SUCTION DREDGE
MINING: Recently the Board of Supervisors passed a resolution, with accompanying
letter to the Department of Fish and Game, in opposition to the petition by the Karuk
Tribe and others to halt suction dredging operations. The Tribe has attempted to stop suction dredge mining through a
series of lawsuits and failed legislation. In the latest suit, the Tribe sued the
Department of Fish and Game (DFG) and then tried, through a settlement agreement, to
force prohibitive regulations on local mining. As a result of third party intervention in
the lawsuit by the New 49ers, the court ordered a full blown Environmental Impact Report (EIR) from
the DFG. The report will analyze the scientific evidence of any
environmental impacts of dredge mining prior to any change in regulations. During this EIR
process, the Tribe is now petitioning to halt mining.
There have been many studies
done to determine the impacts of dredge mining. They indicate that any sediment produced
has very limited localized affects that are very short lived. The affects have been
determined to be inconsequential. In addition, current dredging regulations preclude
dredge mining during times and in places wherespawning is occurring. There are also some
indications that suction dredge mining may produce various environmental benefits such
as loosening cemented gravels, creating cool deep holes for refugia and releasing cold
springs beneath the streambed that have been trapped by cemented gravels. In addition, the
Board of Supervisors has determined that a loss of the expenditures of mining visitors to
local stores, motels and restaurants would have a significant negative economic impact on
the county.
DEMOLITION AND
RECLAMATION ORDINANCE: The Board has approved the first reading of a proposed
ordinance to regulate the demolishment or deconstruction of major works/ facilities or the
removal of more than 100,000 cubic yards of material. The ordinance imposes a
discretionary and conditioned permit on such activities and requires compliance with the
California Environmental Quality Act or National Environmental Policy Act. It further requires reclamation of the site, proper
disposal of debris, financial assurances of performance, mitigation of adverse
environmental and public health and safety impacts, etc. The ordinance excludes mining
activities, (already covered under the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act – SMARA,)
and County Public Works projects involving roads, bridges, drainage improvement and
landfill caps. The second (final) reading of the ordinance has been scheduled for February
10 at 1:30 p.m. at the Board of Supervisor’s chambers.
COLLIER INTERPRETIVE CENTER: Each Year, more than a million and a half people
pass through the Collier Rest Stop off I-5 on the Klamath River. Last year, almost 78,000
people visited the Collier Interpretive Center to ask questions, pick up brochures and
view the exhibits. Rene Cleland, President of the Collier Center, and Bob Rice – Siskiyou
County’s delegate to the Joint Powers Committee recently presented 2 videos that had
been produced to harmonize with the Center’s “smart map.” The first video
on the “Salmon Challenge” is geared to mid-high school level students. The
second video describes water allocation dilemmas and is geared to the adult level and
professional resource managers. There is also an animation that has been produced for sixth
to eight grade students on the history and functions of the watershed. A similar map is in
progress for Klamath County.
Several more video productions are planned, but funding is a
challenge. I suggested that someone produce a professional quality video about all the
restoration projects that had been done in the watershed. I believe that if coastal
fishing communities and Upper Basin farmers realized all the watershed work that has
already been done over the years in the Shasta and Scott Valley, that they would be amazed
and appreciative of all our efforts.
Next time you are passing by, stop and check out the Collier Center!
It is supported entirely by grants and business advertising. The committee is to be
commended for what they have been able to accomplish since they began with just an idea. |
