Washington Senate Approves Legislation to Protect Salmon from Suction-dredge Mining… On to the Governor’s Desk! BY: Gabe Scott, Cascadia Wildlands In-House Counsel MARCH 5, 2020 | After a 37-10 vote in the Senate, the suction-dredge mining reform bill (HB 1261) — which had already passed through the House — has passed the Washington legislature! Thanks to … Continue reading Breaking Victory: Salmon Protected from Suction-dredge Mining in Washington State!
Lawsuit Launched to Protect Washington Rivers, Salmon from Destructive Suction Dredge Mining
January 10, 2017 — Conservation groups filed a notice of intent today to sue the state of Washington for allowing highly destructive suction dredge mining in rivers and streams critical to endangered salmon and steelhead. The Washington Department of Wildlife approves the harmful recreational gold-mining technique in rivers throughout the state that are home to numerous imperiled fish species. Conservation and fisheries groups have also introduced bills in the state legislature to better monitor and regulate suction dredge mining.
Cascadia Wildlands Joins Lawsuit to Protect Wild Salmon and Clean Water from Gold Mining
November 20, 2015 — To defend an Oregon law designed to protect wildlife from damaging gold mining along waterways, a broad coalition of groups moved to intervene today in a lawsuit by mining interests challenging the restrictions. Passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2013, Senate Bill 838 placed restrictions on gold mining using suction dredges and other motorized equipment along streams to prevent harmful impacts to salmon and develop a permitting process to better protect Oregon’s waterways. Miners are now alleging that the state law conflicts with federal laws passed in the 1800s to encourage westward expansion.
Governor Signs Bill to Protect Salmon Habitat by Reducing Impacts of Suction Dredge Gold Mining on Oregon Rivers
August 15, 2013 — Anglers, landowners, outdoor recreation businesses, and river advocates celebrated yesterday as Governor John Kitzhaber signed Senate Bill 838 (SB 838). The bill takes steps to protect salmon habitat throughout Oregon through reasonable reductions in levels of harmful suction dredge gold mining.
Fantastic Fourth Float
To celebrate the recent passage of the suction dredging bill and in an effort to remove myself from the computer, a friend of mine Kyle who works for a local watershed council and I decided to paddle down the Willamette River from Eugene to Independence Oregon, just south of Salem. Growing up paddling in the … Continue reading Fantastic Fourth Float
Press Release: Bill to Protect Salmon Habitat in Oregon Passes House and Senate, Awaits Governor’s Signature
July 8, 2013 — Celebrated by fishermen, landowners, outdoor recreation businesses, and river advocates, Senate Bill 838 (SB 838) has just been passed by the Oregon House and Senate. SB 838 is now on the Governor’s desk awaiting only a signature to become law. The bill takes steps to protect salmon habitat throughout
Oregon through reasonable reductions in levels of suction dredge gold mining.
FONSI not Fonzie
By Bob Ferris "…not once during the many hours of public testimony was the committee presented with scientific evidence that the practice of small-scale suction dredge mining is damaging to fish populations or the environment." Oregon State Senator Olsen in an op-ed in Oregon Business During the recent hearing on suction dredging … Continue reading FONSI not Fonzie
Western Mining Alliance and Brain Surgery by Dentists
By Bob Ferris Would you go to a dentist if you had serious head aches or needed a brain tumor removed? The obvious answer to that is: No, even though both dentists and brain surgeons are highly educated, work on your head and use drills. But that is basically what the Western Mining Alliance and … Continue reading Western Mining Alliance and Brain Surgery by Dentists
Oregon Chapter of the American Fisheries Society on Suction Dredging
On April 9, 2013 the Oregon Chapter of the American Fisheries Society issued the following documents relating to suction dredging. Click once and then click again in the new window. 2013 ORAFS Suction Dredge Mining cover letter (1) (2) 2013 ORAFS Suction Dredge Mining Impacts FINAL
California Water Boards Letter on Suction Dredge Mining
Here is a copy of the California State Water Board’s letter on suction dredging urging a continuation of the suction dredging moratorium in California. Please click twice on each page to see a full sized image.