Future Mining in Minnesota: Effects on Communities and Environment

Future Mining in Minnesota: Effects on Communities and Environment Abstract This study explores and describes the potential risks of the proposed PolyMet copper-nickel mine near Hoyt Lakes, Minnesota. The goals of the research were: 1) identify vulnerable communities and environmental features, 2) determine the mine’s potential damage, and 3) create maps to illustrate the vicinity of the mine to vulnerable areas. The interest of this project is to determine whether the mine’s economic benefit outweighs the environmental risks. This research is an observational study that involves analysis of maps compiled with environmental, population, and vulnerability data as well as non-spatial data. The majority of data were found at MN Geospatial Commons. The major findings of this research are that the proposed mine has great potential to pollute the water table and nearby streams, rivers, and lakes. The mine’s risks may not have been fully reviewed since the potential pollution will have great impact on communities in St. Louis County, Minnesota, recreation in the BWCA, and terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. It can be assumed that the risks outweigh the benefits, since the mine has potential to pollute the mine for many years after it ceases operation. It can be interpreted that local communities and environmental features will take a toll if this mine is implemented

Minnesota Walleye: How the State’s Current Fishing Culture is Detrimental to Minnesota’s Aquatic Ecosystems and How It Can Change

This study explores Minnesota’s current angling culture and how it may be detrimental to aquatic ecosystems. The state’s current angling culture is centered around catching walleye (Sander vitreus), the state fish. The species has rightfully earned its reputation amongst anglers, but the impacts associated with its popularity may be negative. This research looks primarily at which factors of the angling culture are detrimental and where anglers and fisheries managers need to make improvements. The current motivations and practices of anglers cannot continue, as walleye abundance is on the decline due to angling pressure and hydrological changes. Walleye are not the problem, but rather the collective act of aggressive species-specific angling. The purpose of this study is to find solutions that will lead to the change of perceptions and practices in the angling community. These solutions will need to include efforts from both anglers and fisheries agencies to increase angler knowledge through education, increase the regulation of walleye and other sensitive species, and incentivize other species. These will help anglers move from targeting only one species to fishing for multiple species with the motivation for having an outdoor experience. There are many obstacles to these solutions since walleye drives angler participation and maintains agency trust. However, once an angler culture shift is accomplished our lake resources will transition from being commodities to healthy fisheries for future generations. This study explores Minnesota’s current angling culture and how it may be detrimental to aquatic ecosystems. The state’s current angling culture is centered around catching walleye (Sander vitreus), the state fish. The species has rightfully earned its reputation amongst anglers, but the impacts associated with its popularity may be negative. This research looks primarily at which factors of the angling culture are detrimental and where anglers and fisheries managers need to make improvements. The current motivations and practices of anglers cannot continue, as walleye abundance is on the decline due to angling pressure and hydrological changes. Walleye are not the problem, but rather the collective act of aggressive species-specific angling. The purpose of this study is to find solutions that will lead to the change of perceptions and practices in the angling community. These solutions will need to include efforts from both anglers and fisheries agencies to increase angler knowledge through education, increase the regulation of walleye and other sensitive species, and incentivize other species. These will help anglers move from targeting only one species to fishing for multiple species with the motivation for having an outdoor experience. There are many obstacles to these solutions since walleye drives angler participation and maintains agency trust. However, once an angler culture shift is accomplished our lake resources will transition from being commodities to healthy fisheries for future generations