What's happening? The U.S. Forest Service announced last November that Canadian company KORE Mining, Ltd. would begin exploratory drilling for gold in Long Valley, in an area dangerously close to Hot Creek, which is much loved by recreationists, anglers and local community members. Friends of the Inyo (FOI), together with the Center for Biological Diversity, Western Watersheds Project and Sierra Club, sued the U.S. Forest Service for allowing KORE Mining's destructive activities to proceed under a categorical exclusion, bypassing any requirements to initiate or submit environmental impact statements. "This is a bad project for the community of Mammoth Lakes, Southern Mono County, and negatively impacts wildlife, including the imperiled bi-state sage grouse, and our recreational tourism economy," FOI Executive Director Wendy Schneider said. "It provides no benefit to the people of Mono County." Fortunately, she said, the lawsuit has, if nothing else, bought us some time in the fight for Long Valley and Hot Creek’s protection. Drilling operations have not begun (so far!) and the opposition to KORE Mining has garnered much community support. What can I do? Passionate local activists are organizing a peaceful protest called the #NoHotCreekMine Rally this Sunday, February 20, from 3 to 5 p.m. A Facebook page that provides details has been set up and you can access it by clicking on the button below. Speakers at the rally will include Mono Lake Kutzadika'a Tribal Member Charlotte Lange, Mono County Fifth District Supervisor Stacy Corless, Lynn Boulton of The Sierra Club Range of Light Group, and Patagonia representatives. Click here to download a flyer with more information about pre-rally activities that begin this Friday, February 18. For more information, visit nohotcreekmine.com. Friends of the Inyo supports this peaceful protest and will be present at an information table at the rally. | 
