The Daily Reporter – WI Construction News & Bids Wisconsin's Construction Authority
MADISON, Wis. (AP) – A Republican state senator is proposing scaling back potential access restrictions to the forest surrounding iron mine site just south of Lake Superior.
About 3,500 acres around the site in the Penokee Hills are part of the state’s managed forest program, which grants landowners reduced fees in lieu of property taxes if they keep the land open for recreation. Sen. Tom Tiffany, a Hazelhurst Republican, introduced a bill in August to close all 3,500 acres after protesters emerged from woods and accosted mine workers.
The bill has garnered little support, though. Sen. Rob Cowles, a Green Bay Republican, has introduced his own proposal that would close areas around mining equipment and roads.
The Senate is expected to consider Cowles’ plan during a Tuesday floor session.
