Nestled on the shores of Lake Pend Oreille, Sandpoint, Idaho, is quickly becoming known as the "best small town in the west." The growing number of people calling Sandpoint home enjoy clean air; clean water; views of towering, snow-peaked mountains; unparalleled recreational opportunities; and a superb quality of life that is becoming harder and harder to find. Sandpoint and the other communities of northern Idaho have been resolute in protecting our resources and quality of life and have voiced continuous and steadfast opposition to the proposed Rock Creek mine.

The communities along the Clark Fork River, in Montana,  also have objected to the threats posed by the mine.  Members of these communities have chosen to live in a naturally beautiful area with abundant clean air, clean water, farm and ranch lands, and public recreational lands.  Like Sandpoint, the economies of these vibrant communities are dependent upon the wealth of natural resources, and community members do not wish to risk their quality of life to the threat of a boom and bust economy created by a mine. 

Everyone, from sportspeople, business people, property owners, recreationists, and conservationists have said no to the mine. Local city councils and the Bonner County, Idaho,  Commissioners have passed resolutions opposing the development of the mine. Even the renowned jeweler Tiffany & Co. has stepped forward to protect these incredible resources.  Tiffany's, like the Rock Creek Alliance, simply believes that there are certain special places that should be preserved for all and not ruined by a single ill-conceived mining venture.

Our communities have pulled together for many, many years to protect Lake Pend Oreille and the Cabinet Mountains Wilderness Area from the proposed mine. Rarely has such unity across economic and political spectrums been experienced. The Alliance is grateful for all of the support received from our communities.