An environmental group is suing the state of Idaho after officials including Gov. Butch Otter approved a plan to dredge the Salmon River for gold.
The Idaho Conservation League on Tuesday announced it had asked a 4th District Court judge to require Idaho to approve a reclamation plan before signing off on any mining projects.
In September, Grangeville miner Mike Conklin was awarded a five-year lease by the Idaho Land Board, giving him sole access to a half-mile stretch about 13 miles downstream of Riggins.
The Boise-based environmental group contends the board ignored laws meant to protect Idaho’s water, arguing that miners who use gasoline-powered suction dredges often leave big holes in the riverbed that damage valuable habitat for salmon and steelhead.
Some anglers opposed Conklin’s permit, saying it will hurt fishing. (AP)
