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PRE-SCOPING AND PUBLIC COMMENT | Summer 2026

US Critical Materials, the exploration company, intends to submit their 2nd draft Plan of Operations to the Bitterroot National Forest by early May, 2026. The US Forest Service estimates that (1) Project Scoping will occur in August of 2026 and that (2) they will conduct and Environmental Assessment, resulting in a decision by July of 2027.
Scoping Period Comment: This comment period is used to help determine what concerns we’d like addressed in the Environmental Assessment.
- You can submit your comments to the Forest Service.
- You can donate to relevant community & conservation organizations who will employ subject matter experts to submit thorough comments to the Forest Service.
Environmental Assessment (EAs) Comment: These impact analyses are open to public comment. More detail will be provided as we near this next milestone.
Learn more about these permitting milestones in the FAQs
More info about anticipated comment periods will added to this webpage as it is available. Be sure to subscribe to email updates to receive direct notice.

How to Stay Engaged

Protecting Bitterroot Headwaters will require many voices across our Valley.

Subscribe to receive updates as new information emerges about the proposed Sheep Creek Mine.

Explore resources explaining the proposed mine, its headwaters location, and why it matters to the Bitterroot.

Share accurate information with friends, neighbors, and community members.

Be ready to engage in public comment periods, meetings, and other community opportunities as they arise.

A strong local response starts with a few commitments:

• Stay informed

• Speak up – and listen

• Stand together