From Environment America (https://environmentamerica.org/):
Toxic mining threatens the Boundary Waters, but we have an opportunity to protect this wilderness.
Islands of old-growth trees interlaced with clean, ice-cold rivers and lakes, the Boundary Waters is one of our most treasured — and most visited — wilderness areas.
But the proposed Twin Metals mine threatens the safety of these trees, waters and all the wildlife that calls them home. Sulfide-ore copper mining is one of the most toxic industries in America, and doesn’t belong anywhere near the Boundary Waters.
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is holding a comment period to consider a 20-year ban on mining in the Boundary Waters watershed. Go to https://environmentamerica.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=48189 to tell the BLM to protect this irreplaceable ecosystem today.
If the BLM hears enough support to protect the Boundary Waters, this pristine wilderness could be safe for decades.
But the mining industry is determined to push Twin Metals through and endanger the entire ecosystem with highly toxic mining.
The Boundary Waters is composed of one big interconnected system of streams and lakes — which means that if toxins from the proposed Twin Metals mine hit its waters at any point, they could quickly contaminate the entire ecosystem.1
We need to protect this precious place and the communities and wildlife that rely on it. The wonder of the Boundary Waters can’t be jeopardized for dangerous mining that we just don’t need.
Earlier this year, we secured a win for the Boundary Waters when the Biden administration announced it would hold a study on the environmental impacts of mining, pausing any new lease sales.2
It’s time to capitalize on that momentum and use this opportunity to win long-term protections for the Boundary Waters.
Add your name and tell the BLM that the Boundary Waters deserve to be protected.
Thank you for taking action.
1. Jennifer Bjorhus, “Federal judge hands Twin Metals major win in fight over mining near Boundary Waters,” Star Tribune, March 18, 2020.
2. Steve Karnowski, “Biden administration move could block Minnesota copper mine,” AP News, October 20, 2021.
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