Take Action
Protecting the Bitterroot from Sheep Creek Mine will take an informed and engaged community. Here's how to stay connected, speak up, and take action.
Opportunities for Action
Permitting and Public Comment
Montana Department of Environmental Quality - Exploration Permit Review with Public Comment NOW
Bitterroot National Forest - 30-Day Public Comment Closed September 14, 2026
Montana Department of Environmental Equality received USCM’s application for an exploration permit on October 7, 2026. DEQ is reviewing the application to determine if it meets requirements of Montana’s Metal Mine Reclamation Act. If the application is deemed complete DEQ will have has 90 days to complete an environmental review before issuing the permit. Read DEQ’s announcement here.
- COMMENT PERIOD #1 – happening NOW: The agency is accepting ‘scoping’ comments to inform its environmental review process. ‘Scoping comments’ are submitted early in the process. It’s a chance for subject matter experts and community representatives to help DEQ identify the issues, alternatives, and information that should be addressed in the environmental review.
- ***COMMENT PERIOD #2 – happening LATER***: DEQ will open a comment period when they publish a draft of their complete Environmental Review. This comment period may last for as little as 2 weeks. It’s a chance for our community to review, if not challenge, the accuracy and completeness of DEQ’s findings, and to secure your comments in the public record. DEQ must update their final assessment based on these comments.
Stay tuned by subscribing for email updates.
The Bitterroot National Forests is hosted a voluntary 30-day Public Comment Period from August 14 to September 13, accepting input on the Sheep Creek Plan of Operations. The plan is currently being reviewed under a Categorical Exclusion (CE), the lowest level of environmental review available to them.
At least 6,202 unique comments were submitted. You can read a simple breakdown of comments here.
It’s not too late to learn more about the Exploration Plan.
Suggested learning resources:
- Simple Brief – Major Concerns with Exploration Proposal
- Detailed Brief – Major Concerns with Exploration Proposal
- Full Brief – Major Concerns with Exploration Proposal
- Article – Why Environmental Assessment is Required
- Video – Community Presentation – Preparing a Public Comment
- Expert Comments – Review comments submitted by trusted organizations
- Resources – Review past news articles, resources, and trusted perspectives
Community Events
VISIT: Community Information Center & ‘Our Waters’ Exhibition
Visit our community information center in Darby at to learn more about the Sheep Creek proposal and the community values connected to Water in the Bitterroot.
In addition to providing clear, accessible information about the Proposal, the primary purpose of this pop-up office is to showcase the Bitterroot Water Partnership’s exhibit ‘Our Waters, Our Ways of Life’ – a reminder of what we’re working to protect.
The multi-media, community-made exhibit showcases our many, interconnected values around water in the Bitterroot. It’s these core values that have brought us together in our endeavor to protect the Bitterroot from a rare earth mine in the headwaters of our River.
Stop by and leave your mark in a collaboratively woven tapestry!
HOURS: Wed – Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm
LOCATION: 107 N. Main Street, Darby
Community Meeting & Public Comment - August 18
The Bitterroot National Forest opened a 30-day Public Comment Period August 14. The Community Meeting kicked off the comment period with a panel presentation highlighting deficiencies in the Exploration Proposal.
Speakers at the August 18th Community Meeting include:
Dan Huls, Ravalli County Commissioners (referenced resource)
Heather Barber, Bitterroot Water Partnership –
Dr. Phillip Ramsey, Mining Expert, West Fork Resident (referenced resource 1 – referenced resource 2)
Matt Cashell, Ravalli County Fish and Wildlife Association
Julie Foster, Ravalli County Economic Development Authority (referenced resources)
Lisa Ronald, American Rivers
Order Your Yard Sign
Spread the word and take a stand for the Bitterroot.
You can order yours online and pick up at the Bitterroot Water Partnership office:
162 S 2nd. St, Hamilton, MT 9-5 pm – Mon – Fri.
How to Stay Engaged
Protecting Bitterroot Headwaters will require many voices across our Valley.
Stay Informed
Subscribe to receive updates as new information emerges about the proposed Sheep Creek Mine.
Learn the Issues
Explore resources explaining the proposed mine, its headwaters location, and why it matters to the Bitterroot.
Spread the Word
Share accurate information with friends, neighbors, and community members.
Participate Locally
Be ready to engage in public comment periods, meetings, and other community opportunities as they arise.
Why Local Control Matters in the Bitterroot
Decisions that affect our public lands, our waters, and our quality of life must involve the people who live here.
A strong local response starts with a few commitments:
• Stay informed
• Speak up – and listen