Great Escapes Winter 2023 | Page 39

77 WINTER 2023 VOL . 04 / ISSUE 02 SNOWGOER . COM
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intended effect on the wilderness area .
On one hand , locals have relied on
mining and mining expansion to survive
economically for more than a
century – the quip that entire communities
should not be held hostage so
people from elsewhere can occasionally
visit a pristine natural playground was
heard more than a few times throughout
our stay .
On the other , those concerned for the
environment impact of the new mine
argue that mining communities have
had 60 years to adapt to increased regulation
, create new industries of trade and
acquire new skills .
Only time will tell how the debate is settled
; we were there to look for and enjoy a
very different valuable natural resource .
Unanimous Opinion : Spectacular Trails , Lodging And Amenities
One topic that remains beyond debate
is that the amenities and wide range of
Today , Taconite is mined from the Mes-
most recent debates . In December of
recreational hobbies such as hiking , ca-
trails offered throughout the area makes
abi Iron Range near Hibbing , is processed
2019 , Twin Metals Minnesota proposed
noeing and sightseeing . While the com-
this a snowmobile trail riding destination
into pellets and moved by train or ore
an underground copper-nickel mine on
pany predicted the mine would create
that is second to few .
boat on Lake Superior to ports and steel
the doorstep of the pristine Boundary
765 jobs over its expected 25-year life ,
After our arrival at the Grand Ely
mills around the Great Lakes region .
Waters Canoe Area Wilderness – a large
it ’ s the byproduct of what happens after
Lodge , we settled into rooms that offered
But it ’ s the potential for expansion
region of land to which many tourists
– or a possible accident during operation
breathtaking views of the sprawling
beyond iron ore that has caused the
from more urban areas flock to enjoy
– that has many concerned about its un-
Shagawa Lake on the north side of the