Direct questions to Tawni Hunt Ferrarini, tawni.ferrarini@gmail.com
Many thanks to all the people who joined the conversation and added insight to understanding how people view modern mining in the key geographical areas touched by the Back Forty Mine. Our discussions were insightful and added to an expansive understanding of the views on the strengths and weaknesses associated with new mining in a community with limited, recent experience in mineral extraction by a modern mine.
The sincere hope of the research team is that we accurately captured the views of community members without introducing any personal biases into their interpretation and our qualitative analysis. We objectively and systematically evaluated comments, views, and priorities presented by the participants in the focus groups. Any individual who would respectfully present his or her views and openly listen to the views of others was welcome. All sessions were held if there was at least one confirmed registrant. Cancellations occurred only when there was no registration. Some focus groups were scheduled at the same time there was a major sporting event or card tournament, so all requests to meet people in person or chat by phone were accommodated.
What is clear from the results of this study is that the people in this region share a deep concern for other members of their community. They care intensely about their future and the continued growth and development of their economy. Last, but certainly not least, they stand firm in their commitment to serve as wise stewards of their environment. Continue to choose calm and respectful means to keep this topic alive. It will shape the events that unfold in our modern times.
Everyone, thank you for understanding the delay in posting this executive summary. Despite the challenges presented by her husband's brutal battle with cancer, my research partner continued her statistical analysis and helped bring this project to completion.
Warm regards,
The people in this area are very concerned. There has not been a metallic Sulfide mine that has not polluted adjacent waterways. Our requests for answers regarding legitimate concerns have not been answered by Aquila. My phone calls have not been returned. After 16 years of planning, Aquila was still not prepared to submit a permit that even remotely resembles their 900+ page amendment they just submitted Dec 2018!!! There is much to be protective of, first and foremost unprofessional and underprepared mining companys with zero mining experience and high employee turnover. There is too much opportunity for mistakes when you run a business this way.
ReplyDeleteThe Back Forty Mine is not in the middle of nowhere. There are humans (including my family) living within walking (or boating) distance to the property. Modern Mining will ruin the surrounding property values, threaten the health of it's neighbors through air soil and water pollution. I understand mining will exist, but not in someone's backyard. And not yards away from ANY fresh water source that thousands rely on for drinking. When it comes to the air we breath and the water we drink, THAT must take priority over a mineral mine.
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ReplyDeleteMy recollection is that this was a convenience sample, not a random sample of the population of Marinette and Menominee Counties. If that's correct, what (if anything) can you say about public opinion beyond the 60 individuals in your focus groups?
ReplyDeleteYou state in your report that, in "at least two instances," mine opponents made threats "to do bodily harm" to "interested parties." These threats would be criminal offenses. Were they reported to the authorities? What direct evidence do you have that the threats did, indeed, occur?
ReplyDeleteI was one of the participants of this so called Community Focus Group and I was quite disappointed as we only met 1 time for about 1 1/2 hrs to discuss our needs and wants and to rank what was important to us. We were not given any time to really process the data/questions that were given to us and to discern our answers, it felt very rushed to get this done. I thought this was a brainstorming kind of meeting and we were to met with the other groups that had met and form together a more tight knit group, more of a community as a whole. I guess Aquila missed the mark again, as they really do not care about us the community and only want to make it look like they do by having a meeting to say they did, but are doing what they want to anyway! So much for what we want! I thought we were going to be heard, but I guess I was wrong yet again!! WE DON'T WANT A MINE THAT POLLUTES!! NO MINE!!
ReplyDeleteWe (the local residents) are expected to "adopt" or at least consider this concept of "modern-mining" and to chasten our emotions to what we perceive to be potential genocide. These are very real concerns and it's a proven fact that this country has a history of genocide. Native people were perceived as "flora-&-fauna" (plants and animals); perceived as less than human until the mid-to-late 20th century. Yet, sadly, it seems as though perceptions haven't changed much for some; albeit, the Menominee Nation's ancestors lay within the footprint of the proposed Back Forty Mine and the Tribe was not properly consulted. Are desecration and genocide still acceptable practices in America today? Those who do not know their own history will be doomed to repeat it.
ReplyDeleteI am interested in the question Back40Film asked on Jan. 24, 2019 at 6:06 p.m. regarding reports of "at least two instances" where mine opponents made threats of physical harm to pro-mine people. I also, would like to know if there were police reports filed and what evidence you have of this. Are there police files that may be viewed by the public or are these fictional claims by the pro-mining clan or perhaps you to enhance your study? We would really like a response to this claim.
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