Josephine Co. considers recreational gold-dredging permits

By Ron Brown
 
January 28, 2010
 
GRANTS PASS, Ore. - Josephine County commissioners gave the go-ahead Thursday to a plan that would permit recreational gold dredging on county-owned land.
 
The issue came up recently when several miners asked for permits to commercially mine streams flowing across county land. Josephine County Legal Counsel Steve Rich says an Oregon Court of Appeals ruling has left the issue concerning what rules apply and who should administer them uncertain.
 
Rich says the county will avoid getting involved in commercial mining issues. Instead, the county will draft new rules to permit small dredges to work in specific stretches of streams on a one-year recreation permit.
 
Commissioners say they will likely hold at least one hearing once the dredging order or ordinance is ready for consideration.