BRITISH COLUMBIA – MONTANA FLATHEAD RIVER TIMELINE
July 2007

1984 -1985: In parallel letters the United States and Canada requested that the International Joint Commission to examine the impacts to the Flathead River of the Sage Creek Coal Ltd. open-pit coal mine proposal for in Cabin Creek.

1988: The IJC issued its recommendation as follows:
     1) The mine not be approved due because it would violate Article IV of the Boundary Waters Treaty and would degrade transboundary bull trout populations
     2) The mine not receive regulatory approval in the future unless it can be demonstrated that:
          a. Potential transboundary impacts have been determined and are acceptable to both governments
          b. Potential impacts on sport fish populations and habitat in the Flathead Rive system would not occur or be fully mitigated
     3) The Governments explore opportunities for defining and implementing compatible, equitable and sustainable development acitivities and management strategies in the upper Flathead River basin

1989: Sage Creek Coal Ltd voluntarily withdraws Cabin Creek mining proposal

2003: Premier Campbell and Governor Judy Martz signed the Environmental Cooperation Arrangement, whereby the two governments agreed to: “identify, coordinate and promote mutual efforts to ensure the protection, conservation and enhancement of our shared environment for the benefit of current and future generations.”

2004: Cline Mining Corporation proposes open-pit coal mine in the original Cabin Creek location – B.C. establishes coal reserve due to international protest

2004: B.C. opens auction for leases permitting coalbed methane (CBM) exploration and development in the entire Upper Flathead portion of the North Fork in British Columbia – no company bids on the auction and no leases granted

2004: B.C. gives exploration and road-building permit to Cline Mining Corporation in Foisey Creek – headwaters tributary of the Flathead River

2004: B.C. Ministry of Energy Mines and Petroleum Resources established a Coal Land Reserve in the lower Flathead, includes the Cabin and Sage Creek coal deposits – Ten-year moratorium, seven years remaining

2005: Cline Mining Corp. announces intentions to “fast-track” open-pit coal mine in headwaters of Flathead at Foisey Creek – fast-track fails due to international protest – Cline presently in Environmental Assessment process.

2005: B.C. grants Western Canadian Coal exploratory rights in the Lillyburt Coalfield in the floodplain of the B.C. Flathead – W.C.C. lets right expire

2007: British Petroleum contacts Governor Schweitzer, expressing their intention to explore and develop for Coalbed Methane in the entire headwaters portion of the B.C. Flathead

2007: Citizens from Canada and the US take action to protect the Flathead from Industrialization.