Flathead agreement formalized

Montana and British Columbia signed a memorandum of understanding last week that formalizes the end to mining in the Flathead.

"This agreement helps ensure the protection of the Flathead Basin and Glacier National Park for this generation and generations to come. I want to thank Premier Campbell for his leadership and commitment to working together to make this collaborative agreement a success," said Gov. Schweitzer in a signing ceremony last week. "Over the next few months we will be working with our respective federal governments to implement the additional necessary actions."

The MOU calls for the state and the province to "implement measures necessary to prohibit the exploration for and development of mining, oil and gas, and coal in the British Columbia Flathead and the Montana North Fork Flathead River Basin, such action to be completed by July 2010, and subject to agreement on the equitable disposition of the financial implications of this action for the Province of British Columbia respecting existing mining and coal tenure holders."

British Columbia Premier Gordon Campbell said he did expect there would be some monetary compensation to companies that have existing oil, gas and other mining leases in the valley, but that it would be minimal.

"We'll be working with those companies. We'll make sure they're not punished by this," he said.

The Cline Mining Co. has long touted a coal mine in the headwaters of the Flathead and Max Resources has been doing gold exploration in the area as well.

The Canadian Flathead has been the source of energy exploration for decades, much to the chagrin of Montana and the United States. This agreement looks to end a dispute that goes back to the 1950s. The U.S. side of the border also has hundreds of oil and gas leases, though they've been held in legal limbo for more than 20 years.

The MOU goes beyond just ending mining in the Flathead. It also calls for broad collaboration with the province, state and Ktunaxa Nation and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes on fish and wildlife management issues and management.

It also calls for a push for more clean and renewable energy and for sustainable forest management.

The MOU does not prohibit timber harvest in the Flathead on either side of the border. It also doesn't restrict traditional uses like hunting and fishing, though some environmental groups are pushing for an expansion of Waterton Lakes National Park to the western boundary of the Flathead.

Both Montana Sens. Jon Tester and Max Baucus say they will work on legislation to uphold the U.S. side of the agreement.

"This is about protecting the tourism economy and the outdoor heritage of one of the most beautiful places on earth — the North Fork of the Flathead. I've been working to protect this place for nearly 30 years. It's been a long road and today's agreement is a sign we are closer than ever to the finish line. I'll be taking a real close look at the memorandum of understanding. Over 90 percent of the lands in the Flathead are Federal lands — so it's got to pass Congress to become a reality. I'll be working closely with Tester and folks in the state to see this through."

Tester offered similar sentiments.