PETITION TO SUPPORT A RESOLUTION TO LIMIT HARDROCK MINING ON FEDERAL LANDS IN THE SISKIYOUS WILD RIVERS AREA TO CLAIMS WITH VALID EXISTING RIGHTS THAT MEET ALL THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE LAWS OF THE UNITED STATES
In working towards a sustainable economic future for southwest Oregon the following citizens, business and property owners in the Illinois Valley support a WITHDRAWAL FROM THE OPERATIONS OF THE GENERAL MINING LAW OF 1872 for the Siskiyou Wild Rivers area proposed by Governor Ted Kulongoski, Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley, and Congressman Peter DeFazio..
In short, hard rock mining provides no direct economic benefits to Josephine County according to government reports and there’s been essentially no production of hard rock minerals for many years.
AS CITIZENS OF THE ILLINOIS VALLEY IT IS IMPORTANT THAT OUR VOICES AND CONCERNS BE HEARD AND ADEQUATELY REPRESENTED IN MATTERS AFFECTING THE WELFARE OF ITS FUTURE. A withdrawal from the 1872 General Mining Law will require claims to be evaluated to determine their validity. A STOP ON MINING WOULD NOT AFFECT COMMERCIAL AGGREGATE OPERATIONS SINCE THEY ARE NOT COVERED UNDER THE 1872 LAW.
The Illinois Valley would be significantly impacted by the development of Nicore’s proposed nickel laterite mine and smelter at Rough and Ready Creek (which is covered under the 1872 law). The public, including property owners in the quiet rural community around the proposed mine, have been overwhelmingly opposed to Nicore’s proposal and support the protection of Rough and Ready Creek. All of this is well documented as are its “incredible” natural values. It has some of the cleanest water in the West. Rather than a positive example for hard rock mining, Nicore is a poster child for the need of reform to the 1872 Mining Law.
Additionally mining orginizations and individuals from California are organizing to mine the Illinois, Chetco and Rogue Rivers since the California state wide temporary moratorium on suction dredge mining by Governor Arnold Swartzaneger. California Fish and Game is conducting a Subsequent Environmental Impact Report on suction dredge mining. Oregon should learn from the findings of the CFAG SEIR and conduct its own reasarch in the matter. The Illinois Valley Community should play a significant role in participating and the shaping of these laws and practices. IT IS OUR COMMUNITY THAT IS DIRECTLY AFFECTED BY THE MINING ACTIVITY AND THE IMPACTS THERE OF ON OUR ECONOMY.
BE INFORMED OF THE LAW AND YOUR RIGHTS AS CITIZENS, BUSINESS AND LAND OWNERS. (I.V. Citizens) YOU HAVE A RIGHT AS STAKE HOLDERS IN SHAPING HOW FEDERAL LANDS ARE MANAGED. |