Idaho Conservationist, July 2013 Vol. XVI, Number 2 | Page 7

Reining in Suction Dredge Mining Under the new program, miners cannot suction dredge for gold in waterways with unnaturally high levels of sediment. Dredge mining operations are also prohibited where spawning habitat is available to threatened and endangered salmon, steelhead and trout. Miners will also have to avoid wild and scenic rivers, national recreation areas, and wilderness areas. Suction dredge mine / Brad Smith Each year, more than 500 suction dredge miners take to Idaho’s streams in search of gold. This destructive practice overturns fish spawning beds and stirs up sediment. In April, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a long overdue program to regulate these operations in Idaho. The program protects thousands of miles of Idaho streams from suction dredge mining. The EPA will spend much of 2013 educating the public about the new program and then begin enforcing it in 2014. Brad Smith Conservation Associate [email protected] The Great Idaho Land Grab of 2013 Instead of detailing everything wrong with this land grab, let’s focus on actions ICL is taking to stop it. We will monitor the study committee, providing testimony and materials to the members. And we’ve already begun working with supporters, business leaders, economists, hunters, outfitters, our conservation partners and everyday Idahoans who want public lands to remain in public hands. Hells Canyon / Jay Krajic In April, the Idaho Legislature passed two resolutions. The first established a study committee to decide whether and how the state should demand title to federally administered public lands. Somewhat illogically, the second went ahead and demanded title. But the real goal is not to manage these lands but to auction them off to the highest bidder. After all, Idaho’s public lands— Hells Canyon, the Sawtooths, the Frank Church, the Selkirks, and the Clearwater—are treasures that belong to all of us. We’ve said it before, and we’re saying it again…Idaho is not for sale! J. O. 7