Sibelius Academy Festival musicians to perform in Hancock, Ishpeming, Calumet Sept. 22, 23, 25

HANCOCK -- The 11th annual Finlandia University Sibelius Academy Music Festival takes place Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, Sept. 22, 23 and 25, in Hancock, Ishpeming and Calumet.

A folk and jazz music workshop will take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at the Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock. Sibelius Academy musicians will conduct the workshop. The musicians play guitar, piano, accordion, stand up bass and drums. The cost is $25 per person. Lunch will be served.

The Thomas Juhani Turunen Trio features musicians (from left) William Tarvainen on the stand-up bass, Tuomas Juhani Turunen on piano, and Mikko Arlin on drums. (Photos courtesy Finlandia University)

The Thomas Juhani Turunen Trio will co-lead Tuesday's folk and jazz music workshop in Hancock and will present a full-length concert Sept. 25 in Calumet, Mich. They will also perform Sept. 23 in Ishpeming, Mich. The jazz trio's repertoire ranges from original compositions and jazz standards to selected Finnish compositions.

The trio was formed in 2008 by the three young Helsinki-based musicians -- Thomas Juhani Turunen on piano, William Tarvainen on the upright bass and Mikko Arlin on drums. Their music combines the American jazz tradition and the classical lyricism of European jazz.

At 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22, Duo Luomala and Salminen, will perform a folk music concert at the Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center, Hancock. The folk musicians are Anssi Salminen, guitar, and Markus Luomala, accordion. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Finlandia University students and children age 10 and under are free.

Duo Luomala and Salminen -- Markus Luomala (left) and Anssi Salminen -- will perform a folk music concert Tuesday, Sept. 22, at the Finlandia University Finnish American Heritage Center. They will also perform Wednesday, Sept. 23, in Ishpeming, and Friday, Sept. 25, at the Calumet Theatre.

Anssi and Markus, both known as charismatic live performers, have been performing together since 2008. Their concerts include modern arrangements of traditional Finnish fiddle tunes and original compositions. View their MySpace page and listen to their music at www.myspace.com/luomalasalminen.

Duo Räisänen and Parko is a classical music ensemble. Violinist Viola Räisänen and pianist Maija Parko began their musical collaboration in 2005, and they perform actively in Finland.

Duo Raisanen and Parko -- Maija Parko (left) and Viola Räisänen -- will perform in Naperville, Ill., and in Ishpeming and Calumet this week.

After performing a full-length concert Monday, Sept. 21, at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Naperville, Ill., Duo Räisänen and Parko will travel to the Upper Peninsula to join the other Sibelius musicians in two concerts -- Wednesday, Sept. 23, in Ishpeming, and Friday, Sept. 25, in Calumet. Visit the duo’s website at www.maijaviola.com.

These seven Sibelius Academy musicians will perform a folk, jazz and classical community concert from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at the W. C. Peterson Auditorium, Ishpeming , Mich. High school students and high school teachers attend free. Tickets are $5 for adults. The concert is open to the public.

At 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 25, the Tuomas Juhani Turunen Trio, a jazz combo, will perform a concert with special guests Duo Raisanen and Parko and Duo Luomala and Salminen at the Calumet Theatre, Calumet. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students with ID. Finlandia University students and children age 10 and under are free.

The Finlandia University Sibelius Academy Music Festival is intended to promote the enjoyment and appreciation of contemporary and traditional Finnish music. The prestigious Sibelius Academy enjoys a reputation as one of the largest and most elite music academies in Europe .

Concert tickets may be purchased at North Wind Books, Hancock, or on-line at http://finlandia-university.ticketleap.com.

For additional information about the 11th annual Sibelius Academy Music Festival, please contact festival coordinators Karen Johnson (karen.johnson@finlandia.edu, 906-487-7348) or Kaisa Randolph (kaisa.randolph@finlandia.edu, 906-487-7338).

Pasi Cats to play with Finnish musicians Sept. 18 at Little Gem Theater

Poster courtesy PasiCats. Click on image for larger version.

LAKE LINDEN -- The PasiCats will play with two musicians from Finland, Niini Poijarvi and Mika Kuokkanen (they played here with Lannen-Jukka two years ago) from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, at the Little Gem Theater in downtown Lake Linden (in the former Catholic school, watch for signs).

