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Report: Kawishiwi an endangered river

D.C.-based American Rivers cites copper-nickel mining in adding major BWCAW river system to list of ten most at-risk rivers

Marshall Helmberger
Posted 4/17/13

ELY—The national organization American Rivers has listed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as one of the ten most-endangered river systems in the United States in a report that the group …

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Report: Kawishiwi an endangered river

D.C.-based American Rivers cites copper-nickel mining in adding major BWCAW river system to list of ten most at-risk rivers

Posted

ELY—The national organization American Rivers has listed the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness as one of the ten most-endangered river systems in the United States in a report that the group produces annually to highlight rivers facing major threats.

This year, the group is highlighting the Kawishiwi River, one of the BWCAW’s principal watersheds, which the organization argues is threatened by proposed copper-nickel mining near Ely.

“The America’s Most Endangered Rivers report is a call to action to save rivers that are facing a critical tipping point,” said Jessie Thomas-Blate of American Rivers. “We all need healthy rivers. They provide our drinking water, support the economies of our communities, and promote public health and quality of life. We hope citizens will take action to ensure a healthy Boundary Waters for generations to come.”

In a press statement issued this week, the group argues that proposed copper-nickel mining within the Kawishiwi River watershed threatens to undermine water quality in the river and produce large amounts of waste rock that could despoil hundreds of acres of the nearby Superior National Forest. Polluted runoff from the mine poses a public health concern because of fish and drinking water contamination and threatens the Boundary Waters ecosystem, said the organization in its statement.

The group argues that the Boundary Waters wilderness has served as a major attraction for both visitors and new residents to neighboring communities, helping to develop sustainable local economies. “Scores of diverse businesses thrive because of the economic activity generated by tourism and residents attracted to the region. Poisoning of the Boundary Waters would drastically, if not fatally, undermine these thriving local economies,” writes the group in their report.

“Minnesota business owners recognize that the pollution that inevitably follows metallic sulfide mining poses a major risk to the area’s tourism-based economy,” said Becky Rom, of Northeastern Minnesotans for Wilderness, which advocates for the protection of the Quetico-Superior ecosystem.

Resort owners Steve and Jane Koschak agreed. “Our resort, which lies just across the South Kawishiwi River from exploration sites, is already impacted by the noise of drill rigs. If mining commences, water pollution will threaten our business as well as the dozens of resorts downstream from us all the way to Voyageurs National Park and on to Lake of the Woods,” said Jane Koschak.

Headquartered in Washington, D.C., American Rivers has offices across the country and claims more than 100,000 supporters, members, and volunteers nationwide. For more, go to www.americanrivers.org.