Tell the Forest Service to protect this biodiversity hotspot threatened by mining

Mining is threatening the biodiverse Patagonia Mountains in southern Arizona. A rushed permitting process means this area could be opened to mining without adequate protections.

Tell the US Forest Service to protect people and ecosystems now.

Information from this form will be shared with the Patagonia Area Resource Alliance.

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Forest Supervisor

Kerwin

S. Dewberry

Coronado National Forest

Forest Supervisor Kerwin S. Dewberry ,
Coronado National Forest

Your Comment

Additionally, as in many parts of the arid west, threatened and endangered wildlife in the Patagonia Mountains rely on groundwater to survive. Damages to the hydrologic system through consumptive and non-consumptive use will alter groundwater flows that will take hundreds of years to recover.

The proposed project would discharge 6.84 million gallons of water per day into Harshaw Creek as part of their dewatering operations, disrupting sensitive ecosystems both as species adjust to increased flows, and then again during post-closure when these increased flows are suddenly gone. Dewatering for mining could be devastating to essential streams and springs in the area, which remain a lifeline for both human and non-human communities.

The Hermosa mine received unique federal support under the Fast41 permitting scheme. This federal support was given in advance of environmental review but is no excuse to forgo robust environmental analysis and human rights due diligence. I am concerned about the speed of this process, which could create unnecessary and avoidable damage to this vital ecosystem. I urge the US Forest Service (USFS) to ensure protection and stewardship of this land for all Americans.

As society works to mitigate the impacts of climate change, it is essential that irreplaceable landscapes such as the Patagonia Mountains are not sacrificed. Climate change intensifies as we harm biodiversity, water, air, and the communities that depend on them. I urge the USFS to reject the current plan of operation until further studies on impacts are conducted, allowing for improved mitigation plans to be put in place for the long-term protection of both human and non-human communities.

Thank you for your consideration of these comments.