HomeMy WebLinkAbout17- Mayoral Proclamation - Smith River State Park rU
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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;
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 25f day of September, 2017 in Bozeman, Montana.
C -1V--1 _
Carson Taylor
Mayor
Bozeman, Montana