About a month ago I inquired the DEQ in Michigan as to the status of the Mason Tract Drilling Permit seeked by Savoy Energy. Here is the DEQ response I recieved

Hi Jeff,
Your note was forwarded to me for reply. The DEQ issued a permit to drill the USA & State South Branch 1-8 to Savoy Energy LP on 11/26/03. This site is not on the Mason Tract but approximately 1655' east of it and nearly 3000' east of the Au Sable.

By DAN SANDERSON
Record-Eagle staff writer

GRAYLING - Grayling business owners and an area lawmaker are circulating petitions to fight plans to drill a gas well near the Mason Tract. Rep. Matt Gillard, D-Alpena, initiated a statewide petition drive targeting a plan by Traverse City-based Savoy Energy to drill an exploratory gas well near the Mason Tract on the South Branch of the AuSable River, regarded as one of the nation's premier trout streams.

State resource officials today announced that Largemouth Bass Virus (LMBV) continues spread in southern Michigan lakes, and called upon anglers to help contain the disease and protect fish populations.

Largemouth Bass Virus is one of more than 100 naturally occurring viruses that affect fish, and is closely related to viruses found in frogs and other amphibians. Its origin and how it is spread are unknown. The virus is not known to infect humans, and infected fish are considered safe to eat. However, it is recommended that all fish be thoroughly cooked as general food safety rule.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public input on the creation of a plan to bring about the recovery of the Lake Erie water snake, a federally listed threatened species. The only place in the world this unique snake occurs is on the islands and in the waters of the western Lake Erie basin.