Oregon puts restrictions on suction dredge mining
Governor Kate Brown signed legislation to protect rivers across the state of Oregon that provide habitat for iconic salmon from suction dredge mining.
Suction dredge mining is a type of recreational gold mining that uses a motorized floating dredge to suck up the bottom of rivers.
“The scientific literature demonstrates a broad array of negative effects of suction dredge gold mining. It clearly works against efforts to recover salmon runs,” said Matt Sloat, Director of Science for Wild Salmon Center.
Source: Suction Dredge Reform Becomes Law – Wild Salmon Center
Suction Dredge Mining
Suction dredge miners were forced to leave California when the state banned the practice due to damage to salmon habitat. Regrettably, these miners have since come to practice their “hobby” at Oregon’s expense. Fortunately in 2013 Oregon decided to stand up for it’s wild rivers and waterways, salmon, clean water, and quality of life as well. Fortunately in the spring of 2017 Oregon passed legislation increasing protections of our rivers.