Legal Victory for the Yellowstone

Paradise Valley, downriver from Yellowstone National Park, boasts some of Montana’s best trout fishing but is threatened by the prospect of gold mines near Emigrant Peak (shown here) and near Jardine just outside the park boundary. Larry Mayer photo

Opponents of a proposed mine near the entrance to Yellowstone National Park in Montana’s Paradise Valley won a  legal victory when Park County Judge Brenda Gilbert ruled that the Montana Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) must conduct a more extensive environmental review before issuing an gold mining exploration permit.

The complete decision is available here.

According to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, the decision does not void Lucky’s exploration license, which could still allow the project to commence as early as July 15. It is also unclear whether the DEQ or Lucky will appeal. Vice-President Shaun Dykes told the Bozeman Daily Chronicle that Lucky’s Board of Directors would decide how to proceed in coming days.

Paul Weamer’s story “Liquid Treasure” in the Feb.-March 2018 issue of FLY FISHERMAN describes threats to the iconic Yellowstone River that include two potential gold mines including exploration permits from Lucky Minerals and Crevice Mining Group claims. That entire story is on-line here.

The post Legal Victory for the Yellowstone appeared first on Fly Fisherman.