Sportsmen for Sensible Mining

Hunters and Anglers believe sensible mining reform is the only way to protect America's fish and wildlife
 
America's public lands — and the fish and wildlife that they call home — are struggling with the effects of a century of hardrock mining. Recognizing that an outdated federal law is to blame for much of the damage, America's sportsmen have set their sights on reforming the 1872 Mining Law.

The 1872 Mining Law, which governs hardrock mining (gold, copper, silver, etc.) on America's public lands, was signed into law more than a century ago. While the economies, cultures, and politics have changed in the West during the past 135 years, the mining law has not. More than 270 million acres of federal land are open to hardrock mining under the law, mostly in the Rocky Mountain West. Because the law has not been meaningfully reformed, many of America's most treasured public lands are at risk, including important wildlife habitat and hunting areas, valuable fisheries, popular recreation sites, vital municipal water supplies, and sensitive roadless areas.

Sportsmen United for Sensible Mining represents millions of hunters and anglers, fish and wildlife professionals, and citizens who recreate on and enjoy our public lands. We believe that a more sensible approach to hardrock mining in the West will allow for better management of America's fish and wildlife resources.

• Sportsmen for Sensible Mining