A short and sweet overview...
In March 2011, the Gogebic Taconite mining company was permitted by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to explore mining options in Northern Wisconsin. In February 2012, the bill strengthening the possibility for an iron mine in the Penokee Hills near Mellon, WI was shut down. Even though the immediate threat to the Penokee Hills has faded, attention is being drawn to the Great Lakes region, including a possible nickel mine on the Menomonee River, multiple proposed gold mines in Wisconsin and sand fracking in Southwestern Wisconsin. Save the Penokee Springfest strives to bring awareness to the threats surrounding Wisconsin’s natural assets and importance of protecting what makes Wisconsin a naturally beautiful state.