Protect the Wild and Scenic Chetco River

The Wild and Scenic Chetco River is the epitome of America’s Great Outdoors. Its wild headwaters in the Kalmiopsis Wilderness, its stunning crystal waters that provide extraordinary recreation opportunities, its impressive Chinook salmon and its municipal water supplies for coastal communities make the Chetco River an aquatic gem on America’s Wild Rivers Coast.

And while you would think it's permanently protected under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, thanks to the 1872 Mining Law and equally archaic government policies, it’s not.

The good news is that the Forest Service is asking the Department of Interior to provide interim protection for about 17 miles of the river by withdrawing it from the 1872 Mining Law for five years while Congress considers the legislation. The Department of Interior is asking for public comments on this proposal.

Subject:

Your Letter:

Dear BLM State Director,

I’m writing in support of the Forest Service’s proposal to withdraw 5,610 acres along the National Wild and Scenic Chetco River from the 1872 Mining Law in aid of legislation. The Chetco is a world-class salmon and steelhead river. Its fishery is important to the economy of the communities of Oregon and California’s Wild Rivers Coast.

Its strikingly clear turquoise and emerald waters provide remarkable recreational opportunities, and clean drinking water to the communities of Brookings and Harbor.

Current surfacing mining regulations aren’t adequate to protect the Chetco River’s nationally outstanding values and there are no mining regulations for Wild and Scenic Rivers. Thus, this remarkable salmon river, local economic engine and recreation magnet is at risk from proposals to mine almost half its length.

I support legislation to provide greater protection for the Wild and Scenic Chetco River and appreciate the BLM and Forest Service’s efforts to provide interim measures to preserve the status quo, while Congress considers more lasting protection.

The temporary withdrawal is consistent with the President’s America’s Great Outdoors Initiative. Because of the many weighty measures before Congress,  I believe the withdrawal should be for 20 years.  Thank you for the opportunity to provide input on this important matter.

Personal tools

Sections

Protect the Wild and Scenic Chetco River

BLM State Director