January 2010 e-newsletter: time to speak up about PolyMet

Dear friend,

Even though the PolyMet copper-nickel mine would not be located in the watershed of the Boundary Waters, its impact on our treasured wilderness cannot be understated. Last week, Duluth Metals announced a new partnership with the South American mining corporation Anafogasta PLC to open up a mine along the South Kawishiwi River, a stone’s throw from the BWCAW.

In a recent conference call with investors, the company’s leaders explained why they believe their mine has a good chance to succeed:

“… The answer was simple: follow PolyMet. … PolyMet has laid down a map for how to permit a copper-nickel mine in Minnesota.” – Ely Echo, 1/16/2010

Make no mistake, decisions made during the PolyMet environmental review process will have huge implications for the future of the Boundary Waters ecosystem. After PolyMet, all significant interest is focused squarely on the Birch Lake-South Kawishiwi River area. This e-newsletter features ways you can make a difference in this important issue.

It is vitally important that the responsible government agencies hear from you about the prospect of such a risky mine being opened up in the Arrowhead.

Sincerely,

Greg Seitz
Communications Director

Less than two weeks left

The public comment period for PolyMet closes at 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 3. Despite taking four years to develop, despite being 1,500 pages long with thousands of pages of supporting documentation, and despite public outcry, the Department of Natural Resources and the Army Corps of Engineers have denied all requests for a comment period extension for the PolyMet DEIS beyond 90 days. We are furiously drafting our own comments on the proposal, based on work with several technical experts we’ve retained.

Speak up and spread the word

Starting next Wednesday, there are two key things you can do:

1. Submit your own comments on the PolyMet DEIS. You can do it now, but we are hoping to have more of our analysis available for you to inform your comments by next Wednesday. Want to do it now? There’s nothing that says you can’t submit two comments!
2. Spread the word on Wednesday, January 27–”Sulfide Mining Awareness Day.” On that day, e-mail your friends and family, change your Facebook status, submit your PolyMet comment, and do anything else you can to spread the word about this issue. Look for an email next Tuesday with more about this event. You can R.S.V.P. on Facebook right now.

Make a (caucus) resolution for clean water

On Feb. 2, political caucuses will be held around the state. At your precinct caucus, you can introduce a resolution about sulfide mining. It’s really pretty simple and an effective way to raise awareness and spark discussion about this issue. We are working on a sample resolution, fact sheets, and tips to help you. If you are interested, please contact me at greg@friends-bwca.org and I’ll get you the resources as soon as possible.

Share “Precious Waters”

With a DVD and a resource packet that we’ll provide, you can easily an informative, inspiring event in your home, at your church, or in your community to educate your friends, family and neighbors about this important issue. Just contact kristina@friends-bwca.org to request a DVD and resource packet.

Mark your calendar

• “Precious Waters” showings – Jan. 28 in St. Anthony Park and St. Cloud and Jan. 28 in West St. Paul. Details…
• Annual event – March 20. Wilderness author and artist Doug Woods will present the keynote speech. Join us in presenting our annual Conservation Award to Bob and Pat Tammen, tireless advocates for the clean water and healthy ecosystems of northeastern Minnesota. Stay tuned for more details.
• Midwest Mountaineering Spring Adventure Expo – April 23-25.
• Spring campsite and portage cleaning trip – April 30-May 2. Contact Kris Wegerson and John Ipsen at jkjl@clearwire.net if you are interested!
• Gunflint Green Up – May 7-8, planting trees on the Gunflint Trail.
• Canoe the Mississippi River with the Friends and Wilderness Inquiry – May 22

Summer internships

The deadline for applications for our summer internship is Jan. 31. We are interested in working with students–undergraduate or graduate–who are interested in environmental policy, communications, education and development. Please send resumes to greg@friends-bwca.org by January 31.