A community discussion about the potential impacts of proposed sulfide mining near the Menominee River is scheduled for next week in Menominee.

Organizers with the Menominee County Democratic Party are hosting the latest in their Fireside Chat series on Monday, July 20th, from 10:15 until 11:15 a.m. at the Spies Public Library. The featured speaker will be Natalie Lashmet, a former nurse with a science background who has studied the proposed Back Forty Mine and its potential environmental impacts.

Volunteer Michelle Lemire says the goal isn’t to tell people what to think, but to provide information so residents can make informed decisions.

Lemire says while supporters of mining point to economic benefits, the discussion will also examine concerns about possible effects on water quality and the Menominee River. She says understanding both sides of the issue are important for the community.

The event is free and open to the public. It will also be livestreamed and recorded on the Menominee Democrats’ Facebook page and YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person.

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