Hecla a good actor, not bad

To the editor:

As a longtime resident (multi-generational) of Libby, I believe I have firsthand knowledge of the needs, desires and concerns of our area.

Lincoln County has survived more than its fair share of trials and tribulations over the past several decades. This area of the state is home to some of the most environmentally aware individuals I know. You will not find a truer environmentalist then a logger, miner, hunter, fisherman or outdoor enthusiast. A true environmentalist is a person who is concerned about the overall health of the environment. One who understands that to sustain a healthy forest you need to have active logging. One who understands that hard rock mining done properly (which the state of Montanans regulates with its strong current rules and regulations) is an asset to not only the local area, but the surrounding communities, state, nation and world.

Hecla Mining has a 125+ year history of hard rock mining the right way!

Hecla has stepped up to the plate and taken on the rehabilitation of the Troy Mine, a mine Hecla never saw a single dime of production, let alone profit from, and yet they are taking diligent care to clean it up and rehab the area properly — to the point that even people who have worked at the mine don’t recognize the area. Hecla Mining has set a standard of mining so high that you would need a pressurized cabin to be at the top.

If there is any hope for our great, hardworking, environmental loving community to survive, not only survive, but once again become the great county we want to be. We must be allowed to work!

Mr. Governor, please rescind your false accusation of “Bad Actor” suit against Mr. Baker and Hecla! Allow Lincoln and Sanders County to become profitable counties for the great state of Montana! We are tired of requiring state welfare and other assistance funds due to no employment! We are communities full of hard working, proud individuals that want to go back to work!

—Sarah Hogan,

Libby