It's a perfect place either to sit down and enjoy great music or to get those hips moving on the dance floor. Ninni and Mika will play, beginning at 7:30 p.m., the the PasiCats around 9 p.m.

Preceding the music, starting at 6 p.m., Finnish dinners can be purchased.

Tickets are $8 (children under 12, free admission).

Check out Ninni's music here: http://www.myspace.com/ninnipoijarvi or
http://www.ninnipoijarvi.com/

Updated: Parade of Nations to offer "Dancing with Diversity" Sept. 19

International students gather in front of Hancock Middle School for the start of the 2008 Parade of Nations. (2008 Parade photos by Keweenaw Now)

HOUGHTON -- Students from more than 70 countries attend Michigan Tech and will provide the backdrop for the 20th annual Parade of Nations -- a festival of music, food and ethnic pride.

"Dancing with Diversity" is the theme of this year's event, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19. The parade will start at 11 a.m. at Hancock Middle School and end in Houghton, where it will be followed by the Multicultural Food and Music Festival at Dee Stadium, which will end at 4 p.m.

The Parade of Nations includes community members of all ages as well as students.

Besides the traditional parade, ethnic fare and clothing, this year's program includes a Bolivian group, Boliviamanta, which will present a benefit performance at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 18, in the Memorial Union Ballroom. A donation will be requested. Kevin J. Walker, MTU's interim African American outreach coordinator, will also perform.

Lovely traditional costumes from many countries are part of the Parade.

The celebration at Dee Stadium on Houghton's waterfront will be an opportunity to enjoy a diverse offering of handcrafts and tasty treats. A children's activity area will include free pony rides.

Calumet High School Spanish Club students, with their teacher, Cindy Miller, second from left, march in the 2008 Parade of Nations.

The parade itself will feature community members and students from Michigan Tech and Finlandia University -- all representing diverse heritage. The parade will include floats competing for prizes, local high school and middle school marching bands and the Michigan Tech Pep Band.

Houghton's Batucobre Samba Band, playing Brazilian percussion, is a favorite at the Parade of Nations. Here they are at the 2008 Parade. (Videoclip by Keweenaw Now)

For more information contact Lori Muhlig, Michigan Tech's Native American outreach coordinator, or Madeline Mercado Voelker, Michigan Tech's Hispanic/Latino(a) outreach coordinator, both at 487-2920.

Graceful Chinese dancers entertain at Houghton's Dee Stadium following the 2008 Parade of Nations.

Bus service to be provided

Houghton Motor Transit will provide service from the Memorial Union Building (MUB) to Hancock for the start of the parade. The first bus leaves at 9 a.m., and the last bus leaves the MUB at 10:15 a.m.

Need a ride to the Dee Stadium? Call 482-6092. There will be service from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This courtesy shuttle is only for residents of Houghton.

Community members are welcome to join the parade or follow it to Dee Stadium. It's great exercise!

More memories of 2008 Parade of Nations

Isn't that Keweenaw Now's photographer carrying the Argentine flag? Guess that's why he wasn't carrying his camera ...

Bahama and Bangladesh representatives follow in alphabetical order.

Our Canadian neighbors come next ...

Native Americans in colorful regalia head through Hancock on their float.

From Egypt to Zimbabwe, several African countries are represented.

Members of the Copper Country Guatemala Accompaniment Project, lead a colorful international group toward the Portage Lift Bridge.

Indian students, one of the largest ethnic groups at MTU, head across the bridge to Houghton.

It wouldn't be a parade without the bands. Fans cheer the Hancock High School Band as they head across the Portage Lift Bridge.

Finland is well represented by students from both Finlandia and MTU.

My Korean students ham it up for their teacher -- Julie, Paul and Won ... At left is Dr. Sripaipan, representing his native Thailand.

Another former student of mine, Victor from Germany, demonstrates martial arts with fellow club members on the bridge.

A graduate student from two of my classes, Zhengming Li, and his wife, Suning Wang, now proud parents of Alice. Maybe we'll see their number one daughter at this year's parade!

