“We’re in It for the Long Haul”

Jan. 23, 2022 - You’ll see them every Friday in downtown Menominee, Michigan – the opponents of the proposed Back Forty mine. The mining company Aquila Resources has changed hands – and the new owner is trying to restart the project after it was stalled by public legal challenges.

Participants in the vigil say they’ll be out on Fridays – sun, rain, ice or snow, to save the Menominee River from the potential impact of the mine – just as they have been for the past six years.

Canoe Trip Draws Attention to
​Menominee River Mine Threat

Oct. 27, 2021 - A mine that a Canadian company wants to build on sacred ground has members of the Menominee Indian Tribe rallying to protect their namesake river.

The proposed Back Forty mine would be located right next to the Menominee River on land where the tribe's oral history tells them they were created -- land that was occupied by the tribe for at least 12,000 years before they were removed to a reservation in Wisconsin. 

A canoe trip down the river is an annual event for members of the tribe, who make the journey to reconnect with their place of origin and call attention to the potential impact of the proposed open-pit mine.
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Dawn Wilber, who helped organize the trip, graciously allowed me to film part of the journey down the river, which took place over the July Fourth weekend.

Blessing the Water, Protecting the Land
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July 16, 2021 - Members of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and other native Americans join with allies to voice their opposition to the Back Forty mine, which a Canadian company wants to build on the Menominee River west of Stephenson, Michigan.

"The Benefits are Minimal"

July 26, 2018 - Menominee city council member and retired executive Frank Pohlmann brings a businessman's eye to the Back Forty mine proposal. His conclusion: the risks of the mine far outweigh the benefits.

A Long Walk to Oppose the Mine

July 3, 2018 - City council member Steve Fifarek walked every street in Menominee, Michigan, to spread the word about the Back Forty mine. On June 30, he finished his trek at the old lighthouse at the mouth of the Menominee River.

Marching Again
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April 23, 2018 - Opponents of the Back Forty mine celebrated Earth Day with a march across the Interstate Bridge between Marinette, Wisconsin, and Menominee, Michigan.

"The Fight is Not Over"

Dec. 24, 2017 - Tina Lesperance is defending her family's homestead in Lake Township against the encroachment of the Back Forty mine. ​The farm has been in the family since around 1930, when the land was cleared and settled by her grandparents. These days, Tina's grandchildren have the run of the place, like she did when she was a child, and she's campaigning to protect the peace and quiet that have prevailed here for generations.

"How Could They Compromise This?"

​Oct. 16, 2017 - Tony Corey explains why he joined the fight against the proposed Back Forty mine in Menominee County, Michigan.

"Nobody Wants the Mine"

Sept. 9, 2017 - Retired Nashville musicians Dale and Lea Jane Burie share a commitment to stopping the Back Forty project.

"I Stand to Lose a Lot"

Aug. 24, 2017 - Andi Rich rehabs a house and talks about her opposition to the Back Forty mine..

"The Threat of the Mine is
​Sending Property Values Down"

August 24, 2017 - Deborah Skubal and friends take a boat ride and talk about the impact of the Back Forty project on their lives.

Critter Count

On May 13, 2017, volunteers gathered to inventory aquatic life in streams near the site of the proposed Back Forty mine. If the mine is built, their data will be compared with later samples to determine if the mine has polluted streams that feed into the Menominee River.

Protest at the Ogden Club

May 13, 2017 - Tom and Robin Quigley started Aquila Resources, Inc., the company that's developing the Back Forty mine. They also own the Odgen Club, and for a time used the upstairs as an office for their mining company. It's been a favorite place for protesters to gather to voice their opposition to the Back Forty mine. 

Fishing Derby

Feb. 20, 2017 - Opponents of the Back Forty mine gathered at Shakey Lakes County Park on Feb. 19, where an ice fishing derby was in progress. They came to pass out flyers and encourage anglers to oppose the mine which, if approved by regulators, would be located just to the north of the park.

"It Smells Rotten"

​July 29, 2018 - The director of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) went against the recommendations of her own staff and issued a wetlands permit for the proposed Back Forty mine. Opponents of the project are demanding an explanation for what appears to be a politically motivated decision.