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
Press Release: Bills to Curb Suction Dredge Mining Approved by Key Senate Committee
April 18, 2013 — Outdoor businesses, the commercial fishing industry, fisheries experts, and conservation organizations applaud the passage of Senate Bill 838 and SB 401 by the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee last night. The legislation aims to protect water quality and salmon in Oregon’s iconic river systems from the impacts of harmful suction dredge mining.
Bills Introduced to Curb Suction Dredge Mining to Protect Wild Salmon and Clean Water
The Oregon legislature is currently considering: 1) SB 838 which would enact a moratorium on suction dredge mining in Essential Salmon Habitat in Oregon, and 2) SB 401 which would require the state of Oregon to review a list of nearly 30 river segments and make a recommendation as to whether or not they should … Continue reading Bills Introduced to Curb Suction Dredge Mining to Protect Wild Salmon and Clean Water
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.
Press Release: Legislation Introduced to Protect Water Quality and Wild Salmon in Oregon
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
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 … Continue reading Bates Champions Waterways
General Response to Joe Greene
[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 … Continue reading General Response to Joe Greene
Dredging Up The Truth
By Bob Ferris With every complicated, science-based issue we seem to tackle, from climate change to wolves and from forestry to diesel particulates, there seems to be a handful of slide-rule era-educated, contrarian scientists who pull themselves up from the depths of retirement to confuse the issue. These self-proclaimed mavens generally have some credentials, but not the … Continue reading Dredging Up The Truth