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ACTION ALERT!
 
Help Preserve the Hiking & Wilderness Experience Throughout the Deserts and Mountains of the West
Reforming the 1872 Mining Law will, finally, give recreation values a voice in how our federal public lands are managed
 

The Pacific Crest Trail, the Continental Divide Trail, National Parks like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite, regions of unique biodiversity like Oregon’s Siskiyou National Forest are among America’s most treasured hiking destinations. All of these areas and more are threatened by more than 89,000 new hardrock mining claims throughout the West. In a given year, areas like the Siskiyou receive up to 200 Notices of Intent for proposed hardrock mines. Unspoiled land, water, wildlife, visual and sound qualities are all part of our unique public lands and only through 1872 Mining Law reform can hikers have a say in how public land is valued against the “highest and best use” luxury afforded mining activity.
 
Fueled by record-high metal prices, over 89,000 new claims have been staked throughout the West. As hikers requiring lightweight gear, we all need metal and responsible hardrock mining remains an important activity. The problem lies with 19th century values and policy guiding 21st century high tech mining technology. Laws put in place before the invention of the light bulb show no regard for the new outdoor recreation values and economic future of the West.
 

Late last year, U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to reform our nation’s policy on hardrock mining policy. Right now the U.S. Senate is considering reform too. Please take action and let your Senators know what you think.
 

CLICK HERE to conveniently generate a unique letter that you can email directly to both of your Senators.

 

Looking for more information or needing another reason to get motivated to write, the American Hiking Society, as a founding member of the Outdoor Alliance, recently premiered an excellent six and half minute video that reminds and inspires us what is at stake. CLICK HERE to view the video or, just type "hardrock mining" into a YouTube Search.
 

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