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Mining forum at Northland offers insight into mining regulation and legislation

January 28, 2012

More than 50 area residents turned out to hear presentations from state and local officials on the regulatory, scientific and cultural issues surrounding a proposed iron mine in northwestern Wisconsin Saturday, Jan. 28. The forum held at Northland College in Ashland was framed to educate the community on different aspects of the proposed mine and offer community members a chance to ask questions of presenters and panelists. Invited speakers were asked to talk about the regulatory, scientific, cultural and economic factors being considered as the Wisconsin Legislature debates a bill that would change mining laws in the state.

Presenters touched on the absence of a contested case hearing under proposed mining legislation and what that may mean for mine permitting in Wisconsin.

"If you don't have that process, you're stuck with opinion and you don't have to move beyond that," said presenter Tom Evans with the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey.

"Having an expert witness know that they're going to undergo cross examination on their data and opinions" prompts those testifying to provide more quality information when representing their positions on a mining project, according to presenter George Meyer with the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation.

In addition, Presenter Jason Stark outlined the importance of natural resources to the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.

"The resources for the tribe are priceless," said Stark, speaking on behalf of Bad River Band Tribal Chairman Mike Wiggins. Stark cited potential conflicts between balancing the use of environmental resources with economic development.

Campus Minister David Saetre, forum moderator, said the event aimed to provide information from a variety of perspectives as the public considers the costs and benefits of mining.

"Mining is a reality in today's modern world. It's important that people obtain information and engage in conversation that addresses questions regarding a proposal that may pose significant economic and environmental impacts to the region," said Saetre. "As an educational institution, Northland seeks to examine issues and offer opportunities for the community to become more informed."

The Jan. 28 forum included presentations from professionals with an informed understanding of various aspects of mining regulation and legislation. Presenters included Tom Evans with the Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey, University of Wisconsin-Extension, who spoke on the role of resource regulation and democratic processes. Jason Stark, Policy Analyst with the Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission, represented Mike Wiggins of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Stark addressed the issue of sovereignty and resource management. In addition, George Meyer, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Wildlife Federation and retired secretary of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, talked about recent mining history and regulation in Wisconsin.

Panelists included Jennifer Giegerich, the Legislative Director of the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters; Randy Lehr, Bro Professor at Northland College; and Patrick Boerboon, board member of the Ashland/Bayfield League of Women Voters, past Chair of the Town of Gingles and a private practice attorney.

Northland College radio station 97.7 WRNC-LP will provide a link to audio from Saturday's mining forum on the station's website at www.wrnclp.org.