Protect the Smith River and other threatened Kalmiopsis Streams from Strip Mining (ARCHIVED ACTION)

ACTION ALERT: Protect the Smith River and other threatened Kalmiopsis Streams from Strip Mining

Mining companies want to develop nickel strip mines in the pristine headwaters of the Wild and Scenic Smith and Illinois Rivers in southwest Oregon’s Kalmiopsis region. Nearby Hunter Creek and the Pistol River, on the Wild Rivers Coast, are also threatened.

What’s at stake?

• Vital free-flowing rivers that support abundant wild, native salmon, steelhead, and cutthroat
• California downstream would receive the toxic waste from a mining disaster via the Smith River which flows through Redwood National and State Parks and the Smith River National Recreation Area
• Pure drinking water for local communities (Gasquet, Hiouchi and Crescent City)
• Outstanding outdoor recreation opportunities, including fishing, hiking, mountain biking, whitewater rafting and kayaking

The Department of Interior is considering a proposal to protect roughly 101,000 acres of public land by withdrawing it from future mining claims while Congress considers permanent protection.

The Forest Service and BLM have completed an Environmental Assessment and are receiving public comments right now.

Add your voice by May 27th, 2016

Take Action! Sign comment letter here

Learn more about protecting the North Fork Smith River from mining.