BC Lt. Gov. Announces No Mining, Gas Drilling Of Any Kind In BC Flathead Valley (N.Of Glacier NP)

[hatrack]

The lieutenant governor of British Columbia announced Tuesday that all types of mining and oil and gas development “will not be permitted” in the province’s portion of the Flathead Valley.

It was news that was well received in Montana. “It’s pretty significant,” said Dave Hadden of the conservation group Headwaters Montana. The announcement came during the “Throne Speech,” an annual address that identifies the provincial priorities for the coming year. “A new partnership with Montana will sustain the environmental values in the Flathead River Basin in a manner consistent with current forestry, recreation, guide outfitting and trapping uses,” British Columbia Lt. Gov. Steven Point said.

“Mining, oil and gas development and coalbed gas extraction will not be permitted in British Columbia’s Flathead Valley.”

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer said Tuesday he will sign a comprehensive “memorandum of understanding” with British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell next week in Vancouver, B.C. That document will halt ongoing exploration work and prohibit future development.

EDIT

http://www.dailyinterlake.com/news/local_montana/article_b764b968-1607-11df-9860-001cc4c03286.html