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The Jefferson Exchange

AGAINST a Suction Dredging Ban

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KIamath Riverkeeper

Only three weeks remain before motorized suction dredge mining comes to a halt on Oregon streams. 

Oregon, like California, enacted a moratorium banning the vacuuming of stream bottoms for gold. 

In theory, the bans are temporary, five years in Oregon's case, but California's went into effect six years ago. 

The halting of suction dredging is understandably unpopular with groups like the Western Mining Allianceand the Galice Mining District, some of whose members make (or made) a living from suction dredge mining. 

A lawsuit seeks to block the Oregon moratorium from taking effect. 

Rick Eddy from the Alliance and Rick Barclay from the Galice district joins us.  

 

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Geoffrey Riley is a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has hosted the Jefferson Exchange on JPR since 2009. He's been a broadcaster in the Rogue Valley for more than 35 years, working in both television and radio.