American Rivers’ Activists Prove How Cherished the Smith is

The period to submit scoping comments regarding the proposed Black Butte copper mine in the headwaters of the Smith River in central Montana closed on November 16, 2017. According to the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), the agency received about 10,000 comments during the scoping period. Of those, 8,030 people, or just over 80 percent, commented through American Rivers’ action alert.

The fight is far from over, though. Montana DEQ will use these scoping comments to frame their environmental assessment process throughout 2018. Included in this process will be more opportunities for the public to comment, and we will need your help again.

The Smith River is one of Montana’s most cherished floats. Every year thousands of people apply for a multi-day permit to boat its limestone canyons, sample its world-class fishery, and camp underneath its starry skies with family and friends. Because of the proposed Black Butte mine in its headwaters, the Smith River was named one of America’s Most Endangered Rivers® in 2015 and 2016.

Thank you for helping us keep wild rivers like the Smith free of acid mine drainage and other pollutants. We couldn’t do it without you! For more information on the proposed copper mine in the headwaters of the Smith River, and to stay informed, please visit: https://www.americanrivers.org/river/smith-river/