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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-25-17 City Commission Packet Materials - MP1. Smith River State Park Proclamation Proclamation Regarding Smith River State Park WHEREAS, Montana’s Smith River is our only permitted river and a national treasure due to its gorgeous canyon scenery, renowned trout fishery and abundant wildlife; and WHEREAS, the State of Montana has recognized the exceptional environmental, cultural and economic values of the Smith River with the creation of Smith River State Park; and WHEREAS, the Smith River has become an important economic driver in southwestern Montana’s recreation economy, consistently generating close to ten million dollars in economic activity approximately three million dollars in salaries and wages, and $750,000 in State and Local tax revenue; and WHEREAS, several Bozeman area citizens and businesses are dependent on the Smith River, in part, for their income; and WHEREAS, in 2017, 189 of the 1280 Smith River permits were awarded to Bozeman residents; and WHEREAS, the Sheep Creek tributary of the Smith River is critical for its fishery and in-stream flows; and WHEREAS, there is a proposal by Tintina Resources of Canada and Sandfire resources of Australia to develop a copper mine directly adjacent to and underneath Sheep Creek; and WHEREAS, mining activity in Montana, both modern and historic, has caused irreparable and long-lasting damage to the water and wildlife in many of our prized rivers and streams; and WHEREAS, several Bozeman businesses have publicly expressed concerns regarding Tintina’s proposed mining activities; 139 NOW, THEREFORE, I, CARSON TAYLOR, MAYOR OF BOZEMAN, DO HEREBY PROCLAIM: That the Smith River State Park is an incredible resource and benefit to the quality of life of the citizens of Bozeman and an economic driver in our region; and That any proposed mining activities that could potentially affect the health and vitality of the Smith River should be viewed with caution and should not be permitted without certainty that the proposal would not harm the River. Signed and proclaimed this 25th day of September, 2017 in Bozeman, Montana. ______________________________________________ Carson Taylor Mayor Bozeman, Montana 140