SJR 3: Smith River watershed protection.
- Session Year: 2015-2016
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2015-07-06
This measure would urge the President of the United States and Congress to permanently safeguard the currently unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have the potential impacts on water supplies, economies, or the environment in Californias portion of the Smith River watershed.
This measure would urge the President of the United States and Congress to permanently safeguard the currently unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have the potential impacts on water supplies, economies, or the environment in Californias portion of the Smith River watershed.
This measure would urge the President of the United States and Congress to permanently safeguard the currently unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have the potential impacts on water supplies, economies, or the environment in Californias portion of the Smith River watershed.
This measure would urge the President of the United States and Congress to permanently safeguard the currently unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have the potential impacts on water supplies, economies, or the environment in Californias portion of the Smith River watershed.
This measure would urge the President of the United States and Congress to permanently safeguard the currently unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have the potential impacts on water supplies, economies, or the environment in Californias portion of the Smith River watershed.
This measure would urge the President of the United States and Congress to permanently safeguard the currently unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have the potential impacts on water supplies, economies, or the environment in Californias portion of the Smith River watershed.
WHEREAS, The Smith River watershed of approximately 610 square miles in California and 115 square miles in Oregon has been considered the prize of the California wild and scenic river system since the time it was included in the California Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in 1972, and then later included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1981; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River is the indirect primary source of drinking water for the majority of Del Norte Countys 28,000 residents, with the largest user being the City of Crescent City; and
WHEREAS, The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors and the City Council of Crescent City have voted unanimously to oppose the issuance of a limited water use license for the Cleopatra Check Drilling Program based on the potential to cause significant adverse environmental impacts within the overall watershed of the Smith River and subsequent impacts on drinking water for residents and thousands of annual visitors; and
WHEREAS, The California North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Natural Resources Agency, and the Oregon Water Resources Department have also opposed any mining within the Smith River watershed because of the detrimental effects of strip mining; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River is unparalleled for its free-flowing status, large and abundant salmon and steelhead stock, and extraordinary botanical diversity, and is the only major undammed river in California; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River National Recreation Area Act, passed by the 101st United States Congress in 1990 (Public Law 101-612), amended the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 and permanently protected all federal lands of the Smith River watershed within California by establishing the Smith River National Recreation Area; and
WHEREAS, The Oregon portion of the North Fork of the Smith River was not included in the act and remains vulnerable to mining; and
WHEREAS, Any strip mining activities on the North Fork of the Smith River could have devastating and irreversible impacts to the entire National Wild and Scenic Smith River watershed; and
WHEREAS, In 2012, the Red Flat Nickel Corporation submitted the Cleopatra Check Drilling Program Plan for the watershed of the North Fork of the Smith River to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, with the goals to develop and operate a devastating 3,980-acre strip mine to extract nickel, cobalt, and chromium; and
WHEREAS, The proposed mining operations will unnecessarily put the people and wildlife that rely on the Smith River at risk; and
WHEREAS, The United States Environmental Protection Agency has confirmed that hard rock mining, which includes strip mining, is the largest source of toxic pollution in the United States; and
WHEREAS, The United States Department of Agricultures Technical Guide to Managing Ground Water Resources documents numerous published reports concerning the release of toxic metals to groundwater and surface water resulting from mines and mine-related facilities; and
WHEREAS, Mining operations along the tributaries of the Smith River would inevitably impact water quality and quantity with the potential to cause significant injury to fish and other wildlife, including threatened coho salmon; and
WHEREAS, The Smith Rivers coho salmon are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act and are recognized as a core independent population with a high risk of extinction; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River is one of Californias most important, irreplaceable watersheds for the threatened coho salmon; and
WHEREAS, The Chinook salmon, cutthroat trout, and steelhead runs are vitally important to the economies and environment of northern California and Oregon; and
WHEREAS, Millions of federal, state, and private dollars have been spent in the past decades on improving water supply systems and for restoration and protection of salmonid habitat and watershed lands downstream from the proposed mining operations; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of California, jointly, That the Legislature urges the President of the United States and Congress to permanently safeguard the currently unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have potential impacts on water supplies, economies, or the environment in Californias portion of the Smith River watershed; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
