threat of oil and gas development along the river and enlisted members of the public to urge Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Keith Creagh not to authorize the leases. The Environmental Council and other allies joined that effort.