Governor Swarzengger has vetoed the bill of great concern to the gold prospectors along the wild Klamath River. We want to see the fish and wildlife protected from harm, if there were harmful effects of suction dredge mining, however, most dredgers looking for gold are amazed at how the fish enjoy participating in the sport.

No scientific study has shown dredging to be harmful, and at least one has shown that it is particularly helpful in restoring habitat for fish.

The Governor said that “current law gives the Department of Fish and Game the necessary authority to protect fish and wildlife resources. It is unclear why this bill specifically targets a number of specific waterways for closure of further restrictions,” he said, and “scientific environmental review should precede such decisions.”