Gravel Mine Proposed for Salmon River Stirs Up Questions
The Idaho Conservation League—and others—are raising concerns to the State of Idaho over a proposed gravel mine operation in the bed of the Salmon River.
Gravel mining in the Salmon River significantly impacts water quality, streamside vegetation and fish. IDWR photo.
(WHITE BIRD) - The Idaho Conservation League and others are raising concerns to the State of Idaho over a proposed gravel mine operation in the bed of the Salmon River.
The Idaho Land Board is being asked to issue a lease for gravel mining below the high water mark of the main stem of the Salmon River near White Bird, north of Riggins. The Salmon River is the second largest river in Idaho, and the source of clean water, habitat for salmon and steelhead, and recreation including boating and fishing. The public comment period ends Saturday, January 21.
“Thousands of people come to Idaho each year to enjoy the Salmon River. As a river guide, I sell a chance for folks to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They want to experience the sights and sounds of nature—not heavy industrial equipment gouging the Salmon River,” said Gary Lane, owner and lead guide of Wapiti River Guides in Riggins.
Technically, the mining technique is called “gravel bar scalping,” where miners use heavy equipment such as bulldozers and loaders to mine and haul away gravel deposited by high spring flows.
“Research has shown that gravel mining in streams and rivers can harm fisheries and aquatic habitat. Instead, we should use other sources of gravel, and protect Idaho's valuable water resources for future generations of Idahoans," said Dr. Jennifer Pierce, a Boise State University geomorphology professor who has studied the effects of in-stream mining on rivers throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Potential impacts of this kind of mining include increased downstream erosion and sedimentation, plus the accidental release of fuels, lubricants and other industrial fluids. Streamside habitats are among the most biologically rich in Idaho, and the Salmon River in particular is a destination for anglers, hunters and river rafters. The section of the Salmon River being proposed for mining contains designated critical habitat for endangered species including spring and fall chinook salmon, steelhead, and bull trout. Fall chinook salmon, in particular, have been documented to spawn in close proximity to the mining operation.
“The Salmon River is a precious natural resource important to many Idahoans,” said Jonathan Oppenheimer, senior conservation associate with the Idaho Conservation League. “There are many places to appropriately mine gravel in Idaho—within the banks of the Salmon River just isn’t one of them.”
Oppenheimer and other concerned Idahoans are urging the state to reject the proposal and implement protections for the Salmon River, consistent with its iconic status.
Contact:
Jonathan Oppenheimer, Idaho Conservation League, 208-345-6942 ext. 26
Salmon River Gravel Mining