To: Congresswoman Betty McCollum
Tell Rep. McCollum to protect the Boundary Waters
Victory! The creator of this petition declared the campaign a success. You can still sign the petition to show support.
As a member of the House Subcommittee on Interior and Environment, I hope that you will help permanently protect the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness and Voyageurs National Park from sulfide-ore copper mining.
Please make preserving these pristine waters and unspoiled forests, and the sustainable regional economy, a priority. Toxic mining pollution would damage the rivers and lakes that flow into the Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National Park.
Please follow in the steps of Former Congressman Bruce Vento and show your appreciation for the wilderness by protecting these two national treasures from sulfide-ore copper mining.
Why is this important?
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is the most popular Wilderness area in America. At 1.1 million acres in size, it is the largest Wilderness area east of the Rockies and north of the Everglades. The Boundary Waters offers 1,200 miles of canoe and kayak routes, 237.5 miles of overnight hiking trails and 2,000 designated campsites, and is home to unique wildlife including lynx, wolves, moose and loons.
For 50 years the Wilderness Act has protected this special place. But, it is now jeopardized by recent proposals to bring sulfide-ore copper mining – a risky type of mining that has never before been permitted in Minnesota – to places where pollution will drain into the Wilderness itself. Byproducts of sulfide-ore copper mining include hazardous pollutants such as sulfuric acid and heavy metals, which could permanently ruin the pristine water and unspoiled forests of this place.
Pollution from these mines would flow right into the heart of the Boundary Waters as well as impact Voyageurs National Park. These beloved national treasures offer unparalleled outdoor experiences to millions of people, and help drive the economy of Northeastern Minnesota, where tourism supports 18,000 jobs and brings $850 million in sales annually to the region.
Please visit www.SavetheBoundaryWaters.org to learn more about the Campaign to Save the Boundary Waters.