Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has opened a public comment period on requests to lease metallic mineral rights for parcels in Baraga, Iron, Dickinson and Marquette Counties.
The requests have been filed by the Keweenaw Land Association.
Targeted areas include:
• Nearly 600 acres in several separate parcels south and east of Herman in Baraga County’s L’Anse Township;
• Nearly 1,600 acres in Dickinson County, split between Breen, Norway, Sagola, West Branch, Waucedah and Felch Townships;
• Around 320 acres in Iron County, split between Crystal Falls and Bates Townships;
• Nearly 240 acres in Marquette County, split between Humboldt and Wells Townships.
A spokesman for the Keweenaw Land Association declined to go on the record as to why the company wants the mineral rights. Keweenaw Land Association does not operate mining or other mineral extraction facilities. The company owns the mineral rights to thousands of acres of western Upper Peninsula land, and leases those rights to producers.
The DNR’s public comment window is open through February 2nd. You can see more about the requests, and find out how to submit comments, here.
