The U.S. Forest Service is moving ahead with approvals for the proposed Hermosa Mine in the Patagonia Mountains, and the project is being fast-tracked by the feds.
But right now several risks have yet to be fully evaluated in the draft environmental impact statement, raising serious concerns for our communities and biodiversity.
Using the form below, tell the Forest Service it must reject the current plan of operation and do due diligence, so it can ensure protection of this land for all Americans.
As proposed, the mine will damage critical wildlife corridors and harm springs and streams that support more than 100 imperiled species, including jaguars, Mexican spotted owls, and yellow-billed cuckoos.
As part of dewatering operations, 6.84 million gallons of water per day would be discharged into Harshaw Creek, wreaking havoc on the ecosystem.
The Forest Service is not planning to evaluate how the mine will harm the health and habitat of these at-risk species. But there’s still time for the agency to do this crucial step.
Urge the agency to complete further risk studies so it can give the public a full, honest account before any final decisions are made. Comments will be accepted through June 23.
Photo of Patagonia Mountains by Cecilia Alexander/Flickr.