Bonaro _
I just checked out the information that you provided the link for. You had made the statement -

"The link below is to a report studying all possible effects of suction dredging on stream habitat, water quality and biota..."

Clearly the information provide only partially addressed all the possible effects of suction dredging on stream habitat, water quality and biota. That lack of fish information was only the most glaring omission (and yes I understand there were no fish there).

I did not bring the issue of heavy metals to the discussion, that came directly from the link you provided and clearly they thought it was an issue. BTW the lead sinkers like those that you removed (thank you!) are inert forms of lead and represent virtually no threat to fish life (unlike some of the copper, amnesic, etc. released during the dredging on Fortymile creek.

I applaud both the state and the mining industry for the huge strides made over the last decades in the habitat protection regulations for the recreational mining industry/activity. However in this era of ESA listed fish it is just good stewardship to review existing rules (whether regarding fishing, logging, flow management or dredging) protecting those fish to insure that they are meeting the expectations of protection when they were developed.

I support those reviews (and changes if needed) for all those activities and have always encouraged all interested parties (regardless of which side of the fence they may sit to take part in the process). I have noticed that when folks attempt to misrepresent or "cherry pick" the "science" in support of their case it often backfires and undermines their creditability.

Curt