Mining on the Main Salmon River
A placer mine is being proposed on the headwaters of the Main Salmon between Snyder Springs and Torrey’s campground. Placer mining is a method in which material is excavated and then washed to obtain the minerals within. Though Public Law 92-400, which created the Sawtooth National Recreation Area, prohibits new mining claims, this proposed mine would be under an existing mining right and therefore could be developed.
The Sawtooth Society has concerns about how this mine will conflict with the core values of the Sawtooth NRA. Specifically, there are questions about the effect the mine will have on fish habitat and spawning, as it would be developed in a sensitive spawning area. There are also concerns about the residual chemicals that may be left behind from the process, the noise pollution on what is now a serene stretch of river, the effect on recreational opportunities and the type of structures that will inevitably be constructed during the process. The Sawtooth Society will closely monitor this proposal. We encourage the public to do the same.
To learn more about the Warm Springs Placer Mine proposal, please visit
http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/sawtooth/landmanagement/projects/?cid=stelprdb5443998
VOICE YOUR OPINION! The Warm Springs Placer Mine proposal is currently open to public comment. Now is the time to make your voice heard! Submit your comments by this Friday, December 20th to Joby Timm at comments-intermtn-sawtooth-nra@fs.fed.us
