WDFW and the Direction of the NW  Miners Rally

December 13, 2005 meeting

Meeting held on December 13, 2005 set the stage for the rally in Oroville in 2006.  This meeting attended by Resources Coalition, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources and Department Ecology discussed key issues between organizers and principal permitting agencies.

Concerns were still voiced about Western Ridge Mussels and location of the rally, the basic determination was to go on with the 2006 rally, potentially with a five-year permit.  Organizers indicated given the right circumstances might move the rally in 2007.

Organizers conclusion was that concerns voiced by the Ephrata office of WDFW over the rally location still lacked good solid science.  Resources Coalition is waiting for further information, yet at the same time pursuing a five-year permitting process for Orville.

This meeting was a great example of what government and stakeholder can do working together.  We at Resources Coalition appreciated the straightforwardness of the various departments represented.  We especially want to thank WDFW Commissioners who oversaw and encourage this meeting.

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October 2005 Greg Huckle's statement

Result of the 2005 rally was an executive statement by Greg Huckle, head of WDFW Habitat Department.  

He has stated that they have seen the rally now for three years and feel it's workable with a five-year permit.  

We appreciate the clarity of this decision and the recognition that our general consensus was correct, namely that we are not a significant impact.

Taken from Directors Notes March 4, 2005 Fish & Wildlife Commission hearing Olympia, WA

Quoting WDFW: “ WDFW conducted a survey of the freshwater mussels, and that information is being analyzed by area Habitat Biologists.  They have expressed concern over damage to fish life and mussels from last year's rally.  With lower than normal snowfall this year, we are expecting extreme low flows in the river and elevated temperatures (>70°) that will further stress the fisheries in the river at this time.  The Department may want to express a recommendation that the rally not occur again in the same location (or in Okanogan County) next year.”

WDFW Commission Hearing Mosses Lake, WA April 8, 2005

Chris Parsons AICP

WDFW Program Manager

Region 2 Habitat Program Manager

Stated the following:

Mussel type Western Ridge Mussel

Concerns about this site

Also have concerns with lower then normal stream flows and elevated water temperatures at the time of the rally and effect of this on all aquatic species.

We conducted a preliminary survey of the fresh water Western Ridge Mussel during last years rally.

This mussel is G3 species this is vulnerable globally either its very rare or local throughout its range it is found only in restricted range even if it’s abundant at some locations or because of other factors making it vulnerable to extension.  The mussels are unique in order reproduce and spread to other area’s the larva attach to the gills of fish they are extremely long lived up to 100 years and they grow very slowly in fact a three year mussel for example is the size of a dime so when you see mussels this size (3 inch 4 inch approximant) very long lived 50 or 60 years old. So with this new information about this and our concerns about effects of the mussels which are known to be in this river we want to insure that permits this year are provided that way that provides that resource.   We also want to explore with the rally organizers possible other locations for the rally if indeed we believe this resource will be vulnerable to this kind of activity. Again we are not there yet we are studding this information we hope to make some recommendations and work closely with the rally organizers.

Resources Response:

NW Miners Rally

First we are waiting on further information to be supplied to us from WDFW and Chris Parsons on what is known about the location and the western ridge mussel. We will have little to say about the science or position until we have more facts.

We can say the rally location was based on the DEF Rally of 2003, which we helped put on in Oroville.  The site is unique and has historical connection to Washington State’s history being close to the first major placer gold strike in Washington. This took place in the 1850’s and this is why the rally has the saying “where the past meets the present.”

This site also is located right next to the downtown core of Oroville, which gives great accessibility to restaurants and shopping, just a 5 minute walk from River Oaks.  The community has welcomed us with open arms and as miners it has felt like a real home to anyone of us who has visited.

River Oaks RV park is beautiful and a destination point sitting right on the banks of the historic Similkameen River, on what use to be a patented placer gold claim, which still holds nice course placer gold. The park has full hookups and plenty of room for tents, vendors and having easy access to the river is ideal for the rally. 

The up river area above Enlow Dam has 7 miles of unclaimed river which has rich placer deposits and access allowing the more experienced small-scale miner an opportunity at some nice gold which makes for a good attracting point for the more serious of our craft.

The countryside is dotted with history and mine sites with the near by old mining town of   Molson which reflects the great gold tradition. This gives anyone attending the rally more then just the rally but an enjoyable tour of history. Resources Coalition has a goal of bring the great heritage of mining to the public.  This nation would not enjoy the freedom or wealth it has without the one heritage that built the west, especially Washington State.

In conclusion you can’t easily find places that offer such a mix and what NW Miners Rally has accomplished should not be easily discarded.  We wonder if questionable conclusions based somewhat on old preconceptions of mining, which in fact do not reflect the modern small-scale miner, is driving this.

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