Margaret,
it was so nice to meet you at the bridge walk. We really felt honored to meet you and we respect the initiative you took to voice your opinion and do everything you could to be heard on this important issue for the U.P. wilderness and the upper midwest. We support you. It was great to see the numbers as well. What a beautiful day and weekend. On to the next project.

In Solidarity,

Marquette Citizens against Kennecott and sulfide mining

I hope the walkers just keep walking , maybe to california

Thank you Margaret Comfort for caring about the U.P and it's beautiful northwoods and water. You are doing more in efforts to preserve this beautiful area than many people who live right here in Mqt Co. Thank you for your efforts. The Salmon Trout River, now listed as one of the most endagered rivers in the country due to Kennecott's mining plans, if it could only talk, thanks you from the bottom of it's heart too I'm sure. Will see you at the bridge walk.

To all of these pro-mine/anti-mine arguments end the same way; my world will end.

To those wanting the mine, I need to ask, if this mine was upstream from you would you still want a well in back of your house?

To those opposing the mine, I need to ask, if you got jobs trying to keep the land clean during operations of the mine, would you take the job knowing you will be the first to know if this mine is actually polluting?

If you know that the water seeping into the groundwater is flowing through a sulfide ore body, which may contain radioactive material, sulfuric acid, and other elements that have not be disturbed in ages, if that water was ending up on your breakfast table; and you got sick in 10 years, where do you turn to say "I told you so?"

If you know that the jobs that are offered will pay substantial amount of money to you and your family to keep the area safe, would you take the position?

I would hope you did. Keep me safe, they won't hire an old bear like me to keep watch, I have too many years of experience (I cost too much).

There is only one way to keep us safe, don't cut a hole into that ore body. But if there is gold down there, then make sure the water is as clean tomorrow as it is today (while in operation not after, as seen at Flambeau records).

Thank you.

As far as I'm concerned, these whiny protesters can take a long walk off of a short dock!

If Kennecott can find nickel under the endangered Salmon Trout River, then Kennecott most certainly can find nickel in a less ecologically valuable location than the Yellow Dog Watershed. The world will survive without a SULFIDE MINE on the Yellow Dog Plains. I'd bet a few bucks Kennecott never thought there would be this level of opposition in the sparsely populated northwoods and is probably a bit shocked and awed they couldn't fasttrack "Eagle Project" as they truly intended to do. All the more reason for the walk and to draw more attention to what is going on up here.

sick of complainers, (Hancock)

You are probably of the same people that are knocking tourism, yet tout it when you need to come up with an argument..

You can pick and choose, so can I..what kind of tourism draw is White Pine....can you fill us in what happened there....? Looks like Calumet used to be a mighty town at one time as well... hmmmmmmmmmm

You are right, the U.P. doesn't need this mine. The country doesn't need this mine, and the world doesn't need this mine. If the minerals aren't mined here, they'll be mined somewhere else where the rules are far less protective of the environment.

Similarly, the U.P. doesn't need tourism to survive. Many who have invested their lives in the tourism industry need tourism to survive, but many of us don't. In fact, many of us would rather the tourists stayed away so our travels about the U.P. in the summer wouldn't be so cluttered with slow traffic! Ok, I'm not that unwelcoming, but I hope you get the point.

Simply put, the minerals were not put under the Salmon Trout by Kennecott, but that is where they found them. Would we prefer them to be in some part of this earth that people wouldn't object to them being mined? You bet, but I still think anything labeled as a "sulfide mine" will be opposed by many of you, irregardless of where it is. Also, mining happens to be what many yoopers have invested their lives in. Should their livelyhoods be any less significant than those that want only tourism? Come on, a good balance of jobs is what we need, especially if we want to be a "diverse" community. Many of us don't survive on arts, crafts, writing and tourism in this part of the world, but we accept it. Its time people at least understand why those in favor of this mine exist in the first place.

As for sustainability, I'm all for it. Lets be as diverse as possible. Let's bring a manufacturing plant to Sawyer that makes wind turbines or solar panels or equipment to make or process biofuels. I'm guessing most won't come though because of the obvious desire of some to keep industry out of our "pristine" part of the country. On that note, with all this demand for renewable energy and independence from oil, what are the consequences? Will we need an exponentially larger amount of raw materials (iron, copper, nickel, etc.) to develop and manufacture these technologies? Lets just be a little sensical here.

Matt Greer. All of the revenue to operate, maintain, and preserve the Mackinac Bridge come from bridge tolls and service fees. Over the next twenty years, planned expenditures exceed $510 million. The assumption that these tolls arise mostly from tourism arises from ASS/U/ME.

