The Methow Valley, located in the foothills of the North Cascades, is one of the Northwest's most popular recreation destinations. It is surrounded by public lands that provide year-around opportunities for outdoor recreation including whitewater paddling on rivers like the Methow, Lost, and Chewuch.

 

A current threat to the valley and the recreational opportunities available is a proposed large-scale copper mine in the heart of the valley near Flagg Mountain, located immediately above the town of Mazama. If developed, this copper mine would irreversibly damage the river and surrounding landscape, while bringing noise, heavy truck traffic, and industrial activity to the forest gateway communities of Mazama, Winthrop, and Twisp.

 

Right now, there is a critical opportunity to protect this special place from this proposed development and future industrial mining operations. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is considering a 20-year mining withdrawal across 340,079 acres in the Methow Headwaters. The administrative withdrawal would make the area off-limits to mining while Senators Murray and Cantwell work on legislation to permanently protect this landscape.

 

TAKE ACTION

 

Before it can put the mining withdrawal into effect, the BLM needs to hear from you. Broad public support is crucial for securing these interim protections. Take a moment today to write a letter--we've made it easy below with suggested text, and your letter will go straight to the BLM office. If you are from Washington State we have also provided a letter template to thank our Senators for their leadership. Personal letters are especially important for showing decision makers why the Methow Valley deserves these protections. Please consider modifying the text to share a personal story about your experience in the Methow and why you think the region is worth protecting. The deadline for comments is March 30, 2017.

 

Send Your Comment

 

Learn More about the Methow Headwaters Campaign