A Family Committed to the SF Salmon: Using their voices to speak out against Stibnite

When the Draft Environmental Impact Statement for  Midas Gold’s Stibnite Gold Project was opened for public comment, the Bruce family knew it was time to act. 

The East Fork South Fork Salmon River is a very special place for them, and the proposed Stibnite Gold Project would occur in its headwaters. According to the DEIS, the gold mine would have a negative impact on water quality and wild fish habitat. It would also bring heaving mining equipment, trucks, and increased traffic to the area. Overall, it would threaten the characteristics of this river that they hold dear. 

The Bruce family’s passion for the EFSF Salmon runs deep, and they want to do everything they can to protect it. They cherish the quiet seclusion, untouched wilderness, and unprecedented fishing opportunities. It has been a place where three generations of their family gather to spend time together and enjoy Idaho’s beautiful landscape and public lands. 

When the time came to submit a public comment on the project, they took the chance to speak up for the EFSF Salmon River. Public comments are an important way citizens can engage in the policymaking and project proposal process by sharing their concerns, feedback, approval, or disapproval for a project or proposed rule, and several thousand individuals sent in comments on the Stibnite Gold Project. In her comments, Kristen Bruce shared her concerns about the impact of the mine on ecosystem health, especially in the release of arsenic, which bioaccumulates in aquatic species. She also shared what the East Fork South Fork Salmon means to her family, and future generations.

“My son, Luke (11) caught his first bull trout last summer on the East Fork of the South Fork and his excitement was palpable! The fish, immense and powerful, surprised him and gave him such an immediate, sudden thrill. He talked about it for days, and it’s still a vivid, special memory. He, and his generation, would be devastated over the potential loss or even the degradation of such an important river. Protect the opportunity for them, and all of us, to be immersed in untainted wilderness and the chance to connect with unspoiled nature. Please, ensure the conservation and protection of our public lands for future generations and do not undermine its cultural value and significance.” - Kristen Bruce

As an avid fisherman, Luke also wanted to share his concerns about the Stibnite Gold Project, and submitted his own public comment on the project: 

 “These waters are home to some of Idaho's most iconic fish species: cutthroat trout (Idaho's state fish), the bull trout (one of the most aggressive fish and a big reason why healthy ecosystems in waters that are clear, clean, and healthy). For example, if the cutthroat trout is no longer found in the East Fork then the bull trout have a decreased food source and this will cause them to starve and if that happens then a lot of the other animals won't be able to get food and there won't be as many nutrients in the river system.

…Some areas are best left untouched because they're so special. They let us connect with nature. One of the most important parts of this river, to me, is that when you're there, it's quiet and you're surrounded by untouched wilderness as far as you can see. The Wild & Scenic Rivers Act (1968) was made to ‘preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.’ I feel that the East Fork of the South Fork should be set apart as a special destination.”

Allie Bruce (15) is also a passionate conservationist and public land advocate. Allie also submitted comments on the project that highlights her concern for ecosystem health and public access to wilderness: 

“Aside from the damage that has been foreseen, accidents also happen. That means that toxic poisons can spread into the main Salmon River since the East Fork is one of its main tributaries....The company’s DEIS states that the bull trout and Chinook salmon, two of the species on the Endangered Species List will have their habitats destroyed by a minimum of 20%...Over 75% of this project is on PUBLIC land, hence any person who wishes to visit this awe-inspiring wilderness will find themselves disappointed since over 13,000 acres of this federal land will be closed to public use and inaccessible for decades...This mine is not worth further endangering historically important Idaho fish species and wildlife and changing Idaho’s pristine lands that Idaho is known for.” 

The family also sent letters to the USFS and elected officials, urging them to intervene and reconsider the proposed mine.  

The IRU Crew is grateful for the Bruce family using their voice to speak up for Idaho’s wild fish and rivers, and commends them for their powerful words and efforts! Together, we can help make a difference for the East Fork South Fork Salmon River.