At Backcountry Hunters & Anglers (BHA), we are passionate about preserving the wild places and public lands that provide us with the hunting, fishing, and recreation opportunities that we all cherish. One of Michigan’s most pristine and valuable natural resources, Lake Superior, is currently at risk due to a proposed mining project—Copperwood Mine. We need your help to prevent this dangerous threat to our waters, wildlife, and outdoor heritage.
The Copperwood Mine Proposal: A Direct Threat to Lake Superior
The Copperwood mine, located just two miles from Lake Superior, has the potential to cause irreversible harm to the lake’s ecosystem. The mine plans to store wastewater and toxic materials in large retaining ponds near the site. While this might sound like a standard practice for mining operations, the risks are anything but standard. A rupture or failure of these ponds could result in the release of dangerous chemicals like sulfide, arsenic, and heavy metals directly into the environment.
These contaminants would flow into the surrounding watershed and potentially into Lake Superior itself. This could lead to the contamination of the lake’s waters, which are vital not only to the surrounding communities but also to the diverse fish populations, wildlife, and ecosystems that depend on them. Lake Superior is the largest freshwater lake by surface area in the world, and its waters support some of the most pristine ecosystems in North America. A disaster here could have lasting effects on water quality, fisheries, and the entire region’s biodiversity.
The Impact on Our Public Lands and Recreation
As sportsmen and women, we know the importance of access to public lands for recreation—whether it’s hunting, fishing, hiking, or simply enjoying the outdoors. Lake Superior and the lands around it are an integral part of Michigan’s outdoor heritage. The Copperwood mine project puts these opportunities at risk. We understand that mining is required to produce resources that we all depend on, but this is simply the wrong place for this type of mine.
If the mine moves forward, the environmental degradation it could cause would impact not only the lake but the surrounding wilderness areas. These lands offer the public a place to connect with nature and pursue the activities we love. The potential for water contamination, habitat destruction, and loss of access to clean, wild places would diminish the quality of the outdoor experience for generations to come.
What You Can Do: Take Action Now
The Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee is currently considering a $50 million grant for the Copperwood mine. If passed, this grant could pave the way for the mine to move forward, putting Lake Superior and our public lands at even greater risk. But there is still time to act.
We urge you to join us in raising your voice against this dangerous proposal. Here’s how you can help:
- Contact the Michigan Senate Appropriations Committee: Email or call the committee members and ask them to oppose the $50 million grant for the Copperwood mine. Let them know that this project poses an unacceptable risk to Lake Superior and the surrounding lands.
- Ask for Action: Demand that they unbundle Legislation Transfer Request 2025-2 so the Copperwood mine grant can be considered separately, and urge them to deny the $50 million grant due to the risks it poses to the environment.
As members of BHA, we stand for the conservation of wild places and the protection of public lands for future generations. Our unique voice—representing sportsmen and women who depend on healthy ecosystems for hunting, fishing, and outdoor recreation—carries weight. Now is the time to ensure that Lake Superior remains a treasure for generations to come.
The fight to protect Lake Superior and Michigan’s public lands from the Copperwood mine is not just about stopping one project—it’s about standing up for our outdoor heritage and ensuring that future generations have access to the wild places we hold dear. By acting now, we can help safeguard the future of Lake Superior, its waters, and the public lands we rely on for recreation and connection to nature.
Take action today—your voice makes a difference.
About Michigan BHA
Our chapter is dedicated to serving the interests of conservation and access to clean public lands and waters. Through planning, collaboration, and dedication, we will make a difference.