Regional scientists share information at Penokee Data Conference

February 20, 2013

The Sigurd Olson Environmental Institute (SOEI) and the Bad River Watershed Association sponsored the second annual Penokee data discussion today at Northland College. Scientists convened to share environmental research from the area surrounding a potential open-pit iron mine in the Penokee Range.

Matt Hudson, conference co-organizer and SOEI watershed program coordinator, said the data is necessary for understanding ecological conditions prior to having an iron mine in the Bad River Watershed.

"We need to understand the condition of our water before any mining development," Hudson said. "This group is trying to figure out how to do this collaboratively."

Around 30 regional scientists attended the conference, including researchers for the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Bad River Watershed Association.

Mining company Gogebic Taconite first proposed a potential open-pit iron mine in Ashland and Iron counties back in December 2010. The company has since withdrawn from the Wisconsin mine permitting process as the state debates bills in the Wisconsin Senate and Assembly that would revise the state's mining law.