Wilderness worthy of protection

The Cabinet Mountains Wilderness in northwestern Montana is a special place — the best ground left in that side of the state.

This protected ground is being threatened by two copper and silver mining proposals. Already surrounded by people and highways, this alpine paradise must protect its water, its beautiful spaces and wildlife habitat for endangered species

The tunnel digging mixes a toxic brew draining downhill into valley streams and rivers. Valley truck traffic would increase 200 percent every day. Any valley animals would be quickly slaughtered.

I lived 8 miles from one of the proposed mines for over 30 years, which gave me plenty of time to talk to professionals from all over the country and each thought the proposed project is extremely irresponsible.

There would be too many things affected in negative ways, especially water quality. Isn’t the damage already done from over 130 years of toxic mining waste dumped into the Clark Fork River enough? When does the mining industry say stop?

Friends of Montana are the reason our state is so special. Please help us prevent this damage.

LON LaBELLE

Thompson Falls, Mont.