“And with the number of mineral prospectors in Washington expected to increase, it is important for us to be able to more accurately assess potential risks to fish and the spread of aquatic invasive species.” “Gold mining occurs across Washington, with popular areas along the Cascade Range near Yakima, Ellensburg, and Wenatchee,” said Randi Thurston, protection division manager at WDFW. As a result, WDFW anticipates an increase in the number of out-of-state dredgers, which also increases the risk of aquatic invasive species coming into the state. Washington is not the first western state to implement stricter regulations on suction dredging, as Oregon banned suction dredging in some state waters last year. However, the Gold and Fish pamphlet HPA will still authorize all other small-scale placer mining methods.
The new rule no longer allows suction dredging under the Gold and Fish pamphlet HPA. The Fish and Wildlife Commission, a citizen panel appointed by the governor to set policy for WDFW, approved the HPA suction dredging rule change last Friday. Application instructions are available online. The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) manages HPAs in the state, and has up to 45 days to approve or deny complete applications. This type of mining can kill young fish and eggs, and disturb spawning gravel for salmon.
Suction dredge mining is a type of recreational gold mining that uses a motorized or non-motorized vacuum to suck up the bottom of rivers and streams to look for gold. 1, will help protect fish and reduce the risk of spreading invasive species. OLYMPIA – Mineral prospectors will now need to get a Hydraulic Project Approval (HPA) to suction dredge in Washington.
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