FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 5, 1996

Dear Editor:

As represented by recent quotes in the Wisconsin State Journal (see Sunday, 11/3/96), the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) appears to have assumed the role of public relations official for the mining interests. I find this totally outrageous -- particularly when the DNR employee being quoted (or misquoted?) has been identified in the past as the "project manager" for overseeing the Exxon mining proposal at Crandon. In other words, this is someone who has great influence on the outcome of hearings on this issue, but also one who appears to hold prior conviction as to the efficacy of this project by Exxon.

It appears that the DNR or their spokespeople are exceeding their role by making statements such as "If the Crandon Mining Co. were operating and discharging you would not be able to see, smell, or measure any increase in pollution in the Lower Wisconsin River" or "There will be very little effect on the river water". These statements of opinion seem to support the Exxon mine operation and proposal to discharge water in the Wisconsin River.

It is one thing to state what the rules and regulations are and what the DNR's role is in enforcing such laws. But it is another thing to be making blatant statements of opinion that can only be interpreted as expressing support for Exxon's position and tending to preclude any further input by the citizens most affected by these actions!

Sincerely,

Doug La Follette Secretary of State

Doug La Follette Wisconsin Secretary of State Box 7848, Madison, WI. 53707 608-266-8888 fax 608-266-3159

Technology is of no use to us if it is used without respect for the earth and its processes. - Aldo Leopold