New Washington Geologic Maps Available Online

The following geologic maps are now available from the Washington Division of Geology and Earth Resources:

Open File Report 2009-5. Geologic map of the Lake Wooten 7.5-minute quadrangle, Mason County, Washington, by R. E. Derkey, N. J. Hehemann, and Katelin Alldritt. 2009. 35 x 36 in. color sheet, scale 1:24,000. (Available online only, at http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/ger_ofr2009-5_geol_map_lakewooten_24k.pdf [13.2 MB].)

Open File Report 2009-6. Geologic map of the Mason Lake 7.5-minute quadrangle, Mason County, Washington, by R. E. Derkey, N. J. Hehemann, and Katelin Alldritt. 2009. 35 x 36 color sheet, scale 1:24,000. (Available online only, at http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/ger_ofr2009-6_geol_map_masonlake_24k.pdf [18.3 MB].)

Open File Report 2009-7. Geologic map of the Belfair 7.5-minute quadrangle, Mason, Kitsap, and Pierce Counties, Washington by Michael Polenz, Katelin Alldritt, N. J. Hehemann, I. Y. Sarikhan, and R. L. Logan. 2009. 45 x 36 in. color sheet, scale 1:24,000. (Available online only, at http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/ger_ofr2009-7_geol_map_belfair_24k.pdf [23.0 MB].)

Open File Report 2009-8. Geologic map of the Burley 7.5-minute quadrangle, Kitsap and Pierce Counties, Washington, by Michael Polenz, Katelin Alldritt, N. J. Hehemann, and R. L. Logan. 2009. 41 x 36 in. color sheet, scale 1:24,000. (Available online only, at http://www.dnr.wa.gov/Publications/ger_ofr2009-8_geol_map_burley_24k.pdf [17.9 MB].)

The above information was kindly supplied by the Washington Division of Geology and Earth Resources.

California Bans Suction Dredge Mining -- Effective Immediately

I generally don't report on events taking place in other states but, since whenever something bad happens in California it tends to metastasize across neighboring regions, I'm making an exception in this case. It seems that Governor Schwarzenegger has signed SB 670, shutting down every in-stream suction mining dredge in California immediately and for an indefinite time to come.

According to the California Department of Fish and Game website, the moratorium on suction dredge mining will remain in effect for at least two years while the department completes a court-ordered review of the permit process and makes any necessary changes to the pertinent regulations. Not only are all current dredging permits no longer valid, but permit holders will apparently not be eligible for refunds of fees paid, according to the DFG statement.

In the meantime, running a dredge in a California stream can net you up to a $1,000 fine and six months behind bars.

Those interested may read the notice from the California DFG at the link here.

Countering the California development, Public Lands for the People is preparing a Federal Injunction to stop implementation of the moratorium. Donations for legal fees are requested at the web link above.

Article Exposes Pitfalls of Proposed Federal Mining Legislation

I haven't posted anything since early February on the various efforts in Congress to "reform" the 1872 mining law as most of the articles I've seen in the mainstream press are ignorant and shortsighted in their support of such legislation and I've already given more than enough space to the lies and misrepresentations contained within them.

Yesterday, however, there was a refreshing editorial at denverpost.com by Vincent Carroll which tells the other side of the story. Of course, the people who most need to know the facts presented by Mr. Carroll are not the ones reading this blog and, judging by the one comment below the article at the time I read it, at least some of those who need those facts are failing to grasp them still. In any case, it's nice to know that the truth is out there where those who need it may yet discover it and thereby help avert a calamity brought about by unwise mining legislation.

Read the Carroll piece for yourself at the link here.