The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is under attack by foreign mining companies and special interests.  It is time for office holders like Sen. Grant Hauschild to stand up for what is right rather than hide behind the hollow rhetoric of the past. 
Stating that “I follow the science and the law,” is a farce.  The scientific study conducted by the federal government that led to the mineral withdrawal in the watershed shows the damage that will be done in our backyard by sulfide mining.  Economic studies show the devastating impact sulfide mining will have on local businesses and property values. 
The senator knows that the current administration will not follow the law on this issue.  It is clear that the Trump administration refuses to abide by the law on a daily basis.  Despite all of this, Hauschild as much as begged Donald Trump to strip away BWCAW protections (the mineral withdrawal) because special interests and consultants say that is the smart political thing to do. 
However, the vast majority of people needed for the senator’s re-election vehemently oppose mining in the BWCAW watershed.  Apparently, he thinks that repeating old standard talking points to people who know that neither the science nor the law supports toxic mining in this area will earn their votes.  Far from it — it is simply offensive.  Nobody likes to be treated like a fool.  Politics is a rough business, but sometimes the rubber hits the road and one is faced with a decision to either act wisely for the benefit of the many, or serve the short term interests of the few. 
Thankfully, there is time for Sen. Hauschild to stand up and do what is right.  It would be a shame for a person with much promise to go down the road of others and be remembered only for destroying a very special place.  It would not only lead to defeat locally, but an end to seeking any other office, as over 70 percent of Minnesotans support the effort to protect the Boundary Waters.  Watch his position on this issue closely and let him know that you do not intend to sacrifice the BWCAW for his election or personal ambitions.  Those of us who care deeply about the Boundary Waters deserve a candidate to vote for in the next state senate election who will act to protect and preserve the wilderness.  If not, there is plenty of time to field an independent candidate who will do so. 
Kelly Dahl
Linden Grove Township