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From silver riches to superfund: the Blue Ledge Mine

Article published on July 6, 1998 in the former Mail Tribune newspaper about the Blue Ledge Mine.
Oregon.gov Gold Hill Historical Society
Article published on July 6, 1998 in the former Mail Tribune newspaper about the Blue Ledge Mine.

In an ongoing lunchtime lecture series produced by the Southern Oregon Historical Society in partnership with Jackson County Library Services, Laura B. Ahearn will present a wide perspective on the Blue Ledge Mine, including its connections to the orchard boom, socialism, and WWI.

A mine that once promised unbounded riches is now a Superfund site full of hazardous materials, while the adjoining Red Buttes are a protected pristine wilderness.

Laura joins the Exchange to shed light on the romances, scandals, heroes, and ordinary people that remain in this still remote part of the Siskiyous.

Laura Ahearn and JPR host Mike Green
JPR Senior Producer Natalie Golay
Laura Ahearn and JPR host Mike Green

LECTURE SERIES INFO

February 5, 2025: 12pm-1pm: Large Meeting Room, Medford Library, In-Person & Online

February 12, 2025: 12pm-1pm: Gresham Room, Ashland Library, In-Person

Registration: https://jcls.org/local/windows-in-time/

EPA
The Blue Ledge Mine site is an abandoned copper, zinc, gold and silver mine operated from approximately 1904 to 1930. It is located on private land within the Rogue River - Siskiyou National Forest approximately 3 miles south of the Oregon-California border. There are contaminated sediments and surface water at levels that are toxic to aquatic organisms. Impacts include the absence of fish for more than 3 miles downstream and potential negative impacts to fisheries all the way to the Applegate Reservoir, nearly 8 miles downstream.

Gold Hill Historical Society (Blue Ledge Mine)

Jefferson Exchange segment on the Blue Ledge Mine from Sept 9, 2022.

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Mike Green is host of the Jefferson Exchange. Mike has lived in Southern Oregon for more than two decades. He is an award-winning journalist with over 20 years experience in media, specializing in media innovation, inclusive economics and entrepreneurship.
Natalie Golay is the Senior Producer of the Jefferson Exchange. She has a B.A. in Visual Arts, a multimedia certificate from the Vancouver Film school, and a law degree from the University of British Columbia. A communications professional for over 20 years, Natalie is a natural storyteller with extensive audio and video production skills.