WASHINGTON, D.C. — The National Wildlife Federation applauds the decision by the Army Corps of Engineers to deny a permit for the proposed open-pit copper and gold mine near Bristol Bay in Alaska. The pristine area is critical for wildlife, Alaskan tribal communities, and salmon fisheries.

“Bristol Bay is a pristine international ecological treasure and today’s decision will ensure that it remains that way,” said Collin O’Mara, president and CEO of the National Wildlife Federation. “We are grateful to the administration and the Army Corps of Engineers for defending one of the world’s most important salmon fisheries and the tens of thousands of jobs it supports.”

The Pebble Mine project would have been one of the largest mines on earth and could have harmed or destroyed more than 100 miles of streams and 3,000 acres of wetlands. Twenty-five tribal communities depend on Bristol Bay for their economies and way of life. The decision by the Army Corps is a significant milestone.  It is now incumbent on the Environmental Protection Agency to take the next step and ensure the long-term protection of this incredible ecosystem.