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Save the Patagonia Mountains!

21,908 signatures toward our 25,000 Goal

87.63% Complete

Sponsor: The Rainforest Site

Tell the Coronado National Forest that a full Environmental Impact Statement is necessary when considering proposed drilling.


The Patagonia Mountains are a part of the Madrean Archipelago of the Sky Island region of Southern Arizona and New Mexico and Northern Sonora, Mexico. The range provides habitat for over 100 special status species, including the threatened Mexican spotted owl, and is a known critical wildlife corridor for the jaguar and other large mammals.

Arizona Minerals, Inc. (AMI), a subsidiary of Wildcat Silver, has submitted a new proposal for extensive mineral exploration activities in the Patagonia Mountains. These activities include conducting drilling activities, digging test pits, pumping an estimated 300,000 gallons of groundwater precious to the region from the local aquifer, and driving construction equipment cross-country rather than on established roads, an activity that is strictly prohibited on the Coronado National Forest. The project is also expected to devastate Harshaw Creek, a biologically rich riparian area recently designated as a "municipal watershed" for the town of Patagonia.

The Coronado National has released a Notice of Intent to prepare a simple environmental assessment, which will not be adequate to determine the full environmental impact of this project. Sign this petition and tell the Coronado National Forest they need to perform a full Environmental Impact Statement in order to fully measure the effect of the proposed activities.

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The Petition:

Dear Coronado National Forest Project Manager:

I have just learned of Arizona Minerals, Incorporated's proposed plan for mineral exploration activities in Patagonia, AZ. This region is home to over 100 special status species, and is part of a critical wildlife corridor for the jaguar and other animals.

This activity could destroy habitat, ruin riparian areas such as Harshaw Creek, and depletes the precious groundwater in the area. Furthermore, the proposed Overland Vehicle Paths are illegal cross country vehicle travel paths that will destroy National Forest Land.

I know the Coronado National Forest is planning an Environmental Assessment, but I do not believe this is enough to gauge the full impact of this project.

I urge you to please conduct a full Environmental Impact Statement for this project before considering any approval.

Thank you.

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Updates:

6/27/2014 17,581 signatures were mailed off to Project Manager DeRose. Please continue to show your support for the preservation of this delicate eco-system by signing below!

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Signatures: