The Northern Michigan University student group Students Against Sulfide Mining (SASM) has, since its inception, spoken out against the Kennecott nickel and copper mine site proposed 25 miles from Marquette. During public forums, members of the group shared their feelings about the proposed mine with government officials — baring their souls in the process.

Now, the group is baring a little bit more.

SASM members recently published a partially-nude calendar to raise funds. All the photos in the calendar are in black and white and were taken on the Yellow Dog Plains, the location of the proposed Kennecott mine.

Bethany Lyons, SASM president, said the idea of posing nude for a calendar was originally more of a joke, but that the final outcome was nothing of the sort.

“It was a fun thing to do, especially being out on the Yellow Dog Plains,” said SASM member Amanda Boyle. “At first we were all a little apprehensive to walk around naked with a bunch of your friends, but it got easier.” …