News

The Smith River needs your voice – comment on the draft EIS today.

by Bill Pfeiffer

The channels and braids mirror our veins, giving our hearts a purpose.  The veins of copper ore are not where the real treasure lies.  It is the alchemy of the river that will continue to change us infinitely if we let it – Laura Churchman

Laura Churchman’s stirring op-ed strikes to the heart of why the Smith River is so important to preserve.  This place of infinite, restorative beauty is under threat.  We are calling on all of you, lovers of the river, to raise their voices against the mine that threatens to irreparably damage the Smith River drainage.

How can you help?

Attend an informational session about the mine and the recently released Draft EIS on May 6, 2019, Garden City Harvest Meeting Room, 1657 River Road, Missoula, MT

Submit official comments advocating for the Smith River to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality by emailing [email protected].  Visit smithriverwatch.org in the coming weeks if you would like substantive talking points to make your comment stronger.

Attend one of three public hearings to provide your comment in person:

  • April 24, 2019 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Great Falls High School Upper Field House, 1900 5th Ave., (entrance to the south side of the building, at the intersection of 5th Ave. South and 19th Street), Great Falls, Montana
  • April 29, 2019 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Park High School, 102 View Vista Dr., Livingston, Montana
  • April 30, 2019 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the White Sulphur Springs High School, 405 S. Central Ave., White Sulphur Springs, Montana

Or, get online for one of two webinars offered by the Montana DEQ. Registration can be completed by following this link.

And next time you’re on Facebook, Instagram, other social media, or just talking to friends, family or strangers face-to-face, spread the word.  The DEQ needs to hear from you.  The Smith River needs you.

News

Golden Sunlight Mine set to end operations

by Bill Pfeiffer

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 toxic water and the cost of treating it remain, forever.

Because this mine is perched above the Jefferson river, how the company plans to treat and dispose of its never-ending source of polluted water will be critical.

Read more about the closure in this article by Susan Dunlap at the Montana Standard.

News

MTU hosts 2019 guide briefing

by Bill Pfeiffer

The atmosphere was casual and the mood convivial as area guides gathered at the MTU headquarters for the 2019 MTU guide briefing. Montana Trout Unlimited and Trout Unlimited’s Clark Fork Program staff provided policy, legislative and project updates with a focus on information relevant to the guiding community.  Mike Bias, executive director of Fishing Outfitters Association of Montana (FOAM), provided updates on FOAM’s legislative work and the launch of their advanced guide training program, Guiding for the Future. Alec Underwood, Montana Wildlife Federation, gave presentation on the Blackfoot-Clearwater Stewardship Project.

Questions were as plentiful as the beer and pizza.  It was a treat to host such a large group of guides who support conservation work. Thanks so much to Paul Moseley and Ruby Springs Lodge for funding this years guide briefing.  We can’t wait until next year.

If you are a guide and would like to receive updates from Montana Trout Unlimited, send an email to [email protected] with the subject “guide list”.

MT DEQ releases draft EIS for mine proposed on Smith River

by Bill Pfeiffer

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 the risks this mine poses to water quality, water quantity, habitat and fish in the Smith.  Stay connected with us for more information based on our review and about the public comment period on this critical issue.

Montana Angler owner and American Fisheries Society policy director stand up for clean water in Kansas City

by Bill Pfeiffer

Brian McGeehan, owner of Montana Angler, and Drue Winters, policy director for American Fisheries Society, traveled to Kansas City this week to attend the public hearing on the EPA’s proposal to narrow the definitions of waters protected under the 1972 Clean Water Act.

Brian McGeehan speaks in support for strong protections for our waters, “Our business; and many, many others, relies solely on clean rivers and streams. Without clean water I cannot support my family or the dozens of other families that rely on Montana Angler to make a living.”  Watch the full video of Brian’s statement here. 

Drue Winters understands how critical clean water protections are for the health of our watersheds,“The rule fails to align with the original intent of the Clean Water Act to ‘to restore and maintain the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the Nation’s waters.’ Further, the rule is inconsistent with more than a half century of scientific research that demonstrates that the integrity of “traditionally navigable” waters fundamentally depends on ephemeral, intermittent, and perennial headwater streams, as well as the many associated lakes, wetlands, and off-channel habitats”.  Watch the full video of Drue’s statement here.