Your Questions Answered: #Wolfden’s Proposed #PickettMountain #Mine
September 27, 2023
"An untested and underfunded company called #WolfdenResources has submitted a second rezoning petition to the Land Use Planning Commission (#LUPC) to allow for the development of a zinc mine near #PickettMountain in the #Katahdin region. The Canada-based exploration and development company focused on metallic mining deposits was forced to withdraw its first application in 2021 because it was riddled with errors.
"The proposed mine has been identified by the LUPC as an 'issue of statewide concern' and has attracted a lot of attention because of its location just miles away from #BaxterStatePark and #Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument.
"Here are some answers to frequently asked questions that have arisen as people seek to better understand what is being proposed.
"What is the potential impact on local wildlife and fisheries?
"The location of the proposed mine is directly adjacent to some of the state’s best habitat for #BrookTrout and #AtlanticSalmon. It is next to three State Heritage Fish Waters and contains the headwaters of the West Branch of the #MattawamkeagRiver, which is federally designated critical habitat for endangered Atlantic salmon. The #PenobscotNation and other organizations have worked hard to restore habitat for Atlantic salmon and brook trout in Maine. #Mining pollution could reverse this progress.
"The mine would destroy critical habitat for threatened #CanadaLynx and habitat for other iconic Maine species, such as #moose and #PineMarten.
"What is the significance of the area surrounding the proposed mine site to Wabanaki tribes?
"The Katahdin region and #PenobscotRiver #watershed are sacred to #WabanakiTribes. The tribes have an intimate cultural and physical relationship with the land and water, which continues today through traditional practices such as sustenance fishing and hunting. The location of Wolfden’s proposed mine is near several important tribal trust lands.
"The tribes also have a close connection to Atlantic salmon and have long worked to recover habitat for the species. The proposed mine would be located in critical habitat for endangered at Atlantic salmon and would endanger that progress."
https://www.nrcm.org/blog/faqs-wolfden-proposed-pickett-mountain-mine/