Save our Wetland Sanctuary!

HELP STOP THE HIGH VOLTAGE LINES THROUGH OUR SANCTUARY!

Wildlife Recovery Association (WRA) maintains a small but productive wetland called Little Swamp Sanctuary. We have nurtured and protected this sanctuary for over 50 years. It has become safe harbor for many rare and endangered species of birds, amphibians, reptiles, insects, and mammals. Red-shouldered Hawks, Marsh Wrens, Sandhill Cranes, and Pied-billed Grebes nest here. Bald Eagles nest to the east and fly through daily to hunt the swamp. Blandings turtles lay their eggs on sandy ridges. Wood turtles, now listed on Michigan’s  endangered species list as “threatened” live in and near the wetland. Migrating Tundra Swans, Sandhill Cranes, Canada Geese, and a variety of ducks, shorebirds, and herons stop over to rest during migration.

Michigan Electric Transmission Company (METC) and International Transmission Company (ITC) proposed to route their high voltage transmission lines through this wetland. We object!!! The transmission lines would be in direct line with the daily flight path of our resident bald eagles, as well as many of the waterfowl and species of heron and cranes that fly daily from one small wetland to another. In addition, radiation and electromagnetic forces (EMF) are likely to cause problems to sensitive species.

Please sign our petition to prevent METC from disrupting this sensitive and delicately balanced wetland sanctuary.

Thank you all for your support:
Environment and Great Lakes Energy (EGLE) issued a permit granting METC to pursue this project. We are contesting that permit.  If EGLE is truly concerned about the environment and wetland habitat, they will reconsider this decision.
We have asked that METC find a route for high voltage power lines that AVOIDS WRA wetlands and surrounding wetland habitat. This type of high voltage transmission line kills millions of birds in the US each year, and wetlands that are filled with birds and rare species are the most deadly areas they can be placed. The planned route crosses the flight path of bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and many rare species such as least bittern, American Bittern, Trumpeter Swans, and hundreds of water birds. American National Standards Institute states clearly that these power lines should NOT be placed in wetlands.
We have observed over 140 species of birds, many of which are rare species. We have two rare turtle species on the wetland: Blandings Turtles, and Wood Turtles. We have nesting bald eagles, red-shouldered hawks, red-headed woodpeckers, black-billed cuckoos, least bittern, and many other rare and sensitive wild friends who will not survive if these power lines are placed in the planned route. There are other routes available that are far less damaging and do not pass by homes, businesses, or wetlands.