The Kootenai National Forest (KNF) has extended its comment period on the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (Draft SEIS) for the Rock Creek Project. The comment period has been extended through April 19, 2016.  The Draft SEIS is a complex document, and the intent behind this extension is to allow more time for the public and other agencies to formulate and submit their complete and detailed comments.

The Rock Creek Project is a proposed underground copper and silver mine located in northwestern Montana near Noxon in Sanders County. RC Resources (RCR) (a subsidiary of Hecla Mining Company) proposes to construct, operate, and reclaim the proposed Rock Creek Mine which has a mine life of 33 to 38 years. RCR currently holds mineral rights for the Rock Creek ore deposit beneath and adjacent to the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness (CMW) on the Cabinet Ranger District.

The predecisional objection process described in 36 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 218 is in effect. Under these regulations, individuals and entities who have submitted timely specific written comments regarding the Rock Creek Project during any designated opportunity for public comment are able to seek predecisional review of unresolved concerns before a Record of Decision is signed. 36 CFR 218 describes the predecisional objection process in detail.

Written comment can be submitted to Michael Huffine, Kootenai National Forest, 31374 U.S. 2, Libby, MT 59923-3022, or by email to: rockcreekmine@fs.fed.us. Comments can also be hand-delivered to the KNF between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.

For more information concerning the Rock Creek Project contact Michael Huffine, Project Coordinator, Kootenai National Forest, 31374 U.S. 2, Libby, MT 59923-3022, 406-293-6211. More information on the proposed Rock Creek Project can be found on the KNF’s website: http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/kootenai/landmanagement/projects