[env-trinity] Medford TV KDRV

[Byron Leydecker]

Calif. bill to ban dredge mining moves forward

By Mike Nelson
 
May 1, 2009
 
SACRAMENTO, Ca. - A bill which would ban suction dredge mining on
California's rivers is moving forward.
 
SB 670 would end the practice of suction dredge mining within riverbeds,
lakes, and streams, without an environmental impact study.
 
The California Senate Committee on Natural Resources voted to approve the
measure this week. It now goes to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
 
Senator Patricia Wiggins, who introduced the bill, says it is unfair to ban
commercial salmon fishing while allowing the practice of suction mining to
continue. Wiggins says it harms fish and habitat.
 
Wiggins has the support of Northern California tribes such as the Karuk, who
filed a lawsuit to stop suction dredge mining on the Klamath River until its
impact is fully understood.
 
Miners from the group the 'New 49ers' say they do not harm the Klamath River
system, and believe further studies would prove it. They say members also
help support Siskiyou County's economy.

Byron Leydecker, JcT

Chair, Friends of Trinity River

PO Box 2327

Mill Valley, CA 94942-2327

415 383 4810 land

415 519 4810 cell

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 <mailto:bleydecker at stanfordalumni.org> bleydecker at stanfordalumni.org
(secondary)

 <http://fotr.org/> http://www.fotr.org 

 

 

 

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