Are you aware that these "run down ghost towns" are still bringing tourists to the UP every year? People come to the UP for a little taste of our history and to see what this area used to be like. So not only do the mines provide work and support the economy for as long as they're in service, they are also a tourist attraction. Do you know how many people come to the Quincy & Delware mines every year to tour them? Mining and tourism are two major parts of the UP economy, but who cares about that right? No wonder Michigan's economy now is so terrible with people that want to run off every driving force that would help support it.

mr bone, you would put all the time, money, and energy into starting a small business even if you know its only going to be there for 5-10 years? Most people who start up a business plan to keep them for, i think, alot longer. you are right in that 10 years with a job is better than none, but in 10 years you will be right back here looking for another job. why not focus on getting sustainable jobs that will be here for, yes, fifty or more years. thats the whole point of "sustainable", not "right now". what happens if the mine suddenly shuts down in 4 years? then everyone is right back where they started. lets find a way to turn the renewable energy push into jobs for our area. i'm not for or against the mine, but i think we can find something that will employ yoopers a bit longer than 10 years, don't you? or maybe your happy with only having a job for 5-10 years. i don't really know. its hard to know the future.

Ron, Ron Ron,

If the Kennecott mine is signed sealed and delivered at this point as you suggest, then there must be some colusion going on between the State of Michigan and Rio Tinto/Kennecott.

Yup just keep on walkin , nobody is really going to listen to you anyway . Not up in da U.P. most of the people who live up there know the meaning of having a mining industry in there town . I know Ishpeming and Negaunee would most likely close right down if not for the empire and tilden mines . Don't fool yourselves everyone is affected by a no jobs no big business area . take a good look at some of the small towns in the area away from the mines . would you like to live there ??????

To all the ones who say Kennecott will only be here for 10 years and that is not sustainable... ten years of something is better than 10 years of nothing. How long does it have to last in order to satisfy you? Eleven years? Twenty years? Fifty years? There are no gaurantees in life or in business - just ask all the buggy whip makers. Using your logic, no business would ever start because someday their product or service might not be needed. Everything that starts runs the risk of ending - should that be a reason to do nothing or not try?

To all the ones who say Kennecott is a foreign invader... at one time, the same could have been said about Kentucky Fried Chicken and McDonalds - now mainstays of life in Marquette and elsewhere. Yes, they came from somewhere else and, initially anyway, took their profits back to Kentucky and California where they originated. Is that a reason to do nothing? Hardly.

To all the ones who say that the mine will not benefit anyone... every dime spent in the local area is a benefit to the economy in the local area. Doesn't Kennecott have employees working, living, and spending in the local area?

Check out the pics. These people appear to be taking children along on their protest walk - a distance of 140 miles or so. They are exposing children to the risk of injury and death along the shoulder of a 55 MPH highway - and they're doing this to make the point that the mine is... unsafe!? Where is the outrage over that?

Finally, to the TV6 editor of this news story... can you please stop using the phrase "sulfide mine?" That phrase is misleading and you know it. Kennecott is not mining "sulfides." Every time Kennecott talks, they say "nickel and copper mine." At least show a little professionalism and use the term that the mine uses. You do so for other groups.

TELL MARGARET COMFORT AND HER GROUP THAN WHEN THEY REACH THE MACKINAC BRIDGE TO KEEP GOING TO DETROIT AND PROTEST POLLUTION THERE. STOP STANDING IN THE WAY OF PROGRESS, GOD PUT THE MINERALS HERE FOR US TO USE, SO STAND BACK AND LET THE MINING PROCEED.

How safe is the mine? Will it cave in like the coal mines? How aboutif they tap into underground water and flood?

What amount of pollution can be considered safe? Can't we re-use instead of just open up and mine more and more land? How much garbage do we as humans create? How many pits, holes, mines, or other ugly areas have been created? How much more can this planet handle? Anyone notice the shifting of seasons or signs of global warming?

Yes, Michigan needs jobs, but we all need this planet more. I admire that people care enough to try to preserve what God gave us to use--not use up.

Try not eating for ten years, or not buying clothes for your kids, or not paying your mortgage. Do you think the bank will wait til the 11th year?

"sick of complainers"-(Hancock).... ?

Mining is but one part of the U.P.'s history, which has caused the U.P. landscape to be dotted with craters that can be seen from space as well as run down ghost towns. You know, BOOOM and BUST.

Will our remaining clean, undisturbed rivers and forests also become part of U.P. "history"? Uranium mines in Ottawa National Forest, sulfide mines wherever the mining companies find the nickel, no matter how sensitive the environment???

