Opponents to copper mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area will hold a grand opening Saturday of a new visitors' center.
The grand opening of the Sustainable Ely Action Center is set for 5 p.m. at 206 E. Sheridan St.
The center is aimed at persuading tourists and other visitors to take a stand against copper mining proposals in and near the area, including Twin Metals, an underground mine proposed near the Kawishiwi River east of Ely. Opponents say runoff from the mines could threaten the pristine water quality of the region. Mining supporters say those threats are unlikely.
The grand opening events start at 2 p.m. with a "symbolic and inspirational" canoe trip on the Kawishiwi River starting at Voyageur Outward Bound off Spruce Road and finishing at the Superior National Forest Kawishiwi Campground beach near the new Highway 1 bridge.
For more information, call (218) 365-7808.
