Make no mistake about it, the Flathead river system is one of the most pristine and wild river systems in the lower 48. Two forks of the Flathead create the western(the North fork) and southern borders(the Middle Fork) of Glacier National Park.

The mine would be in a drainage of the North Fork just over the B.C. border. Any damage caused by the mine would pollute this pristine river, and eventualy Flathead Lake (the economic center of the Flathead Valley). Many biologists believe the North Fork Valley to be the wildest low elevation land in the U.S. outside of Alaska. It has the highest grizzly density in the lower 48. Wolverines, wolves, cougar, lynx, fisher and pine marten all exist in this area. The Glacier ecosystem(Montana), along with the Frank Church(Idaho) and Yellowstone ecosystem(Montana/Idaho/Wyoming) is the wildest area in the lower 48.

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About 10 miles from Cline’s proposed site, another coal mine is currently operating. This mine sits above Michel Creek, which flows into the Koocanusa Reservoir.

Hauer said water samples taken from the creek show sulfite levels 18 times higher, nitrates 650 times higher and selenium levels 57 times higher than normal.

From the Flathead Coalition:

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The North Fork of the Flathead River is one of the most protected watersheds in the U.S. The river boasts “Wild and Scenic River” protection, forms the western boundary of Glacier National Park, and provides habitat for the greatest biodiversity of aquatic insects in the lower 48 states.

“Act Now” information

This is turning into a huge battle. B.C. doesn’t want to budge from their anti-conservation stance, while Montana’s political leaders are desperate to stop this mine.

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Baucus said it would be his job to take concerns to the State Department.

“I will throw my body down in front of the first bulldozer - figuratively - I will do whatever it takes to stop this. This is our future,” he said.

Baucus said he would also pursue the matter in Washington, D.C. He said he would meet with Secretary of State Rice and the Canadian ambassador.

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An advocacy group that will include outdoors enthusiasts and labor union members to work on environmental issues is designed to bring new faces — and new muscle — to conservation efforts.

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CHEYENNE — Federal wildlife officials will not eliminate excess wolf packs in Wyoming after formal delisting is proposed later this month.

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WEST MIAMI-DADE, Fla. (WSVN) — A once controlled brush fire now burns out of control at Everglades National Park.

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BOZEMAN, Mont. - The number of elk in the Yellowstone National Park region infected with scabies, a skin infestation caused by mites, is up this year, state wildlife officials say.

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WASHINGTON - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, intent on putting global warming atop the Democratic agenda, is shaking up traditional committee fiefdoms dominated by some of Congress’ oldest and most powerful members.