Letter: State of the Menominee River

One of many signs placed near the Menominee River by water protectors opposed to the proposed Back 40 mining project. (Photo courtesy Mary Hansen of the Coalition to SAVE the Menominee River)

By Dale Burie, President
Coalition to SAVE the Menominee River
Sent as Letter to Editor Dec. 27, 2021

As 2021 comes to a close, I would like to offer my "State of the River" address to the people of this Menominee River watershed and beyond.

This past year we have seen Great Lakes Exploration file an application for exclusive Mineral Rights in Holmes and Faithorn townships in Menominee County. The Coalition established a "Call to Action" button on our website for concerned citizens to submit their letters of opposition. There were over 600 letters filed with the Mineral Leases Division of the State of Michigan in opposition, and we are asking for denial of this application.*

Aquila Resources also filed an application for exclusive Mineral Rights in Lake and Holmes townships in Menominee County. Once again, the Coalition established a "Call to Action" button on our website to send a letter of opposition to the Mineral Lease Division of the State of Michigan. Well over 200 letters were submitted, asking the Division director to deny this lease application.**

In October, Aquila Resources announced the transfer of their interests to Gold Resources of Denver, Colorado. This is the same Aquila Resources that came to this area with promises of high paying jobs, helping local school systems, building better roads; and after spending over 100,000,000 dollars of money they obtained from our friends, relatives, and the good people of Marinette and Menominee Counties, they are all but bankrupt. My heart goes out to the investors for their losses.

As Gold Resources intends to spend 2022 filing for the necessary permits to continue the Back Forty project, we as the Coalition to SAVE the Menominee River, Inc., stand ready with our staff of Environmental attorneys to STOP any forward progress for a sulfide mine on the Menominee River, with your help and support.

We have an opportunity to submit your letter of support to make the Anaem Omot (The Dog’s Belly, Anaem ah ka chiew, 60 Islands) Holmes and Lake Townships, Menominee County, Michigan, for consideration for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places by the State Historic Preservation Review Board at their meeting on January 28, 2022. You also can attend with ZOOM. This is the historical Menominee Indian burial grounds, dance rings and gardens.

A Menominee burial ground on the Michigan side of the Menominee River, not far from the proposed site for the Back 40 mining project. (Keweenaw Now file photo)

You may submit your support letter to Todd A. Walsh, National Register Coordinator by email at: WalshT@michigan.gov  or by letter to: Michigan State Historic Preservation Office, 300 North Washington Square, Lansing, Michigan 48913.

Protect the Menominee River for your children and grandchildren.

Dale Burie
Coalition to SAVE the Menominee River, Inc.
www.jointherivercoalition.org

Editor's Notes:

* See our Oct. 27, 2021, article, "DNR to hold Public Meeting, comment period, on Great Exploration metallic mineral lease request in Menominee County."

 ** See the Nov. 20, 2021, article, "UPDATED: PUBLIC NOTICE: DNR to hold virtual public meeting on Aquila mineral lease application Nov. 23."