Idaho conservation groups work to protect the headwaters of the Wild and Scenic Jarbidge River from proposed mining exploration

The wild desert rivers and canyons of southern Idaho, cherished by many, are critically important refugia for plants, fish and wildlife of the sagebrush steppe. The Wild and Scenic Jarbidge River flows north from the Jarbidge Mountains of northeast Nevada into Idaho, eventually joining the Bruneau River and then the mighty Snake. Prior to the construction of the Hells Canyon dam complex, the Jarbidge - Bruneau watershed hosted salmon and steelhead, and today provides critical habitat for the southernmost population of Endangered Species Act listed Bull Trout. The cold water from the Jarbidge Mountain snowpack provides habitat for both Bull and Redband Trout. 

Newcrest Resources Inc, an Australian mining corporation, recently submitted a Plan of Operations to conduct exploratory drilling for gold in the upper watershed of the Jarbidge River, and the Forest Service released an Environmental Assessment (EA) to fulfill its obligations under the National Environmental Act (NEPA). Newcrest seeks approval to conduct exploration activities in the high elevation headwaters of the Jarbidge River across a 24,000 acre project area over the course of 12 years. The first Phase of the project would include 22 drill sites, 6 miles of new temporary road construction, and five staging areas that would disturb 24 acres within these sensitive areas. The location of drill sites, roads, and other disturbances beyond Phase 1 are unknown, representing 88% of the project disturbance, as they depend upon initial findings. 

The Forest Service released a draft Decision Notice on April 9th, 2020 and determined that this exploratory drilling would have no significant environmental impact. If finalized, this would grant permission to Newcrest to conduct the 12 year proposed project.

Idaho Rivers United, Idaho Conservation League, and Sierra Club filed a formal objection with the US Forest Service in May of 2020, because the EA did not adequately analyze the potential impacts to Bull Trout habitat and water quality in this sensitive watershed. We are asking the Forest Service to reduce the scope of the project to Phase 1, and to implement further mitigation measures to project Bull Trout and water quality. 

Within the project area, sedimentation from roads and previous mining activities are already a limiting factor for the recovery of this distinct population segment of Bull Trout. Just downstream, the Wild and Scenic Jarbidge River is a beloved national treasure, providing incredible wilderness recreation opportunities for paddlers. 

In the longer term, if Newcrest strikes gold, this exploratory drilling is likely to lead to a larger proposal for a gold mining project, which as we know, poses immense risk to watersheds throughout the west. Idaho Rivers United will continue to work with partner organizations to ensure our rivers have a voice.