American Rivers

The Sheep Creek Mine in Ravalli County is on the federal list of fast-tracked projects. That could mean faster permitting, along with scaled-down public input and environmental review. As one company looks for rare earth minerals, local residents, county commissioners and federal representatives remain opposed to the project, citing concerns over impacts to the watershed.

The Montana Supreme Court upheld the water use permit for a controversial proposal for a copper mine near the Smith River. The mine is now fully permitted to be built.

An annual report from a national environmental organization lists the Clark Fork River as one of the most endangered rivers in the country.