A citizens action group has come out against the Keweenaw Land Association’s proposed mineral lease with the Michigan DNR. The Mining Action Group, connected to the Protect the Porkies campaign, announced yesterday its intent to voice opposition to the Keweenaw Land Association seeking the mineral rights to 10,000 acres of land in Baraga, Dickinson, Iron, Marquette, and Menominee counties. Today the Michigan DNR will hold two public comment periods for residents interested in voicing their opinion on the potential mineral lease.
The Keweenaw Land Association, headquarter in Ironwood, previously owned the timber right to nearly half a million acres in the Upper Peninsula before 2021. When the company sold off the majority of its timber rights in the Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin to focus on the company’s mineral assets. Currently, Keweenaw Land Association owns 429,475 acres of mineral rights between the Upper Peninsula and Northern Wisconsin. Those interested in reading the Mining Action Group’s statement to the Michigan DNR can find a copy of the release here.