GYC and U.S. Forest Service partnership turns former mining claims north of Yellowstone into protected public lands
In June 2024, the Greater Yellowstone Coalition (GYC) and the U.S. Forest Service finalized the second phase of the Absaroka-Beartooth Gateway acquisition project, turning several former mining claims in the New World Mining District into protected public lands. Now, the risk of mining on these lands is greatly reduced.
The south side of the Southern Spy Lode, one of the mining claims that’s now public land a part of the Custer Gallatin National Forest. (Photo Forest Service)
The newest 61 acres of the Custer Gallatin National Forest sits next to the high-elevation Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, one of the premier backcountry areas in Greater Yellowstone. The Wilderness and the landscape around it provide secluded habitat for grizzly bears which require large swaths of remote, secure habitat to move and thrive. By reducing the risk of mining from this area, we’re giving grizzlies the space they need to stay wild and for the population to remain healthy.
Not only does this acquisition support Greater Yellowstone’s grizzly bears, but it also supports the protection of the headwaters of several iconic rivers, including the Clark’s Fork of the Yellowstone River and the Stillwater River. Yellowstone’s famed Soda Butte and Slough Creeks originate from the area and provide crucial habitat for Yellowstone cutthroat trout.
GYC has a long and successful history of stopping prospective mining threats near Yellowstone National Park. Just last year, we stopped a gold mine from developing on the northern border of the park, just a stone’s throw away from the Yellowstone River. We were also instrumental in passing the Yellowstone Gateway Protection Act in 2019, which permanently withdrew federal mining rights on over 30,000 acres of the Custer Gallatin National Forest.
A grizzly sow and cubs photographed on a trail cam north of Yellowstone National Park (Photo © William Campbell)
When the opportunity arose to retire the Great Eastern Lode, Southern Spy Lode, and New World Lode near Cooke City, Montana, GYC jumped into action. Our team collaborated with the U.S. Forest Service and stakeholders to build a plan that supported willing landowners who wanted to sell their land to the Custer Gallatin National Forest. Using funds from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the private lands were purchased and are now the newest corners of public land within the Custer Gallatin National Forest.
“We are excited to partner with the Forest Service and several willing landowners to secure these lands near Yellowstone’s northeast corner. Bringing these parcels into public ownership protects critical habitat for grizzly bears, elk and other wildlife, prevents backcountry development, and ensures access for recreationists.”
By collaborating and finding innovative solutions for landscape and wildlife habitat conservation, we’re keeping the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem as it is—wild, healthy, and wide-open.
A huge thank you to all our supporters for making our mine-fighting work possible. Whether you’ve written a comment against a proposed mine, donated to help buy out a proposed mine, or shared our work with your social circles, you’ve made a difference in preventing risky mines from altering this landscape we all love.
Please consider supporting our conservation work with a gift today!
—Sally Schrank, Montana Conservation Manager (Bozeman, Montana)
