Progress Made in Protecting Mount St. Helens from Mining
On Wednesday, July 20th the Forest Service suspended its letter of concurrence to Ascot Resources. This action prevents Ascot from ground disturbing activities (like drilling or road construction) on Forest Service land until further notice. This suspension is a result of the legal issues raised in the Task Force's preliminary injunction, filed on July 5th in federal court, against the Forest Service’s issuance of a permit without undergoing an environmental review and public comment process.
The Task Force’s request for an environmental review and public comment period ensures that local communities and users of this area have a voice in issues affecting their public lands. 33,000 people commented on the mine proposal in this same area in 2008 and they, the public, deserve the opportunity to comment on this drilling proposal clearly affecting their public lands. Local communities deserve the right to weigh in on developments that will impact their health, quality of life, and access to public lands.
We are excited by this important step in our campaign to permanently protect the national treasure that is Mount St. Helens and we are grateful for our members whose support has made this possible. Our work on this issue is not finished as we fight for permanent protection for the area around the Monument; please consider donating to support this campaign. Your continued support of the Task Force is what makes our work protecting our national treasures and our public lands possible.
Click here to read media reports on the current mining threat.