WHEREAS, The Smith River watershed of approximately 610 square miles in California and 115 square miles in Oregon has been considered the prize of the California wild and scenic river system since the time it was included in the California Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in 1972, and then later included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1981; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River is the indirect primary source of drinking water for the majority of Del Norte Countys 28,000 residents, with the largest user being the City of Crescent City; and
WHEREAS, The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors and the City Council of Crescent City have voted unanimously to oppose the issuance of a limited water use license for the Cleopatra Check Drilling Program based on the potential to cause significant adverse environmental impacts within the overall watershed of the Smith River and subsequent impacts on drinking water for residents and thousands of annual visitors; and
WHEREAS, The California North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Natural Resources Agency, and the Oregon Water Resources Department have also opposed any mining within the Smith River watershed because of the detrimental effects of strip mining; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River is unparalleled for its free-flowing status, large and abundant salmon and steelhead stock, and extraordinary botanical diversity, and is the only major undammed river in California; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River National Recreation Area Act, passed by the 101st United States Congress in 1990 (Public Law 101-612), amended the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 and permanently protected all federal lands of the Smith River watershed within California by establishing the Smith River National Recreation Area; and
WHEREAS, The Oregon portion of the North Fork of the Smith River was not included in the act and remains vulnerable to mining; and
WHEREAS, Any strip mining activities on the North Fork of the Smith River could have devastating and irreversible impacts to the entire National Wild and Scenic Smith River watershed; and
WHEREAS, In 2012, the Red Flat Nickel Corporation submitted the Cleopatra Check Drilling Program Plan for the watershed of the North Fork of the Smith River to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, with the goals to develop and operate a devastating 3,980-acre strip mine to extract nickel, cobalt, and chromium; and
WHEREAS, The proposed mining operations will unnecessarily put the people and wildlife that rely on the Smith River at risk; and
WHEREAS, The United States Environmental Protection Agency has confirmed that hard rock mining, which includes strip mining, is the largest source of toxic pollution in the United States; and
WHEREAS, The United States Department of Agricultures Technical Guide to Managing Ground Water Resources documents numerous published reports concerning the release of toxic metals to groundwater and surface water resulting from mines and mine-related facilities; and
WHEREAS, Mining operations along the tributaries of the Smith River would inevitably impact water quality and quantity with the potential to cause significant injury to fish and other wildlife, including threatened coho salmon; and
WHEREAS, The Smith Rivers coho salmon are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act and are recognized as a core independent population with a high risk of extinction; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River is one of Californias most important, irreplaceable watersheds for the threatened coho salmon; and
WHEREAS, The Chinook salmon, cutthroat trout, and steelhead runs are vitally important to the economies and environment of northern California and Oregon; and
WHEREAS, Millions of federal, state, and private dollars have been spent in the past decades on improving water supply systems and for restoration and protection of salmonid habitat and watershed lands downstream from the proposed mining operations; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of California, jointly, That the Legislature urges the President of the United States and Congress to permanently safeguard the currently unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have potential impacts on water supplies, economies, or the environment in Californias portion of the Smith River watershed; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
WHEREAS, The Smith River watershed of approximately 610 square miles in California and 115 square miles in Oregon has been considered the prize of the California wild and scenic river system since the time it was included in the California Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in 1972, and then later included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1981; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River is the indirect primary source of drinking water for the majority of Del Norte Countys 28,000 residents, with the largest user being the City of Crescent City; and
WHEREAS, The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors and the City Council of Crescent City have voted unanimously to oppose the issuance of a limited water use license for the Cleopatra Check Drilling Program based on the potential to cause significant adverse environmental impacts within the overall watershed of the Smith River and subsequent impacts on drinking water for residents and thousands of annual visitors; and
WHEREAS, The California North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Natural Resources Agency, and the Oregon Water Resources Department have also opposed any mining within the Smith River watershed because of the detrimental effects of strip mining; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River is unparalleled for its free-flowing status, large and abundant salmon and steelhead stock, and extraordinary botanical diversity, and is the only major undammed river in California; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River National Recreation Area Act, passed by the 101st United States Congress in 1990 (Public Law 101-612), amended the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 and permanently protected all federal lands of the Smith River watershed within California by establishing the Smith River National Recreation Area; and
