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Valley County presses for immediate signage, safety measures as Perpetua prepares to plow Warm Lake Road
Summary
Valley County commissioners and Perpetua representatives agreed this week that Perpetua will plow Warm Lake Road under a Forest Service record of decision, but commissioners and the sheriff warned the county lacks manpower to police avalanche‑prone sections. The board scheduled a focused follow‑up on Jan. 12 to finalize signage, gate policy and public‑safety steps.
Valley County commissioners on Dec. 22 reviewed a draft road‑mitigation agreement with Perpetua that would shift winter plowing of Warm Lake Road to the mining project operator under a Forest Service record of decision, and they urged rapid steps to warn and protect recreational users.
"Travel at your own risk," the chair said repeatedly as the meeting unfolded, urging residents and visitors to prepare for a season in which the county expects unusual backcountry traffic in avalanche‑prone terrain. The board read draft agreement language that would require Perpetua to install and maintain an electronic gate approximately 2.3 miles east of the South Fork Road intersection for use during winter closures, but commissioners emphasized the gate’s installation and operational details will be the subject of a January follow‑up meeting.
The county’s sheriff told commissioners gates and temporary closures are not intended "to lock people out," but to protect the public in…
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