See you at this year's 20th annual Parade of Nations, Saturday, Sept. 19!

For information about Boliviamanta, this year’s main attraction, please visit: http://www.madison.com/communities/boliviamanta/

Finlandia Gallery hosts exhibit by artist Terri Saulin Sept. 17-Oct. 20

Deterritorialisation 1 2009, by Terri Saulin. Lino cut, chine colle, 22" x 15" (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

HANCOCK -- An opening reception for the exhibit "Lines of Flight," by Philadelphia artist Terri Saulin, will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17, at the Finlandia University Gallery of the Finnish American Heritage Center in Hancock. An artist talk begins at 7:15 p.m. The reception is free and open to the public, and refreshments will be served.

Flipping, deleting, expanding, speeding up, slowing down, layering and distilling visual material into art pieces, Terri Saulin creates artwork organic in nature and layered with meaning. Her interests in biology, botany, classical music, geology and gastronomy are evident in every nook and crevice of her densely textured ceramic pieces. Although her process begins in sculpture, it develops into drawing (a backward play on the traditional preliminary sketch to final sculpture). Drawings and plaster prints, supplemented by their ceramic references, will be exhibited.

Artist Terri Saulin in her studio. (Photo courtesy Finlandia University)

"My process begins by making three-dimensional forms as a response to external stimuli. I photograph the forms in various stages of production, further distilling their essence. They are a record; my still life," notes Saulin, describing her working process.

Saulin is on the Finlandia University campus this week through Sept. 18, providing individual critiques to students.

The exhibit will continue through Oct. 20.

The Finnish American Heritage Center is at 435 Quincy St., Hancock. Gallery hours are Monday to Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or by appointment. Please call 906-487-7500 for more information.

KBIC expresses "delight" yet "disappointment" with Judge's decision on Eagle Rock

BARAGA -- Susan J. LaFernier, vice-president of the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC), announced today, Sept. 16, 2009, that KBIC was "delighted" that Administrative Law Judge Richard Patterson ruled it was necessary for Kennecott Mining Company to protect Eagle Rock as a traditional place of worship. However, she added disappointment with his decision to uphold mining and ground water permits previously approved for Kennecott by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) -- since the mine is expected to have potential adverse effects on the environment.

Susan LaFernier, KBIC vice-president, addresses the crowd at Eagle Rock during the Protect the Earth event on Aug. 2, 2009. Behind her are co-organizers Teresa Bertossi of Save the Wild UP and (hidden behind LaFernier) Emily Whittaker, executive director of the Yellow Dog Watershed Preserve. At left is musician Victor McManemy. (File photo © 2009 and courtesy Gabriel Caplett)

"The Keweenaw Bay Indian Community was delighted that Administrative Law Judge Patterson decided that it was necessary for Kennecott Mining Company to protect Eagle Rock from the adverse effects that would be caused to our traditional place of worship by Kennecott’s proposed fencing, dynamite blasting and tunneling in and around Eagle Rock and very much hope that (MDEQ) Director Chester will uphold that decision," LaFernier said.

Judge Patterson recently issued a Proposed Decision regarding the mining permit and ground water permit that Kennecott has requested from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Judge Patterson held that "the excavation and drilling in the immediate area of Eagle Rock and fencing it off will materially affect its use as a place of worship. This should in some manner be accommodated, and would best be done so by relocating the access to the mine to a location that will not interfere with that function." Judge Patterson’s proposal for decision has been submitted to MDEQ Director Steven Chester for a final decision on numerous environmental issues concerning the permits requested by Kennecott.*

"Members of our Community and other tribes have used Eagle Rock, which we know as Migi zii wa sin, as a traditional cultural place of worship for many, many generations; and members of our Community testified at the hearing before Judge Paterson about how the proposed construction and operation of the mine would adversely affect our sacred Migi zii wa sin, so we were very satisfied with that part of Judge Patterson’s decision," stated LaFernier.

