In a recent survey, Minnesotans were asked about their thoughts on the importance of water. As it turns out, the vast majority of Minnesotans feel strongly about clean water and feel that it is a large part of our identity as a state. But when asked about some current issues that offer potential threats to clean water, perception met reality.
"We polled over a thousand people, and we found that, overwhelmingly, one issue unites Minnesotans, and that's clean water," says Kelly Applegate, Commissioner of Natural Resources with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. "Eighty-six percent of Minnesotans say protecting water is very or extremely important according to our survey."
In contrast, the same survey showed that about 58% of those surveyed didn't know about the negative effect of nickel mining on water, and only 16% answered that they were knowledgeable about the proposed nickel mine that would threaten clean water in the state. "We really need to keep [water] clean, for our health and especially for our future generations," says Applegate.
For additional conversation about the proposed Tamarack mine, you can listen to a previous Green Visions conversation with Kelly. Information can also be found online regarding the Water Over Nickel Campaign.
You can hear Green Visions at 8:20am every Wednesday on Northland Morning.
