Upcoming Oak Flat public meetings
The Tonto National Forest is planning to begin the first phase of the permitting process for Rio Tinto’s proposed destructive mine at Oak Flat, associated toxic tailings dump, and other facilities in the near future. The first phase of the process is called scoping and will begin with a publc comment period for input into what issues the Tonto National Forest should address when they write a Draft Environmental Impact Statement. While the Forest Service is jumping the gun on the scoping process as they do not have current and complete information about Rio Tinto’s current plans, we urge everyone to take part in the process.
The Concerened Citizens and Retired Miners Coalition has commissioned several 3D scale models showing what Rio Tinto’s current plans look like in graphic and accurate detail. These models will be featured at a series of upcoming public meetings we are taking part in to help the public prepare for the scoping process.
Please attend one of these meetings. (More are being scheduled and this page will be updated to reflect the current schedule.) If you’d like to host a meeting, please let us know.
February 19 – Queen Valley
7:00 pm
Queen Valley Rec Hall, Main Street, Queen Valley
March 3 – Gold Canyon
7:00 pm
Best Western Gold Canyon Inn and Suites at 8333 E. Sunrise Sky Drive, Gold Canyon AZ 85118. (Highway 60 and King’s Ranch Road.)
The models can also be viewed at Oak Flat Campground on the afternoon of February 27 and on February 28 after the March to Oak Flat arrives.
Apache Stronghold, one of our Coalition member groups, will be hosting an Anniversary March from the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation to Oak Flat. Please attend and help spread the word. Take a look at the flyer for more information.