Mining and resource extraction are not the same threats to the Clark Fork basin today as they were in past decades.  Yet pollution problems stemming from defunct mines and high-impact industry pose an enormous risk to water quality.  Through our Water Watch Program, we act as a monitor for the river-- assisting in on-the-ground restoration work throughout the Clark Fork and also working to protect the basin from future mineral development projects that could have a destructive impact.  TAKE ACTION to support cleanup of mine waste in Montana.

	Milltown Dam: In 2008, the first half of Milltown Dam was removed as community members, stakeholders, and river advocates cheered from the banks.  For the first time in a hundred years, the Blackfoot and Clark Fork rivers join in a free-flowing confluence.  See live footage of the confluence on our Milltown Dam Cam.
	Mike Horse Dam and Tailings Removal: At the headwaters of the scenic Blackfoot river, over a half million tons of mine waste have caused considerable damage to one of the region's most celebrated trout streams.  But our insistence has paid off.  Largely due to the public comments of over 8,000 citizens, the Mike Horse tailings dam is coming out.
	Rock Creek Mine: Four conservation groups, including the Clark Fork Coalition, have joined forces to file suit against a proposed controversial mine in the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness.  Through collaboration and by generating strong public opposition, we plan to halt this threat to water quality in its tracks.  We scored an important victory in December, 2008, when a Montana Supreme Court ruling voided a water discharge permit for the mine, further delaying Revett Minerals in their proposal to tunnel beneath the Cabinets.
	Beal Mountan Mine Cleanup: Restoration efforts are underway at the Beal Mountain mine near Anaconda.  Touted as "environmentally-friendly" cyanide heap leaching, this mine has left massive destruction in its wake.  We are monitoring ongoing cleanup efforts as well as using Beal Mountain as a case study in our initiative to reform the 1872 Mining Law.