COMPLETED ACTION: Oppose Mining Expansion Impacts to Ancient Forests and Bellingham’s Drinking Water

United Western Supply has proposed a 10-acre expansion of the Swen Larson olivine quarry on the Mt. Baker Snoqualmie National Forest in Whatcom County. The expansion area is entirely within the Mt Baker West Inventoried Roadless Area, which is afforded protection from new road construction and related development under the Roadless Area Conservation Rule of 2001. Roadless areas are comprised of unlogged ancient forests which are underrepresented on national forest lands due to unsustainable logging practices decades ago.

Roads have measurable and important impacts on the watershed and surrounding environment. Moreover, the specific environment proposed for expansion has been and should continue to be managed for unroaded values.

The Mt. Baker West Roadless Area, located north of the Twin Sisters, in which the proposed expansion would take place, includes intact old-growth forests that serve as part of the municipal watershed for the City of Bellingham and its 85,000 residents. The removal of the surface forest, vegetation and soils raises potential water quality concerns for residents and local businesses.

Photo Courtesy of Gilbert Weidinger

Furthermore the broader Mt. Baker West Roadless Area and Middle Fork Nooksack Road corridor are local destinations for recreational opportunities including climbing, horseback riding, hiking, paddling and other activities.

Washington Wild was among the 19 conservation and recreation organizations who signed a scoping comment letter on this issue on October 12, 2016. Many of these same groups will be submitting similar comments on the draft EA before the comment deadline.

The comment period for this issue has closed. See our Take Action page for further opportunities.