Protect the Methow Headwaters from mining

WILD NW Action Alert #255: Attend the “Love the Methow” event in Winthrop on February 14 to learn about the threat of a large-scale copper mine near Mazama and how to take action to protect the Methow Valley.

Below is a message from our allies at the Methow Headwaters Campaign, an effort recently launched by a coalition of local businesses based in the Methow Valley. We’ve worked for years to oppose exploratory drilling and a proposed open-pit copper mine at Flagg Mountain near Mazama, and we’re thrilled to see this grassroots movement picking up steam.

We have a Twisp office and many staff that either live in the Methow Valley or cherish the area for its recreational opportunities and unique landscape, as well as its diverse fish and wildlife populations. The Methow’s tight-knit community has Conservation Northwest’s full support in fighting this industrial-scale mining proposal. The U.S. Forest Service plans to announce a decision on the mining proposal this spring.

Dear WILD NW activist, 

I’m writing you with big news. As you may have seen in last weekend’s Wenatchee World and the recent Methow Valley News, more than 70 local businesses have stepped up to oppose mining on Flagg Mountain and the rest of the upper Methow watershed, under the banner of the “Methow Headwaters Campaign.” 

The Methow Headwaters Campaign is an effort to protect the headwaters of the Methow from industrial-scale mining, in order to safeguard our recreation-based economy, our rural lifestyle, and the wildlife and water resources that sustain it all. From this point forward, the “Protect Flagg Mountain” coalition will transition to form the foundation of the Methow Headwaters Campaign.

Please join us on Sunday, February 14, at the Winthrop Barn at 3:30 p.m. (program to start at 4:00 p.m.) for a campaign kick-off event: “LOVE THE METHOW.” Click here for the event flier. Or RSVP on Facebook here.

Yes, it’s Valentine’s Day! We know many out-of-towners will be in town, and it’s a great opportunity to learn about the campaign, offer your support, and mingle with new and old friends. And after the serious part, we hope you will stay and listen/dance to the sounds of Danbert Nobacon and the Axis of Dissent. Food and libations will be available.

We have a temporary website up at www.methowheadwaters.org (it will launch on February 14). In the meantime, www.protectflaggmountain.org will still be available for more information about our campaign against the proposed exploratory drilling.

If you’re on Facebook, please go to www.facebook.com/methowheadwaters and “like” us. (And then we’ll like you!)

We hope to see you at “Love the Methow” on Valentine’s Day!

Sincerely,

Bill Pope
Owner, Mazama Country Inn, and business liaison for the Methow Headwaters Campaign