PROPOSED MINE THREATENS
GROUSE, TROUT AND LANDS

Southeast Idaho’s wildlands are among the most important and biologically diverse areas in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. These treasures are now once again seriously threatened. Already the upper Blackfoot River and 40% of its tributary stream miles are contaminated by at least ten phosphate mine Superfund sites that leak toxic amounts of selenium into basin streams.

Yet, the J.R. Simplot Company, working hand in glove with the BLM and Forest Service, wants to turn more of these pristine roadless forests into an industrial wasteland with yet another phosphate mine. This time their proposal for a new mine includes an alarming new twist — the BLM and Forest Service plan to sell off and trade away more than 1,700 acres our public lands, almost three square miles, so that so that the mining giant can construct a toxic mine tailings impoundment. Such a move to sell and trade these lands will make it much more difficult to protect these and adjoining public lands from just such toxic threats.

Virtually all of the mining operations will occur within the Huckleberry Basin roadless area. The large tailings impoundment will directly impact key sage grouse habitat, important wetlands, and roadless habitat important to moose, elk, and mule deer. What the public gets in return is a handful of dollars and a toxic legacy that will threaten wildlife and water quality decades after Simplot walks away from the mine.

Send a message to the BLM and Forest Service before the May 13, 2010 comment deadline at: Dairy_Syncline_EIS@blm.gov

Tell the agencies that this mine proposal should be shelved until successful cleanup of the existing Superfund sites and has been completed and selenium contamination from those mines no longer poisons the Blackfoot River or its tributaries. If the BLM and Forest Service decide to go forward with Simplot’s new mine proposal they should:

1) Deny Simplot’s bid to obtain ownership of any BLM or Forest Service lands for their toxic tailings impoundment.
2) Not approve any lease modifications for lands within the Huckleberry Basin roadless area.
3) Ensure all alternatives are in full compliance with state and federal water quality standards, and if applicable with all laws and regulations that apply to water rights.
4) Ensure that no sage grouse habitat is impacted by the proposal.

Don’t forget our two Service projects coming up in June and July! The annual Deer Creek takes place June 26 – 27. We will do trail maintenance work on the 26th and then find time to enjoy a potluck, camping, hiking, and fishing.

Blackfoot River WMA Adopt-a-Wetland project will be July 10-11 so please plan to join the Partnership, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition, and Idaho Fish and Game Department staff, at southeast Idaho’s unique and beautiful Blackfoot River Wildlife Management Area. This year will be rebuilding fence to keep cattle off the vast wetland complex to benefit fish and wildlife.

For more information and to RSVP about either project contact Marv Hoyt at: mhoyt@greateryellowstone.org

Proposed site for the the tailings impoundment - Dairy Syncline Mine



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