There is absolutely nothing dumping into the Salmon Trout River now. Nothing. Kennecott simply proposing a mine there has caused this river to gain designation as one of the most endagered in the country. Why oh why would this be if Kennecott really can implement this mine in such an environmentally responsible manner, even when the mine design calls for tunneling under this river?

Maybe you should discover the many other thriving businesses that do exist in the U.P. economy totally unrelated to mining, and discover why the U.P. doesn't need this mine or Kennecott. Only then will you understand the opposition to "Eagle Project" and why the opposition is so persistent and gaining support every day.

Mr. Joe Scanlan,
First of all my name really is Ron Jeremy and if you want to refer me to a famous person that happens to be a pornstar, that says something about YOU!

Everyone of us has a right to post our opionion. In fact my family has a cabin located up on the AAA road so this does affect me personally!

You mention "that the people that are pro-mine are not from northern Marquette County and/or don't use names or use fictitious names" You go on to reference me and others. I am not claiming to be pro-mine or anti-mine, but facts are facts. This land that we call home has an abundance of minerals that can be used for the good and if managed properly will be done correctly.

Do you drive a car? Iron had to come from somewhere to build that car, do you live in a house, all the copper wiring had to come from somewhere, I could go on and on, but what would that really prove? The point is you have no problem using these minerals for your benefit.

Would I prefer to keep our nature the way it is, ABSOLUTELY!! But I also am smart enough to know the difference between reality and a wish or hope. This really has to do with much more than Kennecott and Northern Marquette County.

There is no reason for any of us to try and arm wrestle an issue that is all but signed, sealed and delivered. Take your time and energy to focus on the possitives that this will create instead of the negatives. I'm not happy about searching for a different location to deer hunt, but again... it is what it is!!

I Understand that!

First, just because I'm in favor of the mine, why is it so important to you that I mention my name? THAT is what concerns ME, and is therefore the reason why I don't give my name. On the flip side, I don't do name calling, so you shouldn't have to have my name to get your revenge.

You do certainly have your right to protest and in any legal fashion you desire. I just hope all the outside help you are bringing in doesn't bring the "crime" that Kennecott has been accused of bringing.

Tim Ryan, the money for the up keep on the bridge comes from the bridge toll. I would assume the majority of tolls are from tourists coming to enjoy the outdoors in the UP. It's not an attack on you, it's a combination of fact and educated guess.
I have a feeling that the mines will eventually prevail in the yellow dog and baraga basin areas. That being said I hope I end up being wrong and eating crow 15 years from now, but I don't think that will be the case.
If you have seen pictures and read the negatives about other mining ventures like Eagle that have occurred in North America, the outlook is not so bright. Sure, someone will have used the natural resources that some on this opinion board claim to be here for our survival, but will the entire local population survive form the minerals or will some rich, foreign board of directors survive through the purchase of another summer home or yacht?
The gain of Rio Tinto comes at a sacrifice for residents of the area. 15 years from now the mining site could very well have polluted to a point that makes that land useless. The water table may end up not being potable. I can't speak for anyone other than myself, but what really makes that area so great to me is that fact that it's clean, natural and basically pristine.
Development needs to happen, but the charm and draw of the UP still stands in the outdoors and natural beauty. If the mines go in I can't imagine that it won't come without additional temporary development. Imagine a housing boom on the AAA or in Big Bay, then the mines close and you end up with another Sawyer in what was once one of the best recreation areas I have ever seen. It's too bad we haven't found a way to boost logging and wood product manufacturing here. That's renewable and seems like a far more responsible way to survive in the UP.

For those that think this mine is a sustainable industry and sustainable development, I don't think it is. I don't know all the facts, but from the things I've read, this mine will be here roughly 10 years or so. Thats not what sustainable development is..10 years is temporary. I'm involved in sustainable economic development, and mines are not exactly at the top of the list. If you type define:sustainable in a google search, you'll see what I mean. Sustainable is something that continues through generations. Not to say mining in general doesnt do that, but if this specific mine is only going to last 10 years, its really not the way to go.

And a side note, I got a kick out of this comment "Natural resources are put on this earth so we can USE them, survive, and make a living. If they don't like the idea of mines, maybe they should move." So, if I dont like that humans are using up all the resources on earth, i should move to.....the moon?

Renewable resources is what we need to focus on. We are WAY behind everyone else on renewables, and here we are fighting about a temporary, 10 year mine. Shift the focus.

When you get to the bridge, ask yourself where will the revenue come from for its upkeep.

Did these people forget that the WHOLE U.P. is based upon mining? That's what we're known for! From Hancock to Marquette to White Pine and Calumet, mining founded this area throughout history and made it what it is today. Natural resources are put on this earth so we can USE them, survive, and make a living. If they don't like the idea of mines, maybe they should move.

