Habitat Concerns
Last summer the mining claims were centered on the lower main Salmon. Many of these claims are adjacent to Peregrine falcon nest sites, and within Bald Eagle foraging habitat. In the past, the Forest Service has suggested closing boating access to Brannon Bar because of the disturbance to these falcon sites. Apparently multiple dredge motors running are not the same kind of disturbance. Sensitive colonies of Townsend Big Eared bats are adjacent to these claims as well, and are susceptible to disturbance by just walking through their roost site.
Spring Chinook and Coho Salmon
The Spring Chinook run on the Salmon River is one of
the few remaining. These fish enter the system in the spring, and
over-summer in deep, cool water pools. Several residents were concerned
over disturbance to these fish while resting at cold water tributaries,
such
as Crapo Creek. As well, concern regarding physical
degradation of the
habitat was raised (mainly centered around spawning gravel disturbance,
increased turbidity, temperature, and exposure to gasoline spills).
More Profits Next Summer?
According to McCracken, next summer will see an expansion of his current business. Many local residents came to the Salmon River as miners, and there is a community awareness about small scale mining and avoiding environmental impact.
This new operation, however, is on a scale so large and disturbing it has many locals irate. Locals questioned if recreational mining was even appropriate under the federal mining law of 1872, especially when so many salmonid species were threatened.
In a final note, it was pointed out that very little gold exists in these claims. Most of the true profits were seen early on, and by moving massive amounts of earth. McCracken has found gold, not in shiny nuggets on the river, but rather through selling club memberships, dredging equipment, and hosting classes to “hook” new folks into this sport (?). Check out there website to more info: www.goldgold.com
Salm Stroich
is Program Coordinator
for the Klamath Forest Alliance