EcoFlight over South Fork of the Salmon River & Stibnite Mine site
South Fork of the Salmon River and Stibnite Mine site. Photo credit: Nick Kunath, IRU
On June 15, two of our IRU conservation staff had the opportunity to take flight over the South Fork of the Salmon River corridor, Needles and Secesh Inventoried Roadless areas, and the Stibnite Gold Mine. EcoFlight, a company founded by Bruce Gordon, was able to show some of our staff a unique perspective on this landscape.
EcoFlight aims to bring all sides of an issue together in order to find effective conservation solutions. Part of their mission states that they “educate and advocate for the protection of remaining wild lands and wildlife habitat using small aircraft. The aerial perspective and our educational programs encourage an environmental stewardship ethic among citizens of all ages.”
“As we flew over the Stibnite Gold Mine, there was a shift from the beautiful untouched landscape to a more disturbed terrain. Looking down at the old mine put into perspective just how lasting the mine’s footprint is on the land.”
The aerial views of the backcountry were breathtaking. These areas are precious gems to Idahoans. Kayakers were floating down the rapids, snow blanketed the forest floors, and the mountain peaks stood tall. When flying over the river corridors and recommended wilderness areas it is easy to see why so many people want to preserve these ecosystems. As we flew over the Stibnite Gold Mine, there was a shift from the beautiful untouched landscape to a more disturbed terrain. Looking down at the old mine put into perspective just how lasting the mine’s footprint is on the land.
The Stibnite Mine currently has two open pits: Yellow Pine pit and West End pit. The open mining pits sit along the East Fork of the South Fork Salmon River. Not only is the mine itself in a prime location to contaminate some of Idaho’s iconic rivers, but the access roads are planned to be built right on the border of the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness. The Burntlog Route would be the main access road to cascade, meaning there will be traffic running right by a largely protected wilderness area. The aerial view showed how much of the landscape will be disrupted by Perpetua’s mining plans.
The land surrounding the Stibnite Gold Mine has already suffered from previous mining efforts. Reopening the mine will cause further damage to areas that should be protected. Not only is the scenery a beautiful sight, but it serves as critical habitat for endangered species and some of the best recreation the Northwest has to offer. The land deserves to be restored to its natural state.