This mighty and breathtaking river is currently threatened by a massive open-pit mine that has recently received several permit approvals from the State of Michigan. If successful, the detrimental mine would be built 150 feet from its banks. The mine would include a massive tailings pond which would produce toxic chemicals that would likely leach into the river over time.

The stories in this book were written for anyone who enjoys reading about outdoor pursuits, though its real intention is to inspire others to get involved and advocate for precious natural resources being threatened across the country.

This book tells the story of the creation of the flowage, traces the evolution of its waters, recounts the emerging human presence in the area, and examines the interplay of the various parties that have an interest in the flowage and its future. It also takes a close look at flowage fishing, life at flowage resorts, and some of the colorful people whose lives have become part of the history and legend of the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage.

For 40 years Sumner has regularly made time to record the stories of Wisconsin field biologists, ecologists, conservation biologists, and land stewards. Among them are the well-known and recognized as well as the more obscure and overlooked. All made vital contributions to natural history and conservation in Wisconsin.