U.S. Forest Service OK’s Prospecting…But Only With Mules and Hand Tools

1873 or 2011?

The U.S. Forest Service has approved an Aussie mining outfits’ Finley Basin minerals exploration…providing they use only 1870′s methods. Union Carbide prospected the area in the 1970′s, finding evidence of minerals. It used bulldozers and power tools. But the Aussies, trying to bring economic activity to Montana, are required to use–get this–only mule power and hand tools, both for work and for transport. No powered equipment, trucks, tractors etc. and they can’t camp in the work area; they have to pack in daily. And the mules can be fed only certified weed-free hay.  Welcome to 1873 tells details in the likely case that you don’t believe this. The government planners did slip up though, they apparently forgot to order kerosene lanterns in lieu of flashlights.