Save The Flathead

fieldandstream-editor — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:39:51 -0500

If the mine - known locally as the Cline Mine - becomes reality, this type of landscape (an active BC coal mine) will replace the wilderness that currently exists. The site will be clear-cut, heavy machinery will roll in, and the ridge will literally be torn apart. The Cline Mining Company plans on extracting about 2 million tons of low-grade coal per year, trucking it out of the valley and shipping it to China. The mine would operate round the clock, with huge transport vehicles running 24/ 7 for the next 20 years.

Save The Flathead

fieldandstream-editor — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 09:39:51 -0500

By Todd Tanner

The North Fork of the Flathead River originates in this remote wilderness valley in southern British Columbia. It's an absolutely stunning place, with abundant elk, mule deer, black bear, moose, white-tailed deer, and grizzly bears. There are bighorn sheep and mountain goats on the peaks, eagles ride the air currents, and westslope cutthroat and bull trout swim in the river.

Despite these riches, the government of British Columbia is intent on reducing the ridge in this picture to a vast open-pit mine, with coal trucks rumbling through the valley 24 hours a day.

Erin Sexton

Save The Flathead

Save The Flathead