I am respectfully requesting that your government say NO to open-pit coal mining in the mountain foothills.  This exloration will have detramental effects to the the protected species such as the Westslope Cut Throat Trout.   The history of open-pit mining in other locations has proven to have a negative effect on the environment.   I am also extremely concerend for our watershed.  This will have a great effect on the Old Man river and the drinking water supply for hudred of thousands of people.  There currecntly are no ways to reduce the toxins from that water that will be emmitted.  This project my not be carried forward.

Sincerely,

Laurie Chinn