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Protect the Wild and Scenic Chetco River from Mining
The good news is that the U.S. Forest Service is urging the Interior Department to protect about 17 miles of the river by withdrawing it from mining for the next five years to give Congress time to pass more lasting protection via the Chetco River Protection Act. This is a unique opportunity to protect almost the entire length of the river. The clock is ticking! If the Interior Secretary, and Congress, don't act soon the river will be open to mining once again. TAKE ACTION: Please scroll down and tell the Interior Secretary and Congress to protect the Chetco Wild and Scenic River from mining.
I support protection of the Wild and Scenic Chetco River from mining. With its crystal clear water, big salmon, wild backcountry, and fabulous camp spots, the Wild and Scenic Chetco River is a great American outdoor treasure. It’s also the beloved backyard river of local communities that benefit economically from its world-class salmon and steelhead fishery and the pure drinking water it provides.
The Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest recently released its environmental assessment (EA) for a 5-year mineral withdrawal in aid of legislation (the Chetco River Protection Act). The EA makes clear that suction dredge mining along the river threatens the outstandingly remarkable values for which the area was designated. It emphasizes that these values are important economic drivers for local communities and that these values can only be fully protected through a mineral withdrawal. I urge you to take immediate measures to protect the Chetco Wild and Scenic River from mining. |
The Wild and Scenic Chetco River is renowned for its world-class salmon and steelhead runs, and crystal clear water. But it is still vulnerable to mining thanks to the General Mining Law of 1872 -- which gives mining precedence over all other uses.