National Forest projects currently being permitted for destruction by Hardrock Mining


At the present time, 44 National Forest "Reserves" are being threatened with 170 projects in the West (we are calculating other states—but the West is the worst hit). These are the mines being permitted—without any reference to the number of acres devastated or the number of mature trees destroyed.

Alaska: Total of Fifteen (15) Projects in Two (2) National Forests

Arizona: Total of Twelve (12) Projects in Four (4) National Forests

California: Total of Twenty (20) Projects in Five (5) National Forests

Colorado: Total of Fourteen (14) Projects in Five (5) National Forests

Idaho: Total of Thirty-six (36) Projects in Seven (7) National Forests

Michigan: Total of One (1) Projects in One (1) National Forest

Montana: Total of Fifteen (15) Projects in Four (4) National Forests

New Mexico: Total of Three (3) Projects in One (1) National Forest

Nevada: Total of Sixteen (16) Projects in One (1) National Forest

Oregon: Total of Sixteen* (16) Projects in Six (6) National Forests

Utah: Total of Twelve (12) Projects in Five (5) National Forests

Washington: Total of Ten (10) Projects in Three (3) National Forests

Please note that the Forest Service records are so inept and so incomplete that it is impossible to discern a commerical multi-acre hardrock mining operation and a hobbyist gold panning and metal detecting claim. Why do you suppose that is? Please advise.