10,000+ signatures call for temporary withdrawal of public lands around Smith River from mining to protect it from potential pollution.

Advocates call for mining withdrawal on public lands near the Smith River to protect it from potential pollution. With over 10,000 signatures delivered to the Forest Service, the goal is to temporarily remove federally owned public land around the Smith River from new mining claims. The petition comes amid concerns about the Black Butte Copper Mine, which is on private property and has been permitted to start mining by the Montana Department of Environmental Quality.

May 21, 2024
10 Articles