Whether it was the destruction of the redwood forest in California, the decimation of the wild buffalo in the plains, the near extinction of the North American Elk, or the famously over polluted “river that caught on fire”, Cuyhoga River, throughout our history the country’s natural resources have faced enormous pressure from monetary pursuits. In spite of this, each generation elevated individuals that stood up against Goliath and won. We have reached another pinnacle moment in our history to slay the giant and preserve our country’s treasured resources.

Established in 1909, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) is a 1,090,000-acre wilderness area located in northeastern Minnesota (Superior National Forest). This pristine area is the most visited wilderness area in the United States, known for its nearly pure drinking water, superior outdoor recreations, clean air and breathtaking views of the northern lights.

Under the pressures of our current economic environment, however, Minnesota is moving to open up 44 million acres of land in the northern forest, many of which surround the boundaries of the BWCAW, to sulfide mining. According to the EPA, this mining generates more toxic waste than any other nonrenewable excavations, resulting in sulfuric acid leaching out metals and chemicals that permeate and destroy entire ecosystems. The BWCAW now stands at the front of this impending natural disaster bulls-eye.

PolyMet Mining Corp is strategically partnering with Glencore International (the Swiss Commodity trader that has appointed former BP executive Tony Hayward as their executive expert in charge of the environmental and mine safety) to strip mine this entire region promising the local residents the sweet lure of money only to have time and the replication of history illustrate the falsity of their promises and pain of permanent regret.

Please sign this petition and pass along the news to others that care, which will be given to the appropriate elected officials, the EPA, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and the Minnesota’s governors office urging the collective agencies to not issue the necessary permits allowing the strip mining projects to move forward.