Protect the Wild and Scenic Chetco River from Mining
The Wild and Scenic Chetco River is renowned for its world-class salmon and steelhead runs, and crystal clear water. But it is still vulnerable to mining thanks to the General Mining Law of 1872 -- which gives mining precedence over all other uses.
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The good news is that the U.S. Forest Service is urging the Interior Department to protect about 17 miles of the river by withdrawing it from mining for the next five years to give Congress time to pass more lasting protection via the Chetco River Protection Act. This is a unique opportunity to protect almost the entire length of the river.
The clock is ticking! If the Interior Secretary, and Congress, don't act soon the river will be open to mining once again.
