The simple fact that a Vancouver, British Columbia, firm has requested a direct mineral lease on property in northern Marquette County had plenty of people in Superiorland buzzing last week with no clear consensus on how the Michigan Department of Natural Resources should proceed.

North American Nickel Inc. has asked the DNR for the lease on 320 acres located north and west of the Eagle Mine in Michigamme Township. The request was made June 23. The DNR said the recommended classification for the acreage is leasable development with restrictions, which allows for the exploration, development or production of sub-surface and surface metallic minerals under specific stipulations.

Comments from the public will be accepted by the DNR until Oct. 12 and can be emailed to Karen Maidlow, property specialist with the DNR Office of Minerals Management , at maidlowk@michigan.gov, or mailed to the DNR Office of Minerals Management, 525 W. Allegan, P.O. Box 30452, Lansing, MI 48909-7952.

Prior to any exploration or mining, North American Nickel would be required to develop exploration or mining and reclamation plans to be approved by the DNR, as well as receive related permitting from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Environmental organization Save the Wild U.P. has taken an early stance opposing such development at the site.

“This area is a delicate watershed and is no place for mineral exploration or industrial growth,” said Alexandra Maxwell, executive director of the environmental group.

Maxwell said the area contains wetlands and small streams that feed the Yellow Dog and Salmon Trout rivers, as well as a forest of jack pine trees.

DNR field staff who reviewed the parcels recommended two specific stipulations as part of the lease to address concerns with archaeological and threatened or endangered species.

DNR officials said archaeological sites are located on some of the parcels, and nesting neo-tropical migrant birds, including the endangered Kirtland’s warbler, have been found in the area.

It’s much too early to support or oppose this project. In fact, there is no project to support or oppose. We do, however, urge people to let the DNR know how they feel. The process will only work if an informed citizenry is involved.