Forest Service Calls for Protecting Yellowstone's Doorstep from New Mining Threats

Bozeman, MT – The Forest Service today released its recommendation to Department of the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, calling for a 20-year moratorium on new mining development proposals, on 30,000 acres of public land outside of Yellowstone National Park.

Secretary Zinke now has until November 21, 2018 to review the Forest Service recommendation and make a final decision.

Statement by Colin Davis, founding member of the Yellowstone Gateway Business Coalition:

“Yellowstone is more valuable than gold and businesses and landowners up and down Paradise Valley are thankful the Forest Service has listened to that overwhelming public sentiment. We urge Secretary Zinke to finalize this decision before November 21st and for our Congressional delegation to permanently put this issue to rest by passing the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act into law.”

Statement by Stephanie Adams, Northern Rockies Associate Director for National Parks Conservation Association

“National Parks Conservation Association applauds the Forest Service’s recommendation to the Department of Interior today to protect lands outside of Yellowstone National Park from new mining claims. We stand alongside the Yellowstone Gateway Business Coalition, the conservation community, and people from all walks of life who have come together to agree, the doorstep to the world’s first national park is no place for an industrial gold mine. There is too much at stake for the land, the water, the wildlife, the millions of visitors and the local economy to let these plans become a reality.

“As a Montanan and in his previous role as a Congressman, Secretary Zinke has expressed support for protecting Yellowstone and the Paradise Valley, which would be directly impacted by the industrial-sized mines. Now is the time for Secretary Zinke to solidify this commitment, by approving the 20-year protection of these lands from new mining claims, by the November 21st deadline. Congress also has the opportunity to create a permanent solution by advancing and passing the bipartisan, bicameral Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act.”