Hey Jan,
Protests have been there since day 1- ramped up after the faulty Kennecott mine application was made public, then grew in opposition after certain documents of the mine app were "mistakenly not made public" by the state agency that's supposed to protect the environment- sounds sort of like the Magna Utah situation that Kennecott is involved in. Hence, the protests certainly aren't too late, rather timely as the contested case hearings are still going on, in case you weren't aware. Also, you must also certainly be aware, there will be appeals, lawsuits, etc. by EITHER side no matter which way the contested case hearings go. Done deal? Says who? The opposition is only going to grow, become more well known and picked up by more and more media around the nation. This is certainly NOT what Kennecott could ever want. Join the walk if you are opposed to this project, even if it's only the bridge portion.

Where is all this "Kennecott is going to give people of the UP a better life" coming from? How rediculous. Am I going to have a better life in the U.P. because of Kennecott? Certainly not. Are the people around me going to benefit from Kennecott? NOPE. I didn't chose to live and remain in the UP because of Kennecott. Kennecott is an ivader, foreign owned outsider that will do nothing more than long term harm to the U.P, and try to get what it wants for as little as possible without just compensation to the local population.

Ron Jeremy,
We can accept new mines. The fact of the matter is, there's too much at stake with specifically Eagle Project and Rio Tinto. Too many things wrong with this whole project, ethics, business practices of RIO. That's why there is such opposition to this project, opposition that will not just go away or "keep walking" because Kennecott wants the opposition to do so.

The walkers can walk to Detroit and they will find there are no jobs there either.

Good for the people who want to practice their right to free speech...No doubt they are entitled to it. However, what I don't understand is why they haven't figured out that a huge corporation like Kennecott knew coming into it what kind of battle they would have on their hands. This can't be a first time event for them. They have more money and more resources to fight it than all of the people protesting and they'll win. In the end, money is what makes it all work. So why don't the protestors rally up and put their efforts into insuring that it truly will be environmentally safe like Kennecott claims it will be. Protest whatever laws are out there that you believe will enable Kennecott to get through the loop holes that will ruin the U.P. and our fresh water. Quit wasting your time protesting the mine actually coming here. It's going to regardless, so find something useful to do with all that time, energy and financial backing.

It's ironic that their destination is a huge man made structure whose materials all came from mining, as did the vehicles which will accompany them, as did the roads they will follow, etc, etc.

The Salmon Trout River- now on the list of most endangered rivers-directly as a result of Kennecott's proposed sulfide mine, deserves a little effort, and how about a walk-- raising public awareness,to be saved from this incredibly poorly placed "Eagle Project",, which would tunnel directly under the river,,,sweet. This is the issue. Not the crazy antis, enviros, wackos, treehuggers, etc. There wouldn't be such a public outcry if the land and water of the proposed project wasn't worthty of protecting from flat out industrialization, no small footprint here. Plus the fact that there's really something wrong with a private entity being given permission to plunder state land for the private entity's own landfall profit. The fact of the matter is, our state land will be stripped for RIO's gain and we "locals" will see absolutely no direct good from it. The only long term jobs resulting from this project will be the ongoing remediation that will be necessary to a few highly skilled environmental consultants in that field long after RIO has taken their treasure.

that the people that are pro-mine are not from northern Marquette County and/or don't use names or use fictitious names (Ron Jeremy--nice, using a porn star identity will gain you TONS of respect). As for you fictitiously named and nameless persons, I dub thee SCAT Goons--Scare, Coerce, Aggravate and Threat Goons. That's all I see when I don't see a real name. If you're too afraid to put your name out there, then you're just blowing smoke or you're getting paid by Rio Tinto (which, ironically, translates to 'stained river').

I don't live in the UP because it's pretty and smells good. It's where I was born and where my family is-that's it.

I wouldn't care if they put a strip club or a nuclear power plant in Big Bay-wouldn't effect my life at all......

It ain't just the anti mine "group" taking the walk. It will be many concerned citizens who either live in or care about the U.P. enough to join the walk.

you go guys. I'm joining you in the walk,see you at the bridge.

The people walking on a major UP highway are a major risk to themselves and drivers.The proposed mine has less risk

I agree with BB from houghton. Keep on going and don't come back. Where was their outrage when White Pine was running or the Ropes Gold Mine? I don't see these environmentalist taking on CCI as CCI has plenty of sulfide in both pits which is not remediated. RJ in Lansing

I find it interesting that only 2 of the people against the protest and (assumedly for the mine(s)) were brave enough to even leave their first name. The personal attacks surprise me. If you throw a stick or stone, why wouldn’t you identify yourself?

