Smith River Protection
What can I do to help save the Smith?
While we await the final decision by the Montana Supreme Court, regardless of the outcome we will remain staunch defenders and watchdogs of the Smith. Additionally, we are working with Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks on identifying restoration opportunities to improve water quality and quantity for the future.
MTU continues to incur significant costs in our fight to defend the Smith. Please visit our donation page to make a contribution today.
Smith River Protection Timeline
A visual history of our fight to protect the Smith.
Learn More About the Smith River and the Mine
-
Smith River guide urges MT DEQ to extend public comment period
Smith River guide John Kowalski’s push for more time and additional public opportunities to comment on the proposed Black Butte mine is spot on. The Smith River is too important for the DEQ to be rushing the public through the 796-page Environmental Impact Statement. Read John’s full op-ed in the Helena Independent Record.
-
Golden Sunlight Mine set to end operations
As Montana’s Golden Sunlight mine prepares to close, the mine manager reminds us that the closure is happening because “It’s a nonrenewable resource.” Once there isn’t enough gold to be profitable, it’s over…except for the polluted water, which “will have to be pumped and treated in perpetuity.” The jobs and tax base disappear but the…
-
MT DEQ releases draft EIS for mine proposed on Smith River
If you care about Montana’s Smith River, it’s time to pay attention. Montana’s Department of Environmental Quality just released a draft environmental analysis paid for by the Australian-owned mining company proposing to build a large mine in the headwaters of the Smith River. We will be conducting an expert, scientific review of this analysis and…