Will Klobuchar protect the Boundary Waters?

Amy Klobuchar says she wants to be president of all the people. We like Sen. Klobuchar's Midwestern common sense and attitude.

But we hope her all the people message is not just rhetoric.

Minnesota is home to the 1.1-million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) - the most popular wilderness in the country. More than 155,000 people, including many from Iowa, visit the canoe country annually.

The waters of the wilderness are threatened by proposed sulfide-ore copper mining literally on its doorstep. Scientists warn that toxic wastes from the mines could pollute the BWCAW for centuries. The project, backed by a Chilean mining conglomerate, is being steamrollered through by the Trump administration. Interesting that the mine's owner also is Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump's landlord.

Trump officials halted an environmental and economic review initiated by the Obama administration, and reversed Obama's decision to not renew mineral leases. Klobuchar has been silent on the issue - although other Democratic candidates have promised to protect the wilderness.

As a regular BWCAW user who first visited the area in 1965, I ask Klobuchar to pledge her support for this priceless, unique natural resource that belongs to all the people.

Larry Stone

Elkader