If you love living in the UP, it surely must be because of the natural beauty. It's not because you love "city life" and the economic abundance that comes with unrestricted growth. Every time I drive downstate, I see less and less land and more and more concrete and buildings.

How long before the UP looks like many areas in the lower peninsula? Nothing but people, traffic, concrete and buildings?

Sacrificing natural resources (which are buried underneath and are an integral part of the outer beauty) for short-term economic gain is like cutting off your nose despite your face.

How, then, to smell the beauty? What next, close our eyes to blind us from the impact of any and all economic growth? Do we build anything that will make a buck? What if a strip club came to town and wanted to employ 100 people and cut down 100 acres right in the midst of a serene area? Would the battle lines still be the same?

And, we wonder why we're at war ALL over the world? Anger and bitterness won't solve problems. If we can focus on offering peaceable solutions rather than casting insults and personal attacks, aren't we all (those for, those against, future generations and the planet) better off in the long run?

I find it admirable that the walkers are taking a stand for the land.

As a true outdoorsman who enjoys spending time in the Big Bay area, I can testify that it will hurt to see things change. The beauty, the smells, the atmosphere are all reasons that I enjoy spending time near the yellowdog. But the harsh reality is that is how most of our heritage planted their seed across this great peninsula. TO MINE!

From the western end to the eastern end, north shore to south shore, this great land that we call GOD'S Country has been built on the foundation of mining minerals such as gold, copper, nickel, iron, etc.

The trickle effect doesn't stop there as other companies and jobs, heck even towns thrive based off of the economic impact provided from mining. Generation after Generation have put time in to provide food on the table and a roof over our heads based on this mining herritage.

I know people can get upset and have the right to do so, claiming about all of the risks and potential for dissasters. I bet these same people are drving cars and putting toxins into our air, I bet these same people throw away trash, putting toxins into our grounds. I'm not starting a rally or pointing fingers at them.

I have heard many people say that the investment isn't worth it. People have said that Kennecott will not provide enough jobs to substain a longterm boom with the earth changes that they will create around the yellowdog.

My thoughts are that this is just the tip of the iceburg with potential here in the U.P. for another mining boom. It isn't a secret that many other mining companies have been here in this fine land studying, searching, and scouting for pockets of mineral wealth.

Again, let's remember why people moved to the U.P. 100 yrs ago. Let's remember why we have towns named Iron River, Iron Mt., Ironwood, etc. It is the foundation that created what this great Peninsula is all about.

It is what it is, and we have to accept it.

Its people like this that keep Michigan in the red. Hello, Earth to walker people...Michigan is in a Depression.

Protests are all fine and good. People want to change or not to change things protest. It's part of our freedoms as Americans. This protest is too little to late. Like closing the barn door after the horses escaped. The mine will be built. It's a done deal except for a few loose ends which Kenecott is clearing up. Why didn't this group protest in the begining when they had a chance to raise awarness?
Seems like they should be spending money on research that will not let Kenecott start the mine rather on raising awarness. People already know about the mine.

Ridiculous! You people that are protesting this are out of your mind. Don't you have better things to do with your time than walking around trying to scare people into thinking things that you cannot prove WILL happen you just THINK they COULD? Don't you people have jobs to go to instead of taking off walking for so many days? I bet the majority of you are retired, bitter people(with WAY too much free time on your hands) and don't even need the job like A LOT of other people in the UP do! I am overjoyed to know that legally, Kennecott Minerals have almost everything they need to begin work and give other families in the UP a chance at having a better life. You people should be ashamed of yourselves and are obviously desperate because you know that legally you can't do anything nor are you able to prove that the fears you are trying to make people believe are unfounded and untrue. All I'll be doing is sitting back, praying for rain and laughing at how pathetic you all are making yourselves look.

Please don't stop your walk at the bridge. Keep on going and don't come back. Groups like this are destroying any chance the UP has at sustainable industrial growth. We need industry up here and the minerals we have are the ticket to better economic times.

The people who jammer about jobs at all cost are greedheads and fools! Sulfide mining in our area will offer only a very few jobs and the potential for disaster in terms of pollution and contamination of the ground water and Superior IS NOT worth the risk. I'm tired of the empty rhetoric of those who would gladly risk all for the prospect of a few temporary jobs. Exploitation and the ruin of natural resources which includes water and air qualities should not be up for public auction!

Why stop at the bridge? I say keep walking until they cross the state line. Then, stay put. I am sure there will be something to protest wherever they end up anyway.