BIG RAPIDS, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – Gotion Inc. is pushing back on claims that an eagle’s nest was found on their property in Green Charter Township where they intend to build an EV battery plant.
In a press release sent out on Friday, they claim that “extensive environmental studies done on Gotion’s property have found no evidence of eagle nest” and point to an “opposition group” spreading misinformation on social media.
Former accusations of eagle’s nest on Gotion property.
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On Wednesday, Michigan News Source wrote about yet-to-be-released drone footage that purports to verify an eagle’s nest on the property, however Gotion Inc. claims that their own studies have found “absolutely no evidence of an eagle nest or eagle activity.”
The Gotion Inc. press release says, “Misinformation quickly spread on social media after an area resident trespassed on Gotion’s property, took several photos of a small nest, and posted them on social media claiming the nest was an eagle nest.”
Chuck Thelen, vice president of Gotion Inc. – North American Manufacturing says, “Protecting and preserving our environment continues to be a top concern for Gotion Inc. as we move forward with our battery components facility in Green Charter Township and safeguarding our environment also means ensuring the protection of our state’s beautiful and diverse wildlife.”
Gotion Inc. welcomes U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on property for investigation.
Thelen continues, “It’s our understanding that two elected officials have contacted the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the issue. Gotion Inc. welcomes and invites USFWS officials on our property at any time so they can also verify there are no eagle nests on our property.”
Gotion Inc. points to the company Barr Engineering Co., an engineering and environmental consulting firm, as performing independent studies on 252 acres of the property’s mature forested area and that the evaluations “identified no bald eagle nests or nesting activities.”
Engineering company explains methodology for evaluation.
The Gotion press release included a 1-1/2 page “Bald Eagle Nest Evaluation” from Barr Engineering Co. with a map and describes the area investigated and methodology. It states, “The field survey methods for evaluating for bald eagle nest on-site are consistent with Barr’s understanding of USFWS (United States Fish and Wildlife Service) guidelines, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)/USFWS screening tool, MNFI recommendations, and the judgment of the investigator based on the available habitat for nesting bald eagles.”
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The evaluation continues to say, “Meander surveys were conducted within areas of the site containing mature forested habitat. The site meander surveys were conducted during the fall of 2022, spring of 2023, late summer of 2023 and the winter and spring of 2024.”
Company says nest site is not a potential nesting habitat for bald eagle because of proximity to water.
The investigation concludes, “Because the subject site is located some distance from large open water areas, the forested habitat evaluated on the site is not considered potential nesting habitat for the bald eagle. The meander surveys, including those conducted with EGLE staff present, identified no bald eagle nests or nesting activities within the AOI (area of investigation).”
Thelen says in the Gotion press release. “The most recent extremist hoax executed by pathological liars has again manipulated my community into outrage using fabrications specifically designed to destroy the community. The good and honest people in our area must speak out against such blatant and continuous disrespect from these extremists. I am sick of them making my community the laughingstock of our great nation.”
Thelen continues, “Gotion has contracted with an environmental company to evaluate the site for species present that range from ants to zebras. The report repeatedly shows there are no endangered or protected species on the site.”
Watchdog group says water study is not a wildlife study.
EDRA (Economic Development Responsibility Alliance of Michigan) Founder and director Marjorie Steele says in a public statement on social media, “If Gotion has performed ANY environmental assessments beyond the Oct 2022 Barr Engineering wetlands delineations, let Chuck present them. Go right ahead.”
She continues to say, “Those wetlands delineations were just that – identifying the 60 acres of wetlands which Gotion intends to destroy. There is no inventory of fauna contained in the delineations, nor anything that could cause the report to be considered ‘extensive environmental research.’”
Steele concludes, “The delineations MOST CERTAINLY do not assess the site for bald eagles – or ANY animals whatsoever.You know how Gotion could prove it’s done environmental impact studies? By doing them.”
Michigan News Source asked both Barr Engineering Co. and Gotion’s PR spokesperson, John Whetstone, Director of Public Affairs for Truscott Rossman, to provide any environmental studies of wildlife on the Gotion property for today’s article but none have been provided yet.
Also not provided publicly yet is the drone footage of the eagle nest that retired veterinarian Steven Lowry pointed to for his own evaluation of the nest. When and where the drone footage will be released is still a mystery.
Barring any definitive documentation from either side concerning the wildlife present on the Gotion property, Eaglegate continues…
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