The DNR is considering an exploratory drilling plan for Franconia to facilitate a polluting mine that would be built under Birch Lake, the most popular recreation lake in the Superior National Forest outside the Boundary Waters. The extensive scientific and economic studies underlying the Forest Service’s earlier decision to refuse to consent to mining lease renewals show beyond dispute that sulfide-ore mining in the Boundary Waters watershed would do extensive and irreparable harm to this great Wilderness as well as to the economic and social fabric of local communities. Until legislation is passed that permanently prohibits sulfide-ore mining (including “exploratory” drilling in the Wilderness watershed) mining companies — entities that care not at all about ecological and community health and sustainability — will continue to probe and prod for openings.
Message: The Minnesota Legislature must act promptly to enact a permanent ban on sulfide-ore mining including exploratory drilling in the Boundary Waters watershed. In addition, passing the Prove It First bill in the 2024 legislative session would go a long way to prohibit copper nickel sulfide-ore mining any place in Minnesota for the next ten years.
Please contact Governor Walz and your state senators and representatives:
STATE/MINNESOTA Governor TIM WALZ – 651-201-3400
STATE/MINNESOTA Senators – DON’T KNOW YOUR SENATOR? Look her or him up here: https://www.gis.leg.mn/iMaps/districts/
STATE/MINNESOTA Representatives – DON’T KNOW YOUR REP? Look her or him up here: https://www.gis.leg.mn/iMaps/districts/
Is your organization looking for a four-up post card template? Print this on 8.5″ x 11″ post card-weight paper.
ACTIVE VOICES CALLING FOR CHANGE! Active Voices continues to identify important issues and construct brief messages complete with email and phone numbers for FUS members and anyone to use to contact elected representatives and other designated recipients. This is your chance to continue to help make a positive difference in our world in a way that works best for you. We appreciate your voice!
We ask you to call or email with the message above. If you choose, feel free to edit the message to put it in your own words.
Your Active Voices Team: