by Helen Sabin, Corvallis
Helicopter risks cannot be ignored.
U.S. Critical Materials (USCM) proposes extensive helicopter operations to support its Sheep Creek rare-earth exploration project in the Bitterroot National Forest. Its plans include transporting equipment, supplies, water, fuel, machinery, and excavated rock through mountainous terrain.
According to project figures that I could find, USCM anticipates approximately 4,120 helicopter flights over two operating seasons, including thousands of flights within the project area.
Consider what happened September 20, 2026, when a firefighting helicopter crashed in Yosemite National Park, killing both pilots. An October 30 report described preliminary National Transportation Safety Board findings involving problems with the helicopter’s external water bucket during an earlier flight.
The accident illustrates the potential dangers of helicopter operations in mountainous terrain and possible fire initiation in a remote area.
Now consider Sheep Creek. What happens if a helicopter carrying fuel, explosives, equipment, or excavated rock crashes or accidentally releases its load over populated areas? Near the Bitterroot or other rivers? Could spilled materials enter streams, ignite a wildfire, or endanger people/properties below?
Has the Forest Service evaluated these risks, including accidental sling-load releases, emergency response, and wildfire evacuation? Start a Fire in a remote access area?
Before authorizing thousands of flights, the Forest Service should require a documented aviation safety assessment, enforceable operating restrictions, and a comprehensive emergency-response plan. Further, the USFS should require the highest level of investigation with PROOF on environmental damage to the forest and surrounding areas.
The Bitterroot National Forest should not become an experiment in aviation risk management.
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