Challenge:  

Fish and wildlife on America's public lands are struggling to cope with the effects of under-regulated hard-rock mining. The General Mining Law of 1872, which governs hard-rock mining (gold, copper, silver, etc.) on America's public lands, was signed into law more than a century ago. Since then, the law has enabled the destruction of fish and wildlife habitat on millions of acres. America's sportsmen are working together to reform it.

Strategy:

Spearheaded by the TRCP, the National Wildlife Federation and Trout Unlimited, Sportsmen United for Sensible Mining is a coalition of organizations and individual grassroots partners formed to safeguard America’s legacy of hunting and fishing through sensible mining practices. SUSM represents millions of hunters and anglers, fish and wildlife professionals, and citizens who recreate on and enjoy our public lands. We believe that a sensible approach to hard-rock mining in the West will allow for better management of America's fish and wildlife resources.

Action:

Sportsmen are setting their sights on sensible reform of our nation’s outdated mining laws. The TRCP is working with our partner organizations, individual hunters and anglers and members of Congress to overhaul this antiquated law.

Sign up as a TRCP Western Sportsman Advocate to make a difference!

Read the sportsmen’s recommendations for mining law reform.

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