Mines more environmentally friendlier now than in the past

In the letter to the editor expressing concern for the Cabinet Mountain Wilderness, I love the mountain range, too. My wife and I have spent a lot of time hiking in this scenic area.

Today, mines are a different industry than they were in the past. They are a responsible steward of the land. Every precaution is made to ensure the environment and the public-health concerns are met.

We do need jobs in Lincoln and Sanders counties. One should ask whether it would be better to mine copper and silver in a different country where the concern for the environment and public health will not equal our standards. 

Our country needs these precious metals. It is in our own best interest to mine them ourselves.

In closing, I smile as we both share in the use of our natural resources, as we communicate through this newspaper. 

I consider the fact that we both love this land, but I do not wish to trust my environmental concerns to another country.

— Paul Coon

Libby