WHEREAS, The Oregon portion of the North Fork of the Smith River was not included in the act and remains vulnerable to mining; and
WHEREAS, Any strip mining activities on the North Fork of the Smith River could have devastating and irreversible impacts to the entire National Wild and Scenic Smith River watershed; and
WHEREAS, In 2012, the Red Flat Nickel Corporation submitted the Cleopatra Check Drilling Program Plan for the watershed of the North Fork of the Smith River to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, with the goals to develop and operate a devastating 3,980-acre strip mine to extract nickel, cobalt, and chromium; and
WHEREAS, The proposed mining operations will unnecessarily put the people and wildlife that rely on the Smith River at risk; and
WHEREAS, The United States Environmental Protection Agency has confirmed that hard rock mining, which includes strip mining, is the largest source of toxic pollution in the United States; and
WHEREAS, The United States Department of Agricultures Technical Guide to Managing Ground Water Resources documents numerous published reports concerning the release of toxic metals to groundwater and surface water resulting from mines and mine-related facilities; and
WHEREAS, Mining operations along the tributaries of the Smith River would inevitably impact water quality and quantity with the potential to cause significant injury to fish and other wildlife, including threatened coho salmon; and
WHEREAS, The Smith Rivers coho salmon are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act and are recognized as a core independent population with a high risk of extinction; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River is one of Californias most important, irreplaceable watersheds for the threatened coho salmon; and
WHEREAS, The Chinook salmon, cutthroat trout, and steelhead runs are vitally important to the economies and environment of northern California and Oregon; and
WHEREAS, Millions of federal, state, and private dollars have been spent in the past decades on improving water supply systems and for restoration and protection of salmonid habitat and watershed lands downstream from the proposed mining operations; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of California, jointly, That the Legislature urges the President of the United States and Congress to permanently safeguard the currently unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have potential impacts on water supplies, economies, or the environment in Californias portion of the Smith River watershed; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
WHEREAS, The Smith River watershed of approximately 610 square miles in California and 115 square miles in Oregon is has been considered the prize of the California wild and scenic river system since the time it was included in the California Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in 1972, and then later included in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1981; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River is the indirect primary source of drinking water for the majority of Del Norte Countys 28,000 residents, with the largest user being the City of Crescent City; and
WHEREAS, The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors and the City Council of Crescent City have voted unanimously to oppose the issuance of a limited water use license for the Cleopatra Check Drilling Program based on the potential to cause significant adverse environmental impacts within the overall watershed of the Smith River and subsequent impacts on drinking water for residents and thousands of annual visitors; and
WHEREAS, The California North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Natural Resources Agency, and the Oregon Water Resources Department have also opposed any mining within the Smith River watershed because of the detrimental effects of strip mining; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River is unparalleled for its free-flowing status, large and abundant salmon and steelhead stock, and extraordinary botanical diversity, and is the only major undammed river in California; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River National Recreation Area Act, passed by the 101st United States Congress in 1990 (Public Law 101-612), amended the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 and permanently protected all federal lands of the Smith River watershed within California by establishing the Smith River National Recreation Area; and
WHEREAS, The Oregon portion of the North Fork of the Smith River was not included in the act and remains vulnerable to mining; and
WHEREAS, Any strip mining activities on the North Fork of the Smith River could have devastating and irreversible impacts to the entire National Wild and Scenic Smith River watershed; and
WHEREAS, In 2012, the Red Flat Nickel Corporation submitted the Cleopatra Check Drilling Program Plan for the watershed of the North Fork of the Smith River to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, with the goals to develop and operate a devastating 3,980-acre strip mine to extract nickel, cobalt, and chromium; and
WHEREAS, The proposed mining operations will unnecessarily put the people and wildlife that rely on the Smith River at risk; and
WHEREAS, The United States Environmental Protection Agency has confirmed that hard rock mining, which includes strip mining, is the largest source of toxic pollution in the United States; and
WHEREAS, The United States Department of Agricultures Technical Guide to Managing Ground Water Resources documents numerous published reports concerning the release of toxic metals to groundwater and surface water resulting from mines and mine-related facilities; and
WHEREAS, Mining operations along the tributaries of the Smith River would inevitably impact water quality and quantity with the potential to cause significant injury to fish and other wildlife, including threatened coho salmon; and
