No Hot Creek Mine is partnering with Trout Unlimited to fight for permanent protection of Hot Creek. We are seeking designation of Hot Creek as an Outstanding National Resource Water (ONRW).

ONRW’s are defined as “high quality waters that constitute an outstanding national resource” including waters of “exceptional recreational or ecological significance.” Suitable ONRW’s do not have to necessarily exhibit exceptional water quality but can also be based on several factors including recreational or ecological significance that rely on water quality. In other words, while Hot Creek may not exhibit exceptional water quality, the ecological significance of the watershed and notable recreational activities of the region rely on exceptional water quality; for example, if the water quality were to be significantly impacted by mining activities, it could cause significant decline in Trout populations or further endanger the Tui Chub. Under this designation, no new activities that would permanently lower water quality would be permitted. This includes mining, ensuring mining companies would no longer threaten Hot Creek.