Kalmiopsis Plan on the Right Track to Protect Southern Oregon Rivers

The U.S. Forest Service recently completed an Environmental Assessment that would exclude a 100,000 acre section of federal lands near the Kalmiopsis Wilderness from the threat of mining development. The plan would extend a two-year mining moratorium in the area for an additional five years and provides protections for the upper reaches of Baldface Creek, Rough and Ready Creek, the Pistol River, and Hunter Creek.Chetco_River

This area has long been viewed as a target for strip-mining for nickel, but, thankfully, no mining operations are currently able to strip mine the section adjacent to the Kalmiopsis. The Kalmiopsis Wilderness is vital to the health of several rivers in southern Oregon both for salmon runs and viable drinking water for residents. Rivers such as the Smith, Chetco, and Illinois carve their way through the Siskiyou Range and are highly regarded for their clean waters, whitewater rafting, hiking opportunities, and fantastic salmon and steelhead runs.Chetco_River2

By excluding this area from mining development, even for a five-year temporary period, provides river users, anglers, and residents an assurance of clean water and available recreation opportunities for even longer.