US backs protecting Yellowstone’s northern gateway from mining

New mining claims should be banned for 20 years on more than 30 000 acres north of Yellowstone National Park to preserve scenery, wildlife habitat, waterways and outdoor recreation that fuels tourism in nearby Montana towns, the US Forest Service said Friday. The recommendation to withdraw 30 370 acres of the Custer Gallatin National Forest from mineral development comes after two large gold-mining operations were proposed near Yellowstone, sparking opposition from conservationists and local businesses in an area known as Paradise Valley.