Urgent Call to Action: Demand an Environmental Assessment for Sheep Creek Mine

The recent update on the Federal Fast Track Permitting Dashboard for Sheep Creek Mine has raised serious concerns. On July 13, 2026, the dashboard reported that the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the project was cancelled. This alarming news has prompted Don’t Pollute the Root to reach out to US Critical Materials, the exploration company behind the mine, for confirmation. So far, no response has been received.

Conflicting Information from Bitterroot National Forest

Contrary to the Fast Track Permitting Dashboard, the Bitterroot National Forest’s latest update states they are still deciding which level of environmental review will apply to the Sheep Creek Mine proposal. The options are either an Environmental Assessment or a Categorical Exclusion.

A Categorical Exclusion would mean skipping the Environmental Assessment altogether and removing public participation from the process. This is a serious concern because it limits transparency and community involvement in decisions that affect our health, water, and wildlife.

Why an Environmental Assessment Matters

An Environmental Assessment provides a detailed review of potential impacts on the environment and community. It includes:

• Analysis of risks to local water sources

• Evaluation of effects on wildlife habitats

• Consideration of community health and safety

• Opportunities for public comments and input

  
  

Without this level of review, important risks could be overlooked. The current plan lacks the detail needed to understand how the mine might affect the Bitterroot Valley’s natural resources and residents.

What You Can Do to Help

Don’t Pollute the Root is urging the Forest Service to require a full Environmental Assessment for the Sheep Creek Mine. You can add your voice to this effort by submitting a comment directly to the Forest Service at:

Sheep.Creek.Comments@usda.gov

Your comment can highlight the importance of protecting our community’s health, water, and wildlife through a thorough environmental review.

What’s Next for Public Participation

The Forest Service has not yet formally announced which level of environmental review will be applied. Once that decision is made, Don’t Pollute the Root will organize community members to participate in public comment.

Stay informed and get involved by visiting dontpollutetheroot.com for updates and ways to participate.