Oh well

by William (Bill) Campbell, Conner

The Sheep Creek Mystery continues with deafening silence. A spectator would consider having a first class, mystery novel to read. Those few facts, spoon fed to the public in measured dosage, do nothing to inform the public. That would be the same public the respective agencies were formed to advise and protect. You cannot help but speculate as to if they have read their mission statements.

Those agencies at federal level are acting to serve the best interest of a group that would sell their mother to make a buck. Since “Mother Marketing” has little public support they are obliged to conceal their  profit prospectus and related activities. The wreckage imposed on others would indicate the true level of concern for the Bitterroot Valley (what it means to so many people, in so many ways). Otherwise there would be transparency.

The absence of transparency is probably the best single indicator of not only the formative stage but the activity itself. Those complacent and watching the situation develop might also consider where they will go when the reasons for coming here no longer exist. The population is facing not only the threat developing behind the curtain of silence but view the facts (note: facts-plural) that prove that they have been placed in the position that denies the facts.  

That is to say we “Cannot see the forest for the trees”…..

The single most formidable and effective hope for those who would be sacrificed lays within the Authority of the Governor and the Department Of Environmental Quality (DEQ). The State of Montana has taken their mission to heart and is steadfastly defending the Bitterroot, those who live here, and those in the future who will come here. They are not active in or on the “Mother Market”.

The population of the Bitterroot is remiss if they fail to express to Governor Gianforte their appreciation for the actions taken in their defense. Those active in his administration have demonstrated a level of integrity not present in Washington, DC.

Those Federal Representatives for the Bitterroot Valley have acted with integrity also and are deserving of our gratitude. Those organizations within the valley that represent critical sectors of the local economy have spoken in defense with specific facts and knowledge.

Everyone who has labored in defense of our valley is deserving of appreciation. The public should respond accordingly both in the current circumstance and in the voting booth.

WE WILL PREVAIL.

The Sheep Creek public comment period opening on 8/18/26 may be the last and most crucial opportunity to obtain a full environmental assessment by the Forest Service. To view the project plan of operations, visit https://dontpollutetheroot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-June-Exploration-Plan_Sheep-Creek-Exploration-Project-Revised-PoO_UPDATED-061226_Redacted.pdf.