"LANSING, Mich. — State Natural Resources Director Keith Creagh prohibited drilling on land tracts in the Au Sable River’s “holy waters” corridor Thursday while approving oil and gas exploration leases that worried fly fishermen and environmentalists."

"'Michigan has special places that deserve careful attention and thoughtful protection,' Creagh said while announcing his decision at the monthly Michigan Natural Resources Commission meeting here. 'The Au Sable River is one of those places.'

Creagh said the mineral rights leases, sought by Canada’s Encana Corp., can go forward but only as 'non-development' parcels. It means the company can’t drill or explore on the land’s surface."

Gary Heinlein reports for the Detroit News December 12, 2013. [2]