A group of 80 to 90 activists is planning a workshop this weekend in northern Wisconsin to learn techniques they could use to fight plans for construction of a proposed iron ore mine in northern Wisconsin.

The group plans to meet at a site in the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest, about an hour north of Wausau, to learn "peaceful resistance techniques" to the proposed mine.

The workshops include "anti-oppressions training," "direct-action training," "blockades" and climbing drills. For example, one organizer, Thistle Pettersen of Madison, said protesters will learn techniques for tree climbing to prevent a mining company from doing advance work at the mine site.

Protests could start as soon as Gogebic Taconite begins exploratory drilling on the site of a proposed $1.5 billion mine in Ashland and Iron counties.

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The Department of Natural Resources is reviewing Gogebic's application to drill 13 holes on the mining site. The DNR has until May 23 to approve, deny or ask the company for more information.