Presentation in Holden: Open Pit Mining in Maine

Please join us on Thursday, April 4, on what you need to know about open pit mining in Maine. For the first time in more than a decade, out-of-state mining companies are considering mining for copper, zinc, and other metals in Maine. This could have huge environmental consequences for some of Maine’s most pristine and treasured natural areas. Most of the discussion over the past year has focused on Bald Mountain, owned by J.D. Irving, in central Aroostook County. The impacts on the Bald Mountain area could be enormous. Mining activities there would likely drain into the Fish River and the Fish River Chain of Lakes, which provide some of the best brook trout fishing in the country. But the risk of open-pit mining extends beyond Bald Mountain. There are many other places in Maine where companies may want to pursue open-pit mining. NRCM Staff Scientist Nick Bennett and Jeff Reardon of Trout Unlimited will discuss the major issues associated with open-pit mining, focusing on lessons learned from other states and describing what’s ahead here in Maine. On Thursday, April 4, 2013, Nick and Jeff will talk from 7-8:30 pm at Maine Audubon’s Fields Pond Center, 216 Fields Pond Rd, Holden, ME 04429, about 15 minutes south of Bangor. Parking is free and plentiful. This event is jointly sponsored by the AMC Maine Chapter and Audubon’s Fields Pond Center. FMI download flyer (88KB PDF) or email AMC Education Chair John Mullens or Audubon Naturalist Holly Twining.