December 14, 2011
For Immediate Release
Contacts: Rob Bohmann, 262-498-4605
Kari Lee-Zimmermann, 608-266-0580
Madison—The Wisconsin Conservation Congress has not taken a position at this time on a Gogebic Taconite LLC (GTAC) request that the Wisconsin legislature accelerate the permitting process allowing the company to open an iron mine in northern Wisconsin.
“The WCC does not have a spring hearing vote from the public on this issue on which to base a position and will not take one at this time” said Rob Bohmann, chair of the WCC. “However, we want to make sure that the citizens of Wisconsin continue to have every opportunity to enjoy the hunting, fishing and trapping activities that have occurred in this area for generations.”
“It is also important that sufficient safeguards are in place to protect the environment and watershed in northern Wisconsin,” Bohmann added. “If this mine could provide economic relief to the northwoods without degrading the quality of life this unique area provides and include proper habitat restoration, it could be a win-win for everyone.”
“It is a delicate balance. Neither the economic benefits nor the protection of the environment should come at the expense of the other.”
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