“Here is your country. Cherish these natural wonders, cherish the natural resources, cherish the history and romance as a sacred heritage, for your children and your children’s children. Do not let selfish men, or greedy interests, skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.” 
Theodore Roosevelt

Tuesday, 3 March is when the Houston County Commissioners will take their final vote on frac sand mining

Dear Friends,

I am writing with an urgent appeal, the background of which is below. In essence, this coming Tuesday, 3 March is when the Houston County Commissioners will take their final vote on frac sand mining in Houston County. In spite of their vote FOR a ban two weeks ago, they now seem to be back-pedalinig toward ordinances which will do no good in truly regulating the industry. (For example, enforcement language indicates that the County "may" take actions if violations occur, not that it "may," "shall" or "will.")

Though many of you do not live in Houston County, we are trying to get as large a turnout as possible at 8:30 for a rally and at 9:00 for the Commissioners' Meeting, at the Houston County Courthouse in Caledonia, on Tuesday, March 3.

We are looking for people from within an hour radius to come.

If you cannot come, are there persons whom you could telephone to come? Do you have friends or neighbors in Houston County whom you could contact about this? Time is of the essence.

Finally, we are also looking for people to call or write to Commissioners Walter and Schuldt. If you live outside Houston County, you should try to include an angle that states your proximity, interest, or relationship to Houston County.

Please feel free to forward this email widely, and please feel free to contact me with any questions. I am aware that there are a few persons on this list whose opinions on frac sand I do not know. If this has gone to you in error, please accept my apology. Only the best intentions were intended.

With many thanks for your consideration, Drue Fergison

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Houston County Commissioners Backpedaling on Frac Sand Mining Ban 

At their Feb 24^th meeting, Houston County Commissioners backpedaled on the commitment they made the week before to ban frac sand mining in the County.

On February 18th, the Houston County Board voted unanimously to add language to the draft mining ordinance that would ban frac sand mining. That decision was made after a three-hour Public Hearing during which hundreds of County residents turned out to overwhelmingly voice their opposition to the mining of silica sand for use in hydraulic fracking.

Since then the County Board has been pressured by the mining industry and its local allies to abandon that commitment.  It appears a majority of the Board, Steve Schuldt, Teresa Walter and Judy Storlie, now favor allowing frac sand mining instead of a ban. (http://www.news8000.com/news/frac-sand-mining-ordinance-vote-delayed-in-houston-county/31459714)

Following a controversial Public Comment period last Tuesday, Commissioners discussed regulating frac sand mining in the County instead of prohibiting it. This development comes despite the fact that Houston County Attorney Sam Jandt advised the Commissioners that a ban on frac sand mining could legally be passed and defended in Court.

During the contentious Public Comment period, Charlie Wieser from La Crescent again attempted to bully the Board into rejecting the ban. Wieser, whose brothers Brian and Jeff, and other family members are heavily involved in the frac sand mining industry, again threatened that the County would be sued if the Commissioners passed a ban. (See a video of his comments and frequent updates at www.houstoncountyrealitycheck.com)

Please contact Commissioners Schuldt and Walter before the Tuesday, March 3^rd showdown vote!

             

               Teresa Walter 895-2446 or teresa.walter@co.houston.mn.us

               Steve Schuldt 724-3639 or steve.schuldt@co.houston.mn.us

Tell them you want a ban on frac sand mining. Tell them that you do not believe their argument that regulations will protect our county from the destruction of frac sand mining.  

Please try to attend our “Ban the Sand” rally this Tuesday at 8:30 at the County Courthouse before the Commissioners’ meeting at 9:00.

Ken Tschumper

Houston County Government Accountability Project

507-894-4248

 

Sunday, February 8, JEM theater in Harmony will present free showings (11:00 am and 2:00 pm) of "I'll Be Me"

Sunday, February 8, JEM theater in Harmony will present free showings (11:00 am and 2:00 pm)

of "I'll Be Me", documentary of Glen Campbell's farewell tour.

With free popcorn and pop!

Free tickets may be reserved by emailing or calling Tim Samuelson (tjsamuel@gundersenhealth.org) at Harmony Care Center 507/886-6544, ext. 103.

I understand that these showings are sponsored by Gunderson-Lutheran, which has received a grant to increase conversations about Alzeimers Disease.

Please spread the word as much as you can.  Appropriate for all, including grandchildren, according to Tim.

Wishing you well,

Bonita

We just found out a few hours ago about this hearing on frac sand planned by the MN House of Representatives Mining and Outdoor Recreation Committee.

Hi folks,

I wanted to start getting this news out quickly — feel free to share with others.

We just found out a few hours ago about this hearing on frac sand planned by the MN House of Representatives Mining and Outdoor Recreation Committee. As you can see in the description below, it's been set up so that they hear only from the frac sand industry and state agencies — no role for affected citizens. And industry is given first billing and speaking priority even over the agencies. This is pretty outrageous.

It'll be very important to have some citizens from SE MN there to witness what the industry and agencies say. If you're interested and able to go up to the hearing, please let me know.

Thanks,

Johanna

Johanna Rupprecht

Policy Organizer

Land Stewardship Project

Lewiston, MN

507-523-3366

jrupprecht@landstewardshipproject.org

From: Stephanie Lamphere [mailto:Stephanie.Lamphere@house.mn]
Sent: Thursday, January 22, 2015 10:56 AM
To: Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy
Subject: 1-27-14 House Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy Committee Notice

Below please find a meeting notice and agenda for the Tuesday, January 27th meeting of the House Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy Committee.

Thank you,

Stephanie

COMMITTEE: Mining and Outdoor Recreation Policy

DATE: Tuesday, January 27th, 2015

TIME: 2:45pm - 4:30pm

MEETING ROOM: 10 State Office Building

CHAIR: Rep. Tom Hackbarth

AGENDA: Informational Hearing for Silica Sand Mining from Silica Sand Producers and State Agency Silica Sand Rule-Making Update.

Stephanie Lamphere
Committee Administrator - Mining & Outdoor Recreation Policy
Minnesota House of Representatives

430 State Office Building
651-296-5528
Stephanie.Lamphere@house.mn