LANSING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Chants of “Copperwood has got to go” echoed across Michigan’s Capitol lawn today as demonstrators with the Protect the Porkies movement gathered to oppose state funding tied to the proposed Copperwood Mine near the Porcupine Mountains. Activists argue the mine would put the wilderness park, its wildlife, and the local tourism economy at risk.
At the center of the debate is a budget appropriation for infrastructure in Wakefield Township. Protesters say the investment would ultimately serve the mine’s development, despite widespread opposition.
“The people have spoken. Thousands of people from around Michigan, from around the whole world, do not want this here,” said Tom Grotewohl, founder of Protect the Porkies. “It’s time for the public servants to serve us and reject that money.”
Supporters of the project point to potential economic benefits. Lawmakers spoke with protesters on the lawn, easing concerns and explaining their support for the project. The Highland Copper Group, which oversees the Copperwood Mine, reports the operation could create more than a thousand jobs over the next decade, providing a temporary boost to the western U.P. economy. Upper Peninsula lawmakers say that kind of growth is badly needed.
“Everybody keeps mischaracterizing this is Wakefield economic development. It’s much more than just the mine,” said Rep. Dave Prestin (R–Cedar River). “Does the mine stand out to benefit from this? Yes, but so does Wakefield Township and the entire region.”
With another U.P. hospital recently cutting services, Prestin said lawmakers are determined to prevent further population loss and economic decline in the region.
“If we don’t do something, just to disperse some economic activity and get the West reignited, it’s just going to fade away. And I refuse to allow that to happen,” Prestin said.
The appropriation is included in the House proposal for the next state budget, which lawmakers are expected to vote on before the end of September.
