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Sunday Mine Protest May Include Civil Disobedience

Some Activists May Enter Off-Limits Zone In Penokees On Sunday

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Anti-mining activists have led other wintertime protests in the Penokee Hills, including a snowshoeing trip two weeks ago. Photo: J. Chapiewsky (CC-BY-SA)

People opposed to the proposed open pit iron ore mine in the Penokee Hills will gather Sunday to protest the new off-limits zone within 600 feet of mining activity, which some of the activists may enter.

Activists are sending out flyers, emails and Facebook posts with directions to the protest, places to park, and reminders to bring cameras and proper identification. They also advise to dress in bright colors so as to be easily seen. Paul DeMain, one of the organizers from the Lac Courte Oreilles Harvest and Education Project, said the protest will be peaceful.

“If someone comes to me and tells me they intend to do some destructive act, I will have a responsibility to report them,” said DeMain.

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DeMain said once they gather on the cusp of the off-limits zone at 2 p.m. on Sunday, there might be an act of civil disobedience.

“There may be one or two individuals who will cross over into the forbidden zone and offer themselves up for a citation,” said DeMain. “It’s not clear if that will take place. Those individuals are consulting with their attorneys.”

DeMain said he has already run all this by the Iron County Sheriff Tony Furyk and District Attorney Marty Lipske to put everyone on the same page.

Legislators neglected to include the penalty for trespassing into the new off-limits zone law. Now, that mystery has been solved: Iron County District Attorney Marty Lipske consulted with the Department of Justice, which told him that if no penalty is included, then the person shall forfeit no more than $200 and court costs.