View from the top of Eagle Rock, a sacred site and traditional place of worship for Ojibwe peoples. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

"We were very disappointed, however, with Judge Patterson’s ruling on the environmental issues associated with the mining and ground water permits," she continued. "We have stated over and over during the past five years, to both state and federal agencies and to Rio Tinto, our numerous concerns about sulfide mining in general and, in particular, the adverse effect the Kennecott mine will have on the environment and natural resources in the Yellow Dog Plains. We have stated that we intend to preserve our land, water, air and natural resources within our Ceded Territory and also our treaty rights to hunt, fish, and gather that we reserved in the 1842 Treaty with the United States."

LaFernier also noted the judge's decision did not address long-term effects of sulfide mining on the environment and human health.

"We have major concerns about the long and adverse effects the mine will have on ground water and human health that were not addressed by Judge Patterson’s decision. The MDEQ mining review team did not apply the critical standard of the law which states that the company must prove it will not pollute, impair, or destroy natural resources and Judge Patterson did not correct those errors in his decision. We will be asking that Director Chester reverse these errors to protect the environment and natural resources of the Yellow Dog Plains," LaFernier said.

“We recognize that our area is economically depressed, especially Baraga County; and we want all people to be able to continue to live where they can survive and be happy, but we must also recognize that the temporary gains that may be produced by the proposed mining activities are far outweighed by the potential for permanent and severe damage to the environment in and around the Tribe’s ceded territory and Reservation. Many times in the past we have all turned our heads to the damage to the environment that has been caused by previous mining operations over the past 160 years, such as Keweenaw and Huron bays, Torch Lake, Portage Lake in downtown Hancock, and the Humboldt Mill site.

"The federal government, Indian Tribes and the states adjoining the Great Lakes are already in the process of spending millions and probably billions of dollars to 'cleanup' the lakes as a result of past environmental 'mistakes.' When will we learn that many of our actions will cause adverse affects on the environment and natural resources of our respective communities? Let us all share the responsibility and privilege to care for the Earth and not make any more environmental 'mistakes' so that we will continue to keep our Upper Peninsula the special place it is," LaFernier concluded.

*Editor's Notes: See our Aug. 19, 2009, article, "Updated: Judge upholds DEQ permits for mine, recommending protection for Eagle Rock."

See also our two articles on the Aug. 1-2 Protect the Earth event in Marquette, including the Walk to Eagle Rock -- Protect the Earth 2009: Part 1 and Protect the Earth Part 2: Walk to Eagle Rock.

Stupak votes in favor of House Resolution disapproving Wilson outburst

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak (D-Menominee) issued the following statement on the U.S. House of Representatives Resolution of Disapproval of Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC). Congressman Stupak voted in favor of the Resolution.

"Congressman Wilson’s behavior last week during President Obama’s address to a Joint Session of Congress was inappropriate. Nothing productive can come from this lack of respect and civility. There are rules and decorum in the U.S. House of Representatives that we, as members of Congress, are charged to uphold. We do not have a right to set our own rules, decorum or traditions when it suits our purposes. Despite the request of leadership of both parties, Congressman Wilson’s repeated refusal to apologize to House members for his inappropriate behavior resulted in the House passing this Resolution. It is my hope that in issuing this Resolution of Disapproval we can restore the dignity and integrity that has been lost over the past few days and start to again focus on addressing the critical issues that are facing our nation."

Audio from the Congressman on the House Resolution of Disapproval can be found at
http://www.house.gov/list/hearing/mi01_stupak/20090915wilson.mp3.

Join a Great Lakes beach cleanup Sept. 19 or 20

CALUMET -- Tired of finding plastic bags, food wrappers and other unsightly trash littering your favorite Great Lakes beach? Be part of the solution and join thousands of volunteers in cleaning Great Lakes shorelines during the Alliance for the Great Lakes Annual September Adopt-A-Beach Cleanup from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Sept. 19., or Sunday, Sept. 20. Times and dates may vary depending on location.

An example is the Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District (HKCD) cleanup of the Bete Grise Preserve this Sunday, Sept. 20.

The Houghton Keweenaw Conservation District invites volunteers to participate in the cleanup of this Lake Superior beach at the Bete Grise Preserve from 9 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Sept. 20. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

"Starting at 9 a.m. we will walk the Bete Grise Preserve beach and then go to the Public Beach at Bete Grise North to do the same," says Sue Haralson, HKCD administrator. "Bring a lunch and we will have a picnic back at the Preserve around noon."

Adopt-A-Beach and Michigan Coastal Cleanup are part of an international effort to pick up trash on beaches around the world.

The North Woods Conservancy (NWC) is the Michigan Coastal Cleanup coordinator for Baraga, Houghton and Keweenaw counties, including Lake Superior and inland lakes and rivers. Contact Jane or John Griffith at 906 337-0782 or email northwoodsconservancy@hughes.net for information about joining a cleanup group at an already-adopted beach or becoming the Beach Captain for a beach that is special to you.

While the official time is 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 19, Beach Captains can choose any date and time for their particular site.

"The idea is simple: pick up trash at local beaches and record the amounts and types of each trash item so garbage sources can be identified and hopefully terminated," notes Jane Griffith. "This is how the bottle bill was passed. It’s a good reason to stretch your legs, enjoy the beautiful fall weather and see some gorgeous coastal scenery."

Bill Deephouse of the Copper Country Chapter of Trout Unlimited cleans up at the Gratiot River Park during a previous Michigan Coastal Cleanup. Deephouse will again serve as Beach Captain for the cleanup this weekend at Gratiot River Park. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

New and returning volunteers are needed to help clear the shorelines during this year's event in Michigan, Illinois and Indiana. The cleanup is part of the Ocean Conservancy's International Coastal Cleanup. Great Lakes volunteers join 400,000 other volunteers from 103 other countries around the world to clean up our shorelines by removing litter and recording what they find.

You can sign up by contacting the NWC (see above) or by stopping at the Ahmeek Streetcar Station (4 miles north of Calumet on US 41) between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. weekdays or between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m. weekends. A master map, bags, gloves, aerial site maps and data forms are available at the Streetcar Station.

Beach at the Mouth of the Gratiot River after a previous Michigan Coastal Cleanup. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

No beach is too large or too small. You can choose one of the Keweenaw public beaches or do your own beach. Perhaps you and your neighbors would like to claim and clean a portion of private beach (maybe a whole subdivision or neighborhood)? Just let NWC know so they can add you to the list.

Working together, we can clean every inch of beach in the Keweenaw!

For a list of Keweenaw beaches and beach captains, email NWC at northwoodsconservancy@hughes.net or call the Griffiths at 906-337-0782.

"Detox 101" to kick off Optimal Wellness classes Sept. 16

HANCOCK -- Kate Alvord will lead off the fall series of Optimal Wellness classes with with "Detox 101: Simple Ways to Avoid Toxins and Build Health" at 6:30 p.m. this Wednesday evening, Sept. 16, in Room 324 of the Jutila Center (old hospital) in Hancock.

"Please come join us!" Alvord says. "We will talk about detox: what it is, why we can all benefit from it, ways to avoid toxin exposures and a few how-tos for easy do-it-yourself detox methods. This is a topic that's become personally very important to me since my husband, Kraig, was diagnosed with multiple chemical sensitivities about five years ago. We've learned a tremendous amount about detox since then, and I hope to pass on some key information in our hour-long class."

The class is $10 at the door and includes handouts. The Jutila Center is at 200 Michigan Street in Hancock.

OPTIMAL WELLNESS: Creating a Healthy Balance in Body, Mind and Spirit is a series of classes this fall to be held from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., with informal discussion to follow, in Room 324 of the Jutila Center.

Here is the Fall Class Schedule:

Sept. 16 -- Detox 101: Simple Ways to Avoid Toxins and Build Health, taught by Kate Alvord
Sept. 23 -- Internal Cleansing of Toxins for Vitality and Weight Loss, taught by Vicki Usitalo
Sept. 30 -- Healthy Buildings, taught by Karen Rumisek
Oct. 7 -- Mindfulness and Stress, taught by Kim Menzel
Oct. 14 -- Herbs and Essential Oils for Winter Health and Holiday Stress, taught by Karen Rumisek
Oct. 21 -- Finding Silence in the Season, taught by Dorothy Riutta
Oct. 28 -- What Do Our Chakras Have to Do With Health? taught by Patty Peterson
Nov. 4 -- Journaling for Wellness, taught by Kate Alvord
Nov. 11 -- Unwinding Habits of the Mind, taught by Kim Menzel
Nov. 18 -- Adrenal Fatigue, taught by Vicki Usitalo
Dec. 2 -- E-Z Fitness Methods: When You Can't or Don't Exercise, taught by Kate Alvord
Dec. 9 -- Love Your Self, Love Your Body, taught by Kim Menzel
Dec. 16 -- Tenderheartedness, taught by Dorothy Riutta.

