Among my most memorable experiences was my first trip canoeing the South Branch of the Ontonagon River. Following the last set of rapids, we quietly canoed and fished across Lake Victoria as we observed bears, beaver while eagles and osprey soared overhead. The sounds of the singing songbirds were almost deafening. It was then, I decided I wanted to live in the Western Upper Peninsula. Fifteen years later, my dream came true when I was given the opportunity to transfer for my job.

I have since canoed the many branches of the Ontonagon River and each time, I relive my first experience. Now, I see the area I love and enjoy on the verge of being destroyed by land developers.

The project lands surrounding Lake Victoria and Bond Flowage were basically public lands, set aside by FERC for public use and protection of natural resources, in exchange for allowing the Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) to use public water for power generation and profit. The current license, which was issued 2003, was clear regarding the terms and conditions under which old growth forests, vegetation, wetlands, recreation, water quality, wildlife habitant particularly threatened and endangered species would be protected. I believe the current proposal to sell the non-project lands to a developer are in direct conflict with the agreed terms. In effect, the non-project lands became more valuable because of the presence of the existing reservoirs while the prospective property owners gain basically exclusive use of project lands. I do not know of any one who would feel comfortable setting up a tent or fishing along a lake within 200 feet of a back-yard picnic.

Other alternatives are possible. There was only a half-hearted effort to offer the surrounding non-project lands to a conservation organization and virtually nothing has been done to inform the local townships or the public of their plans, nor was there any mention of plans to sell and develop in the 2001DEIS. It is my belief, these actions are a deliberate attempt to deceive because had UPPCO's current plans been known, relicensing could have been affected.

I strongly encourage FERC to deny all requests until a new Environmental Impact Assessment is conducted including the opportunity for public hearings and comment.

As I near retirement, it is my hope that future generations will have the same experience I did twenty five years ago. Hearing the distant howl of a wolf while observing the Northern Lights or observing an eagle soaring over Lake Victoria in search of a meal, is beyond any comparison to a lake surrounded by piers, manicured lawns, homes, no trespassing signs, barking dogs and yard lights. Once the serenity is destroyed, it can not be reclaimed.