Last month we wrote about the recommendation to ban mining near Glacier National Park in British Columbia. The latest development of the issue was announced Monday–British Columbia will be banning mining and drilling near the park. Most of Glacier National Park lies in Montana, where mineral exploration and energy development are off limits. However, the boundary of a small portion of the park crosses into Canada (where it is known as Waterton Lakes National Park). It is in Waterton Lakes National Park where the much of the parks rivers are formed.

Currently, British Columbia allows companies to propose development in the area surrounding the park. Monday, BC Lt. Gov. Steven Point vowed to change the policies in place and align them with Montana’s guidelines to protect the area. According to Point, “mining, oil and gas development and coalbed gas extraction will not be permitted in British Columbia’s Flathead Valley.”

Last month a group of UNESCO scientists recommended mining in the area be suspended. This recommendation, along with a 400,000 signature petition clearly convinced top officials in BC to investigate the issue further. The area is a large draw for energy companies because of the vast underground coal deposits, coalbed methane, and hardrock minerals. However, mining in an area with so many headwaters that feed into the numerous streams and rives throughout the park would have a huge impact on natural resources and wildlife.

Read more about the new development of this issue in the New York Times article published yesterday.