Acting supervisor hears Montanore concerns

Interim Kootenai National Forest Supervisor Pam Gardner was advised of the pending projects before she assumed the temporary position on Feb. 11. During the Lincoln County Commission meeting Wednesday, she heard first-hand residents’ weariness of the long permitting process for the Montanore Mine Project.

Gardner, who will mark her 30th anniversary as a U.S. Forest Service employee on March 12, said she understands frustration with the project that has been ongoing as long as she has served the Forest Service.

“We fully understand the importance of this project,” Gardner said. “We are working hard to get this completed.”

Gardner was accompanied by Quinn Carver, the KNF’s staff officer for Natural Resource and Planning. Carver, who has served many roles during his years in the Forest Service, said the KNF is doing a better job in going beyond science in its assessment process. He said the agency is considering the economic situation of families in Libby and Lincoln County.

“The first thing that happens whenever we try to do anything is a TRO (temporary restraining order) and then an injunction, We are adding an economic aspect that goes in first. No one wants this done any more than we do. It’s just one of those things that you’ve got to go slow to go fast,” Carver said of the checks and balances to prevail on a challenge.

Gardner added: “It’s hard to bullet-proof our policies.”

Both Gardner and Carver acknowledged the long legal process that ensues after assessments are presented, which provided an opening for comments.

Alvin Benitz, who represents the Montanore Positive Action Committee, said the drawn-out process sends the wrong message.

“What does that say to the businesses?” Benitz said. “It’s not good. There’s a lot of talk that we need to get his thing moving.”

Charlotte Woods said the environmental concerns are affecting the economy and putting people behind animals.

“There is a ridiculous environmental stranglehold on the people of Lincoln County,” Woods said. “Please, the lynx, the fish, the bull trout and the grizzlies and blah. We’ve been beaten down. Please consider the people.”

Mark Lauer used to work at the mine years ago, and he asked that the process be expedited.

“I used to walk that mine years ago,” Lauer said. “I’d like to get back to work in there before I get too old.”

Eureka Commissioner Mike Cole told Gardner some history of Lincoln County.

“Lincoln County used to be one of the more prosperous counties in the state, and now, it’s all gone away.”

Jeff Koskela wanted to impress Gardner with the authority of the supervisor’s post.

“We’d like to see Lincoln County the way it used to be,” Koskela said.  “Somebody needs to start pushing people. I understand you’re the boss here now, so I ask you to push.”

Montanore is a proposed silver and copper mine. At capacity, it’s estimated the mine will produce 12,500 tons of ore a day. When at full capacity, the mine could employ 250 to 300 workers.

Presently, comments from the Forest Service have been resent back to the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service on the draft biological opinion for terrestrial species, and they are expected this month for the draft fisheries biological opinion. Both biological opinions must be completed before the issuance of the final Environmental Impact Statement. The Record of Decision and final EIS are expected late this year.