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
FAST-Track Permitting Dashboard Lists ‘Environmental Assessment Cancelled’
- Urge the Bitterroot National Forest to conduct a complete Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Sheep Creek Exploration Proposal, including the full extent of public participation opportunities. A template letter you can edit and send to Sheep.Creek.Comments@usda.gov is here.
- A lesser Categorical Exclusion (CE) review process would not successfully uncover or address the full range of risks associated with the proposal and could skip public comment entirely.
- Learn more about the Exploration Plan, what concerns exist, and why an Environmental Assessment with public comment must be required.
- Subscribe to email updates. We will be organizing interested community members to participate in public comment. Depending on which level of environmental review is prescribed, this will either be a formal, legally binding public comment OR one organized by and for the community.
Background
When the Federal Permitting Council enrolled the Sheep Creek Mine into the FAST-Track program in November of 2025, the permitting process included an Environmental Assessment (EA).
On July 13, 2026 an updated timeline reports ‘Environmental Assessment cancelled.’ Bitterroot residents, elected officials and environmental organizations initially expressed frustration about the FAST-Track status, but agencies and the exploration company assured the community that the process and public input would not be limited. Now, many worry that removal of the EA indicates US Critical Materials, the exploration company, changed its proposal to evade environmental review and eliminate public comment.
We await formal announcement from the Bitterroot National Forest on what level of environmental review – an Environmental Assessment or Categorical Exclusion – will be applied to the Sheep Creek Mine Proposal.
Community Learning & Events
Clean River Rally - August 8 It's important for us to stay connected.
Join us August 8 to celebrate our beautiful, clean Bitterroot River. You’re invited to connect with others, ask questions and share curiosities, pick up yard signs and stickers, and hear a quick update from the Don’t Pollute the Root Team.
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
• Stand together