Mining supporter responds to VP Pence's statements on copper-nickel mines

Conservationist with Common Sense (CWCS) is a nonprofit organization based in Ely, Minnesota. According to CWCS President Nancy McReady, the CWCS mission is to educate the public in order to preserve reasonable public access to and sensible recreational multiple-use of public lands and waters (including motorized uses) in Northeastern Minnesota, especially the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW), with care for the environment.

CWCS was established in 1989 and has been involved in a variety of issues, lending support to logging projects, snowmobile and ATV trails, and more. CWCS has been involved in a number of lawsuits working to maintain the Chain of Lake use permit quotas and returning vehicle use to Prairie and trout Lake Portages and more.

CWCS also has voiced concern about the School Trust Lands in the BWCAW that do not generate revenue for the state’s schools.

In recent years, CWCS has been an advocate for mining outside the BWCAW and has worked closely with Up North Jobs and Mining Minnesota. CWCSsupports the environmental impact statement process and permitting of both the PolyMet and Twin Metals mining projects.

During his visit to Duluth Wednesday, Aug. 8, Vice President Mike Pence claimed the proposed copper-nickel mines in the region were likely to move forward, including the statement “take it to the bank,” in reference to the mines.

WTIP’s Rhonda Silence spoke with CWCS president McReady to share her thoughts on the vice-president’s comments, as well as an update on the issue that CWCS is involved in.