HELENA, Mont. - Conservation groups battle on to protect one of Montana's most popular rivers from a proposed mine.

Yesterday, groups filed a lawsuit challenging state permits for the Black Butte Copper Mine, which would be located at the headwaters of the Smith River. Scott Bosse, Northern Rockies director for the group American Rivers, says it's unfortunate that they have to file a lawsuit in this case.

"But when a foreign mining company that's located 10,000 miles away wants to build a copper mine at the headwaters of our state's most cherished river," says Bosse, "and that mine would result in de-watered streams and permanent toxic pollution, we really don't have any other choice."

The Australian company Sandfire Resources plans to build the mine in the Sheep Creek Basin, about 19 miles from the Smith River and on one of its tributaries. Opponents are concerned it will threaten water quality and quantity for the Smith.

They also point out that Sandfire is using an experimental storage process for toxic waste, and say the Montana Department of Environmental Quality did not consider all the alternatives for this project.

Joe Sowerby owns the outfitting company Montana Flyfishing Connection, and has worked for 30 years on the river. He says there's no other river like the Smith.

"It needs to have people sticking up for that river," says Sowerby. "We need to make sure that it needs to stay as it is now. We can't let it get degraded."

Bosse notes the Smith River is important culturally and economically. He says the three-month spring fishing season on the river generates $10 million for the outdoor recreation economy.

"And that money is created in rural communities, like White Sulphur Springs," says Bosse. "So, we have a great thing going with the Smith River right now, and we don't want to mess it up with a new mine in its headwaters."

Ballots are due back in the Montana Secretary of State's office later this week, as lawmakers decide
whether to override Gov. Greg Gianforte's veto of a high-profile funding bill that would reapportion money from the state's marijuana sales tax.

Gianforte vetoed Senate Bill 442 after the Montana Senate had adjourned last session, which left lawmakers no chance to override it.

It would fund veterans' services, provide permanent property tax relief for vets & Gold Star families, invest in county road maintenance, and support land conservation and habitat management.

Montana Wildlife Federation Executive Director Frank Szollosi said the legislation has received broad support inside and outside the capitol.

"That's why agricultural interests have supported 442," said Szollosi. "Counties have supported 442, and the conservation & sporting communities have supportted 442, and local governments."

Gianforte said in his veto note that using state funds for local responsibilities such as road improvements is a "slippery slope."

A veto override requires the approval of two-thirds of lawmakers. Ballots are due back in the Secretary of State's office on Thursday.

Twenty percent of the sales tax revenue would be used specifically for habitat conservation - but equally important, supporters say, is the money that would be spent to improve veterans' programs and rural infrastructure.

The bill's sponsor, state Sen. Mike Lang - R-Malta - said S.B. 442 would provide services for groups that have not historically shared common interests.

"I just want to bridge the gap," said Lang, "between recreationists and hunters, and private landowners."

Critics of SB 442 have argued the funding distribution formula isn't equitable, while supporters say it directs resources towards those who need them most.

The bill passed the Legislature with 130 of 150 votes in last year's session.

More than $11 million in federal grant money will go to improve land and water conservation in the upper Verde River Watershed and Big Chino Grasslands in north central Arizona.

The grant requires a 50% non-federal match, which The Nature Conservancy Arizona and partners will provide - bringing the total to $23 million.

Kimberly Schonek - Arizona water director for the conservancy - said the Verde River is one of the state's last free-flowing rivers, and calls it a "critical water supply" for not only the Phoenix metro area but for the biodiversity around the river, which starts just north of Prescott.

She said the conservancy in Arizona will be using the money to purchase easements from willing landowners to ensure land preservation and limit groundwater use.

"The landowner will continue to ranch and farm their property into the future," said Schonek, "but it'll restrict that ability for them to develop it, and what that does is keep the water use on the land what it is now."

Schonek said as Arizona thinks about its future, it's important to limit the amount of water use in what she calls a "critical area."

She added that her organization has been enacting conservation easements and other measures along the Verde River since 2012.

Schonek said no landowners are required to participate, but adds many find value in being compensated and reinvesting those funds onto their properties.

Schonek said over the last 20-years, with drought, they've noticed river levels drop - and have also seen land usage around the river change.

She added that while certain areas of the river have less flow, others are now experiencing more water due to the collaborative work the conservancy and agricultural partners have fostered.

"So the future looks good, so long as the community continues to engage, and everybody has a part to play," said Schonek. "And so we are really excited and optimistic to continue partnering with rural communities and agriculture in protecting this river for the future."

Schonek said it is exciting to see this level of investment as they've been working on conservation efforts for decades.

She added that this is by the far the largest amount of money that'll be dedicated to the Verde River.




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April is Earth Month, and North Carolina's climate justice groups are addressing the crucial roles of air, land, water and health in protecting the environment.

CleanAIRE NC and Sol Nation are working together on an Earth Day event to raise awareness about the environmental challenges confronting communities across the state.

Madison Fragnito, partnership manager for CleanAIRE NC, said they are taking a holistic approach and planning STEM activities, with a focus on vital areas like transportation, energy and land conservation.

"We're going to have a lot of activities that focus on plants, conserving land, air quality," Fragnito outlined. "We're going to have some activities related to environmental justice and storytelling, as well as recycling and how you can take everyday actions in your life to improve your commitment to sustainability."

The urgency of addressing these issues is underscored by the state health department, which reports concerning trends from rising temperatures and sea levels to deteriorating air quality and weather extremes due to climate change.

The Earth Day event is on April 20, at the Charlotte Museum of History, from noon to 4 p.m. ET.

Fragnito explained the event also aims to raise awareness about the organizations and the work being done to combat pollution and other environmental concerns. She added in the evening, they will show two short films highlighting environmental justice issues.

"There's kind of a strong community-building aspect," Fragnito pointed out. "Watching the film together, building that sense of community among attendees, and fostering connections and solidarity. Storytelling builds allyship, and it's intended to create an educational and guided dialogue space."

The screening is at the Charlotte Museum of History from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. ET.

Fragnito emphasized the Earth Day celebration should inspire positive change and show more people how they can engage with groups and take action to protect and preserve North Carolina's natural resources.