2/9/12 – There are a number of new mining projects proposed near the BWCA Wilderness. In the past, mining has caused serious pollution problems and the companies have faded away, leaving the mess for the locals to live with. This has become a big issue around here. The Friends of the Boundary Waters, the long time wilderness advocacy group, has a lot of information on their website. In the interest of fairness, here is a link to Polymet, the company that is farthest along in it’s effort to begin a new type of mining in Minnesota.

Former Sawbill crew, Dave and Amy Freeman, are teaming up with former state legislator and Grand Marais-area dogsled racer Frank Moe for an epic trip from Northern Minnesota to the State Capitol in St. Paul in early March. They are calling for the protection of the region’s natural heritage, including clean water and wilderness. Dave and Amy will be delivering petitions from Ely to Finland, Minnesota by dogsled. Frank will continue with those petitions and many more on to the State Capitol.

You have seen the lakes, rivers, and forests of Northern Minnesota first hand and understand how special this area is. Please join Dave, Amy, Frank, and thousands of others by signing the petition that will be delivered to the State Capitol by dogsled.

Please, watch the videos below to learn more about the Sulfide Mining that is proposed near Ely and sign the petition below.