Pipe Out Paddle Protest 2016 against Line 5 oil pipeline to be Sept. 3

During the 2015 Pipe Out! Paddle flotilla protest, canoers and kayakers near the south end of the Mackinac Bridge call for shutting down Enbridge's Line 5 under the Straits of Mackinac. This year's protest will be Saturday, Sept. 3. (Photo by Keweenaw Now)*

MACKINAW CITY -- Calling all defenders of the Great Lakes! Concerned citizens calling for the SHUT DOWN of Enbridge Line 5 OIL PIPELINE under the Straits of Mackinac invite all Kayaktivists to join them in a flotilla of protest from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 3, at Mackinac Lighthouse Park, N. Huron Ave. and N. Nicolet St., Mackinaw City, Mich. Protest launch times will be at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Line 5 is a 63-year-old pipeline beneath the Straits of Mackinac. It carries light crude oil and natural gas, and it is owned by the same irresponsible company (Enbridge) that allowed the Kalamazoo River oil spill to occur. If this pipeline breaks, it will devastate the pristine waters of Lake Michigan for centuries. This pipeline poses too great a risk to our Great Lakes.*

A flotilla is a large group of kayaks/kayaktivists protesting on the water for a cause, or calling for an ACTION.  Some kayak rentals may be available, first come first serve. You can also observe the kayaks from shore. Grab-n-Go food and refreshments will be available. Visit the Pipe Out Paddle Facebook page for details and updates. Click here to register.

If you cannot attend, click here to donate to the cause.

* See Keweenaw Now's extensive article with videos and photos of last year's Pipe out Paddle Protest.