For more information call 487-7451 or email NorthCoastHolistics@gmail.com.

Houghton Winter Park group to meet Sept. 16

HOUGHTON -- The next meeting of the Houghton Winter Park group will be at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the future site of an indoor playground for children aged 0-5. The site is located in Red Ridge Plaza off Sharon Avenue in Houghton (next to Hairsmiths). Red Ridge Plaza is the first on your left when you turn on to Sharon Avenue from M-26. Snap Fitness, Cyberia and Quiznos are also in this shopping center.

This community project hopes to provide opportunities for sensorimotor development and to combat common childhood disorders associated with a sedentary lifestyle. The group aims to facilitate interactions between parents and children and to foster imaginative play -- and fun!

For more information, visit the Winter Park blog created by Monica Aho, chair of the Design Committee.

Hancock City Council agenda posted on updated Web site

HANCOCK -- The agenda for the Hancock City Council meeting this Wednesday, Sept. 16, is now posted on the City of Hancock's updated Web site.

Click here for the City News and Announcements page with link to the Council Agenda.

Taking Education Abroad group to meet Mon., Sept. 14, at MTU

HOUGHTON -- Taking Education Abroad, a student group at Michigan Tech that assists Greg Mortenson's Central Asia Institute in raising money for schools in Pakistan, Afghanistan, etc., will be meeting for the first time in the Fall 2009 semester at 5 p.m. today, Monday, Sept. 14, in the back of the Campus Cafe (on the ground floor of Wadsworth Hall).

New members and supporters are welcome. The agenda for the meeting includes the following:

1. The group's Fall 2009 Schedule
2. Leadership Positions
3. T-shirts
4. Questions/Comments

For more information contact Jessica at jebanda@mtu.edu or Travis at tmwhite@mtu.edu.

Stupak announces $2,443,000 for Northern Michigan Forests

WASHINGTON, D. C. -- U.S. Congressman Bart Stupak announced five counties in Northern Michigan have received a total of $2,443,000 to restore forest health conditions in federal, state and private forests recovering from fires, forest insects and disease outbreak. Alger, Delta, Houghton, Mackinac and Schoolcraft Counties received the funding from the U.S. Forest Service as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA).

"Our vast forests contribute significantly to the economic well-being of our communities, whether through the timber and paper industries or through tourism," Stupak said. "This funding will generate economic activity in our communities while ensuring the long-term health and viability of millions of acres of forests across Northern Michigan. I am pleased the Forest Service continues to recognize the critical link between Northern Michigan’s forests and economic growth."

The ARRA funding will be used to complete high priority projects to restore forest health and resiliency by reducing insect and disease problems as well as controlling the spread of invasive plants. Funding will also help provide technical and financial assistance for the care of lands owned by states, local governments, private organizations and private individuals.

Projects in Northern Michigan are as follows:

The Forest Service will spend $200,000 in Alger County to restore native plants on Grand Island National Recreation Area in the Hiawatha National Forest. The funding will be used to carry out prescribed burning and mechanical treatments to prepare sites, plant native species and provide maintenance for one year to ensure the establishment of the newly planted areas.

The Forest Service will spend $2,243,000 in Delta, Houghton, Mackinac and Schoolcraft Counties to slow the loss of ash trees as a result of Emerald Ash Borer infestation in the Upper Peninsula.

The Forest Service also awarded $2,244,000 to six counties in Michigan and Ohio, including Keweenaw, Mackinac and Schoolcraft Counties, for Emerald Ash Borer containment and ecosystem restoration. Funds will be used for projects carried out on state and private lands and specific projects will be selected by the states.

Since the ARRA was enacted in February, all or portions of $34 million in Forest Service funding announcements have been awarded to projects in Michigan’s First Congressional District. A complete list of those projects can be found at http://www.fs.fed.us/recovery.