I don't agree with any of ya'
legal this, legal that, what about the facts...
The scale of suction dredging is so small it would take me 10+ years to work from
the bottom to the top of a 20 acre mining claim and each year with the first rains
any disturbance is flattened out, I have to reference my journal just to know where I've been.
this has been blown way out of proportion, the small portion of streams that have gold
have mining claims, are segments that are working streams and have been continuously
worked with suction dredges from the 1960's and it just is, an existing use.
you cant take away an existing use and replace it with a beneficial or recreational use.
in legal speak because of changes by legislation we would be classified as a
"legal nonconforming grandfathered use" in streams mined before and since the CWA of 1972.
Occasional disturbance to habitats are mitigated by best management practices
and in- water work timings protect fish, are already outlined in current statute and rule.