suction dredging

Lawsuit Launched to Protect Washington Rivers, Salmon from Destructive Suction Dredge Mining

January 10, 2017 by Gabe

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 by nsc425

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 1, 2025August 15, 2013 by bob

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

July 23, 2013 by nsc425

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 … Read more

Press Release: Bill to Protect Salmon Habitat in Oregon Passes House and Senate, Awaits Governor’s Signature

August 1, 2025July 8, 2013 by Josh

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

April 26, 2013 by bob

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 … Read more

Western Mining Alliance and Brain Surgery by Dentists

April 11, 2013 by bob

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 … Read more

California Water Boards Letter on Suction Dredge Mining

March 19, 2013 by bob

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.

Press Release: Legislation Introduced to Protect Water Quality and Wild Salmon in Oregon

August 1, 2025February 19, 2013 by Josh

February 19, 2013 — Local businesses, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservation organizations applaud the recent introduction of Senate Bill 401 by Senator Alan Bates (D-Medford/Ashland) which would protect 30 rivers as State Scenic Waterways in recognition of their outstanding scenic vistas, value to fish and wildlife, and importance as sources of drinking water.

Bates Champions Waterways

February 12, 2013 by bob

DR. ALAN BATES State Senator, District 3 Ashland, Jacksonville, Medford, Phoenix, Talent Deputy Majority Leader Co-chair, Human Services Joint Subcommittee Member, Joint Ways & Means News Release February 11, 2013 CONTACT: Jeff Scroggin (503) 986-1703 or sen.alanbates@state.or.us Bates stands up for Southern Oregon … Read more

Blog: Lawyers, Guns and Money

February 1, 2013 by Josh

By Nick Cady, Legal Director Over the past year Cascadia Wildlands has effectively doubled our organization’s legal capacity through the generous support of our members and foundations. Gabe Scott is back in our Alaska Field office, armed with a law degree, and our Eugene office has its first-ever full-time staff attorney. We want … Read more

General Response to Joe Greene

September 28, 2012 by bob

[Editor's note: When the New 49er's griped about the bias of scientists involved in the public advisory committee for suction dredging in California, the State eventually acquiesced allowed the New 49ers to invite two people with science degrees from their camp. They selected Joe Greene and Claudia Wise retired EPA scientists from Oregon and current … Read more

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