Complacency won't keep our lake safe

Those of us who live and recreate in Sandpoint understand why Rand McNally recently chose our town as the “most beautiful small town in America.” We might have mixed feelings about this recognition, but our town is undeniably beautiful, and it is because of Lake Pend Oreille.

What might be a surprise to the folks at Rand McNally, and to some new residents, is that 25 miles upstream from our beautiful lake lurks a huge threat. It is the proposed Rock Creek mine, and the stream of heavy metals it would send our way.

The threat of the mine has been around a long time. It has been more than ten years since the mine first won approval from the Forest Service. Fortunately, the Rock Creek Alliance has been around a long time, too (since 1996), and has been successful in stopping the mine by forcing the company to relinquish its permits. But, when a fight goes on this long, complacency and attrition run their course. It’s what mining companies hope will happen to opposition.

If you care about the future of Lake Pend Oreille, you can’t afford to become complacent. As you enjoy the lake this summer, whether from a boat or from the shore, please think about 3 million gallons of mining wastewater flowing into our lake every day for hundreds of years. If that prospect scares you, get involved in helping to stop the mine. It’s not too late, but the Rock Creek Alliance can’t do it alone.

MARY CROWE COSTELLO

Executive Director

Rock Creek Alliance

Sandpoint