| In July, 1978, five
citizens in Bay City, angered by growing problems at Consumers Power
Company's Midland nuclear construction, decided to meet to discuss the
issue. It soon became clear to them that the Midland reactors were too
costly, potentially dangerous, and unnecessary. It was decided
to formally organize and oppose the continued construction. During the
search for a name for the organization, one member read of a centuries
old Saginaw valley Indian legend that told of an aging ash tree
inhabited by a single white owl. According to the story, as long as the
tree remained standing the natives of the valley would prosper. And the
prophecy was accurate - for many years the fertile valley provided ample
resources for the people that lived in it.
With the passage of time, however, encroaching settlers - the
newest residents of the valley, killed the owl of the tree and shortly
thereafter the tree itself fell - as did the fortunes of the original
settlers.
The tree - a single, strong, upright image of the power and
beauty of nature, seemed a fitting symbol to represent the opposition
to this threat to the newest residents of Saginaw valley.
The fledgling organization became - the Lone Tree Council.
|
