| Welcome! |
| Stay informed on the frac sand mining controversy |
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| This website is managed by the Houston County Protectors, a group of citizens in Houston County, Minnesota who are concerned about industrial scale sand mining in our region. |
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| May 15, 2013 |
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| New Study Released: Economic Costs and Benefits of Frac Sand Mining in West/Central Wesconsin: |
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| A new report commissioned by the Wisconsin Towns Association, the Wisconsin Farmers Union, and the Minneapolis-based Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy shows the true economic impact of frac sand mining on rural Wisconsin communities may fall short of industry claims promising sustained prosperity and economic opportunity. |
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| >> read full report |
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| >> read executive summary |
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| Media Coverage |
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| Report Eyes Economic Impacts of Sand Mining |
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| Source: The Country Today, May 22, 2013 |
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| LISTEN - Wisconsin Public Radio's At Issue with John Munson: Economic Impact of Frac Sand Mining on Rural Wisonsin Communities |
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| Source: WPR News Audio Archive, Rich Kremer, Thomas Power, Mike Simonson, May 15, 2013 |
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| Economic Impact Study Warns Of Frac Sand Mining's Boom/Bust Cycle |
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| Source: WPR News, Rich Kremer, May 15, 2013 |
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| Officials Should Investigate Costs, Benefits of Frac Mining, Report Says |
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| Source: MPR News, Stephanie Hemphill, May 15, 2013 |
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| Report Raises Concerns for Wisconsin Communities Considering Frac Sand Mining |
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| Source: WEAU.com, May 15, 2013 |
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| New Report Challenges WI Happy Mining Job Numbers |
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| Source: Bluestem Prairie, May 15, 2013 |
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The Basics
General information on frac-sand mining |
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Economy/Jobs
Economic impacts of frac-sand mining |
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Health/Safety
Effects of frac-sand mining on public health/safety |
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Environment
Damage to our natural resources |
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| Government |
| Stay informed about government actions |
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Videos
Frac sand videos and newscasts |
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| Featured Presentations |
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| Dr. Wayne Feyereisn, FACP |
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| Potential Public Health Risks of Silica Sand Mining and Processing |
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| Dr. Steven Deller |
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| Community Economic Impacts of Mining |
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| Erickson Mine - Houston, MN |
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| Scenic state highway 16 has a new neighbor, Minnesota Sands LLC has leased the existing sand mine on Tracie and Michelle Erickson’s property at 23148 State 16 and plans to haul out two million cubic yards of sand before year-end. |
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| >> learn more |
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| Find a Mine Near You |
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| Mines pinpointed on this map are based on records received from the Houston County Zoning & Planning Dept. Locations may be approximate but fall within specified section-township-range. |
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| >> view map |
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| The Big Picture is Small… and Local |
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| Our attention is currently focused on the potential threat that industrial-scale sand mining poses to our area. We must not forget however, the "big picture." What kind of future do we want to create for ourselves and our children? |
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| Conserving energy and producing energy in many different, non-extractive ways can undergird a lasting economy appropriate to Houston County. Looking toward the future instead of the past and building on what’s already been started by local people can provide more jobs for local people instead of relying on what outsiders are willing to offer. |
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| >> learn more |
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| Based on records received from the Houston County Zoning and Planning Department, this is the Mathy Construction Co./Bonanza Grain Inc. Quarry. It is located two miles east of Caledonia, MN. It is one of approximately 120 permitted/existing "construction/aggregate" mines in Houston County. |
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| credit: sarahjoy |
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| >> view more images |
| What You Can Do to Help: |
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| Start A Conversation |
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| Talk to your families, friends, neighbors, and co-workers about industrial scale mining in Houston County. Share with them links to our website and encourage them to learn more about the dangers that industrial-scale mining pose to our area. |
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| Write Letters to the Editor |
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| Concision matters! Most of the papers have a 250 word limit! Include your full name, home address and daytime phone number or they reject your letter |
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| Get Involved |
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| Support the Cause - Make a Donation |
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| MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: |
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| Houston County Protectors |
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| PO BOX 487 |
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| Houston, MN 55943 |
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| Upcoming Events |
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| (View full calendar for complete event details/locations) |
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| Houston County Planning & Zoning Meeting |
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| Thursday, May 23, 7:00 PM |
| Houston County Commissioner's Meeting |
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| Tuesday, May 28, 9:00 AM |
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