Environmental Changes in Armed Guards

Tensions on both sides have been high over a proposal by Gogebic for a massive open-pit iron mine in northern Wisconsin that could bring both jobs and environmental changes to the region. Mine supporters have been angered by video of masked protesters threatening Gogebic workers and vandalizing company equipment last month, and mine opponents have been outraged in turn by the mining firm’s decision to bring in the bulletproof security team.

Iron County Sheriff Tony Furyk previously estimated damage in the June 11 incident at $2,000 after protesters with covered faces slashed tires, damaged equipment, destroyed a worker’s camera and took her cell phone.

As a result, protester Katie Kloth of Stevens Point was charged with felony robbery by force, misdemeanor theft and two misdemeanor counts of damage to property.

Lipske said he was not aware of further allegations of harassment by protesters since the June 11 incident, though he noted it was possible that other masked protesters will be charged in connection with the alleged crimes from a month ago.

Furyk has not responded to interview requests this week about the presence of bulletproof guards at the site, where Gogebic is carrying out exploratory drilling. But Lipske said he and Furyk have discussed Bulletproof and the concerns about the firm.

Gogebic has an option on the mineral rights of the land in question, which is regulated under the state’s managed forest law. In exchange for sharply lower property taxes for the landholder, the managed forest law gives the public access to wooded lands for activities such as hiking, hunting and fishing.

That has allowed mine opponents to approach the area where Gogebic employees are at work, even though the land is private property. Seitz said Tuesday that the bulletproof guards have been tracking protesters who he says are concealing themselves in the area.

Parrella said the security firm’s employees are all former U.S. military or law enforcement personnel who go through a rigorous screening and background check process. All of the employees have permits to carry concealed weapons issued by the state of Arizona — permits that are also recognized by the state of Wisconsin. However, being licensed to carry a concealed weapon under Wisconsin law does not automatically entitle a person or company to provide commercial security.