Think small and local: Young farmers creating new food systems in northeastern Minnesota
A new generation of small growers is stepping into the complex world of farming. They hope to change our fragile agricultural systems.
Stephanie Hemphill
Minnesota revises proposed standards to protect wild rice from sulfate pollution
The refinements announced on Tuesday include a new definition of a “wild rice water” and adjustments to an equation that determines a “protective sulfate concentration.”
Finding power in the local: How Grand Marais is tapping green technologies to reach for sustainability
The number of Cook County’s residents with solar electric systems is roughly 10 times the statewide average, says Department of Commerce.
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency commissioner: Permitting process for taconite mines ‘on pause’
MPCA Commissioner John Linc Stine said he has set the permit work aside to concentrate staff efforts on developing a standard for sulfate in wild rice waters.
Should PolyMet’s proposed mine be compared to the Flambeau Mine?
Laura Gauger was living in northwestern Wisconsin when a small copper mine was built near Ladysmith. Now she’s written a booklet comparing the now-closed mine to PolyMet’s planned mine.
Minnesota’s permit for Northshore mine expansion riles tribes, environmental groups
In comments submitted to the MPCA, environmental officials at the Fond du Lac and Grand Portage bands pointed out that the water permit does not set specific limits for sulfate, mercury, copper, nickel, zinc or cobalt in water leaving the mine site.
EPA scientist’s work could improve mine safety
If Philip Cook’s thesis – that small fibers matter — is accepted by other experts in the field, it could ultimately prompt the government to tighten workplace safety standards.
PolyMet denies access for wetlands research by U of M scientist
The sampling was to be done on U.S. Forest Service land, and the project was given a green light by Superior National Forest officials.
Scientists, volunteers study North Shore streams to try to save trout
They’re on a quest to find out which of the fabled North Shore streams are likeliest to be successful homes for brook trout in a warming climate.
St. Louis River watershed’s ecosystem benefits valued at up to $14 billion in new study
Earth Economics conducted the study, which was commissioned by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa.
Environmental groups appeal DNR decision not to require impact statement for Northshore mine expansion
The chief concern is about the potential for acid runoff from exposed sulfur-bearing rock.
Despite pressure to lower Minntac sulfate emissions, status quo could last awhile
A new permit would require Minntac to cut back on its sulfate emissions, but the MPCA recently decided to allow Minntac to continue operating under its expired permit for now.
St. Louis River named one of 10 most endangered in nation over proposed mining in its headwaters
At the river’s beginning, the margins of land and water meld as the river meanders through bogs and wetlands that purify water, control flooding and grow wild rice.
MPCA plans different sulfate limits for individual wild-rice waters
Questions abound about details of what’s ahead; officials said testing in 1,300 lakes and rivers for iron and carbon content is in progress.
I had some trees that needed to come down so I hired horse loggers. It was amazing.
A landowner near Duluth hires horse loggers to selectively cut aging aspen, fostering the growth of young maples and oaks.
Fond du Lac Band working toward restoration of elk in northeastern Minnesota
It will be a 10-year, $1 million-plus project, says wildlife biologist Mike Schrage – and that’s if everything goes well. He is asking for state money from the lottery to research the idea.
Duluth treatment plant’s draft permit draws environmental concerns
Environmental groups and a Chippewa band are criticizing the MPCA’s plan to allow the Western Lake Superior Sanitary District to continue discharging the pollutants.
Ruling sparks concerns about more illegal wolf killings
Scientists are also concerned that a recent ruling could cause Congress to make an end run around the Endangered Species Act, as it did in 2011.
Mysteries remain on higher rates of certain diseases among taconite workers
Researchers were unable to sort out which type of fiber exposure was correlated to mesothelioma.
Northshore Mining and environmentalists square off over proposed taconite-pit expansion
Northshore Mining wants to expand its Peter Mitchell taconite pit south of Babbitt into an area that contains sulfur-bearing rock.
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