Public comment opens: Corps of Engineers seeks comments

on removal of 1905 obelisk from Soo Locks Brady Park  

SAULT STE. MARIE, Mich. – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District released the Obelisk Alternatives Analysis Report for a 30-day public review on June 9, 2025.The analysis addresses the cultural effects of removing an obelisk from a burial site, determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places as a Traditional Cultural Place, located at Brady Park at the Soo Locks.

The Bay Mills Indian Community and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Michigan conducts cultural and religious practices at the burial site. Those practices in the presence of an obelisk celebrating the semi-centennial of the construction of locks, which destroyed most of the burial site, continue to have an ongoing negative effect on their members.

The Bay Mills Indian Community and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Michigan have requested that the Corps of Engineers remove the obelisk from the burial site to mitigate this effect.

“The Corps of Engineers recognizes the cultural and spiritual importance of the burial site to the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and other Tribal Nations,” said Corps of Engineers, Detroit District Tribal Liaison Curtis Sedlacek.

“In response to longstanding Tribal requests, the Corps of Engineers is considering alternatives to address their request, including removing the Obelisk from the burial site to support the Tribes’ ability to practice their cultural and religious traditions.”

While the Obelisk contributes to the National Historic Landmark designation of the Soo Locks, the Corps of Engineers is committed to evaluating options that minimize harm to both historic resources and Tribal cultural practices.

The decision-making process is guided by Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and includes close consultation with Tribal Nations and other stakeholders.

The obelisk was erected in 1905 to commemorate the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the Soo Locks. The Soo Locks will retain its status as a National Historic Landmark and National Register of Historic Places property.

Copies of the Public Notice, Alternatives Analysis and Draft Memorandum of Understanding may be viewed online at: https://usace.contentdm.oclc.org/digital/collection/p16021coll15/id/9737.

Anyone with concerns is encouraged to review the report and submit comments that will help inform the final decision.

Feedback received during the public review will be considered alongside input from consulting parties including the State Historic Preservation Office, National Park Service, Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, and Tribal Nations to ensure the final decision reflects a broad range of perspectives and expertise.

Please provide all comments via email to LRE-NHPA-Comments@usace.army.mil.

Unified Command established for Hon. James L. Oberstar incident

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI – A unified command was established on Tuesday for the Hay Lake marine casualty response and salvage efforts involving the Hon. James L. Oberstar.

The vessel grounded Sunday near Johnson Point in the East Neebish Channel, according to a release issued by owner Interlake Steamship Co. The U.S. Coast Guard has said the vessel only experienced “vibrations.”

Waterfront reports, not confirmed, indicate that fleetmate Kaye E. Barker may be enroute to offload some or all of the Oberstar’s cargo.

The Oberstar has a total maximum capacity 108,000 gallons of fuel and other products. The coast guard said there are no reports of pollution in the water or surrounding area. The Oberstar is currently in the Hay Lake Anchorage.

The USCG cutter Spar and other smaller USCG vessels are also on scene. Anti-pollution equipment has been deployed around the vessel’s stern. The vessel was carrying limestone at the time of the incident and reported there were no injuries on board.

The unified command consists of the U.S. Coast Guard, the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE), Chippewa County and the Interlake Steamship Company. Multiple federal, state, local and partner organizations are also assisting in the response. Representatives from the Northern Michigan Area Committee including the Army Corps of Engineers, the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the Bay Mills Tribe, and the City of Sault Ste Marie Ontario are participating and advising the UC throughout the response.

Soo Today, USCG and local reports