Since 2005, the Cascade Forest Conservancy and our partners have been working to protect the Green River valley, near Mount St. Helens, from industrial-scale hard rock mining. A Canadian mining company, Ascot Resources Ltd., has been seeking a permit to conduct exploratory drilling for copper, gold, and molybdenum. Drilling to locate mineral deposits and determine commercial viability is an essential step in the development of a hardrock mine.

In December 2018, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) gave approval for exploratory drilling permits, despite tens of thousands of citizens who opposed this decision. The Forest Service gave similar approval in early 2018, making BLM’s action a final decision, and forcing Cascade Forest Conservancy to oppose this in the courts. We will also continue to work with our representatives, and our coalition partners to find alternative solutions to mining that protect the Green River Valley, while promoting local recreation.

Mining exploration and development could harm threatened salmon and steelhead populations in the Green River, interfere with recreation opportunities in the area, and threaten drinking water supplies for downstream communities. The unique, remote, and beautiful Green River valley was acquired by the Forest Service with money from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, money designated to promote conservation and recreation to the public. This will be the fourth time that the mining industry has tried to mine in this area. We have stopped them three times, and we plan to do so again. It is critical that we remain vigilant to protect the Green River valley and Mount St. Helens from future mining attempts. For a history of our actions to date, click here.

Mount St. Helens: No Place for a Mine from Cascade Forest Conservancy on YouTube.



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