Forest Service Approves New Exploration at CuMo Project in Boise River Headwaters

(Reprinted from www.fs.usda.gov)
On February 11, 2011, Forest Supervisor Cecilia R. Seesholtz decided to implement the CuMo Exploration project by selecting Alternative B (Reduced Road Alternative). Alternative B and its environmental effects are displayed in the Environmental Assessment (EA). The decision is documented in a Decision Notice/Finding of No Significant Impact (DN/FONSI). The EA and DN/FONSI may be found at www.fs.usda.gov, along with comments received during the 30-day notice and comment period. The 45-day appeal period will begin with publication of a legal notice in the Idaho Statesman.

Project Contact
Jeffrey Alexander, 208-373-4100
jalexander@fs.fed.us
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(reprinted from Idaho Rivers United
idahorivers.org/protectrivers/boiseriver.aspx?page=como_mine)
CuMo Mine
~ a mega-mine in our headwaters

After receiving more than 500 comments from concerned citizens, the U.S. Forest Service has released the Final Environmental Assesment for CuMo Exploration Project and issued a Finding of No Significant Impact.

The decision reached by Forest Supervisor Cecelia Seesholtz permits a Canadian mining company, Mosquito Gold Company, to conduct a five year mineral exploration project, including the construction of up to 10.2 miles of new temporary roads and four new stream crossings.

Idaho Rivers United is reviewing the decision with its partners in Idaho Families for Clean Water. The decision may be appealed for 45 days.

Background

The CuMo project is located on a forested ridge on the south side of Grimes Creek upstream of Pioneerville and Idaho City, just 38 miles from Boise. Interestingly, while the project is in the Boise River watershed, it's just a stone's throw from Garden Valley and the South Fork Payette River. Conceptual drawings of the CuMo molybdenum and copper mine show a massive open pit and complete removal of the ridge.

Thanks to Mountain Visions, you can get a birds-eye view of the CuMo project site as well as what is now Idaho's largest open pit mine - Thompson Creek, on the Idaho Rivers United webpage.

Pictures speak loudly. Please take a minute to view the short video from our tour of the huge Thomspon Creek mine near Challis. You'll get an idea of what is in store for the Grimes Creek area.

The New York Times ran a story on the CuMo project on September 17, 2010 - Molybdenum Project Sparks Debate Over Idaho Watershed that features many locals.

World's Largest Open-Pit
Accessible Moly Deposit

Mosquito Consolidated Gold Mines Limited is looking for molybdenum and copper at the CuMo site. The Canadian company claims CuMo is one the world's largest molybdenum deposits.

Mosquito Gold is seeking a permit to expand and complete their exploration. They propose to drill approximately 260 exploratory holes and construct 10 to 13 miles of new temporary access roads.

KTVB, Channel 7, aired a story on the CUMO mine on Nov. 24.
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Boise River Community Lecture:

"Treasure Valley Water Plan"
Tuesday, Feb. 22, 6 p.m.
Garden City Library, 6015 Glenwood

State development of a new water plan, known as the Treasure Valley CAMP, will be the topic of a panel discussion. Panelists include John Gannon, Peter Anderson, Kathy Peters, Lon Stewart and Kevin Decker. The program is cohosted by the Sierra Club, Idaho Wildlife Federation and Trout Unlimited.