Minerals are part of nature too.
Irresponsible mining can leach toxic chemicals such as mercury and copper into our water supply.
Irreparable damage to caves, mountains and other mineral formations not only detracts from the beauty of the land, it could also potentially destroy the ecosystems of many plant and animal species. Prairie ecosystems protect our landscape from erosion, provide us with beauty, educational opportunities, rich bio-diversity, valuable medicinal products and a link to our past. However, cross-pollination from genetically engineered crops, exotic species, out of control urbanization and plant poachers are threatening this valuable, yet increasingly scarce natural resource.