WHEREAS, The Smith Rivers coho salmon are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act and are recognized as a core independent population with a high risk of extinction; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River is one of Californias most important, irreplaceable watersheds for the threatened coho salmon; and
WHEREAS, The Chinook salmon, cutthroat trout, and steelhead runs are vitally important to the economies and environment of northern California and Oregon; and
WHEREAS, Millions of federal, state, and private dollars have been spent in the past decades on improving water supply systems and for restoration and protection of salmonid habitat and watershed lands downstream from the proposed mining operations; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of California, jointly, That the Legislature urges the President of the United States and Congress to permanently safeguard the currently unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have potential impacts on water supplies, economies, or the environment in Californias portion of the Smith River watershed; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
WHEREAS, The Smith River watershed of approximately 610 square miles in California and 115 square miles in Oregon is considered the prize of the California wild and scenic river system since it was included in the California Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in 1972, and then later included in the Federal National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1981; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River is the indirect primary source of drinking water for the majority of Del Norte Countys 28,000 residents, with the largest user being the City of Crescent City; and
WHEREAS, The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors and the City Council of Crescent City have voted unanimously to oppose the issuance of a limited water use license for the Cleopatra Check Drilling Program based on the potential to cause significant adverse environmental impacts within the overall watershed of the Smith River and subsequent impacts on drinking water for residents and thousands of annual visitors; and
WHEREAS, The California North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Natural Resources Agency, and the Oregon Water Resources Department have also opposed any mining within the Smith River watershed because of the detrimental effects of strip mining; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River is unparalleled for its free flowing free-flowing status, large and abundant salmon and steelhead stock, and extraordinary botanical diversity, and is the only major undammed river in California; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River National Recreation Area Act, passed by the 101st United States Congress in 1990 (Public Law 101-612), amended the federal Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 and permanently protected all federal lands of the Smith River watershed within California by establishing the Smith River National Recreation Area; and
WHEREAS, The Oregon portion of the North Fork of the Smith River was not included in the act and remains vulnerable to mining; and
WHEREAS, Any strip mining activities on the North Fork of the Smith River could have devastating and irreversible impacts to the entire National Wild and Scenic Smith River Watershed; watershed; and
WHEREAS, In 2012, the Red Flat Nickel Corporation submitted the Cleopatra Check Drilling Mining Program Plan for the watershed of the North Fork of the Smith River to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, with the goals to develop and operate a devastating 3,980 acre 3,980-acre strip mine to extract nickel, cobalt, and chromium; and
WHEREAS, The proposed mining operations will unnecessarily put the people and wildlife that rely on the Smith River at risk; and
WHEREAS, The United States Environmental Protection Agency has confirmed that hard rock mining, which includes strip mining, is the largest source of toxic pollution in the United States; and
WHEREAS, The United States Department of Agricultures Technical Guide to Managing Groundwater Ground Water Resources documents numerous published reports concerning the release of toxic metals to ground water groundwater and surface water resulting from mines and mine-related facilities; and
WHEREAS, Mining operations along the tributaries of the Smith River would inevitably impact water quality and quantity with the potential to cause significant injury to fish and other wildlife, including threatened coho salmon; and
WHEREAS, The Smith Rivers coho salmon are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act and are recognized as a core independent population with a high risk of extinction; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River is one of Californias most important, irreplaceable watersheds for the threatened coho salmon; and
WHEREAS, The Chinook salmon, cutthroat trout, and steelhead runs are vitally important to the economies and environment of northern California and Oregon; and
WHEREAS, Millions of federal, state, and private dollars have been spent in the past decades on improving water supply systems and for restoration and protection of salmonid habitat and watershed lands downstream from the proposed mining operations; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of California, jointly, That the Legislature urges the President of the United States and Congress to permanently safeguard the currently unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have potential impacts on water supplies, economies, or the environment in Californias portion of the Smith River watershed; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
WHEREAS, The Smith River watershed of approximately 610 square miles in California and 115 square miles in Oregon is considered the prize of the California wild and scenic river system since it was included in the California Wild and Scenic Rivers Act in 1972, and then later included in the Federal Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1981; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River is the indirect primary source of drinking water for the majority of Del Norte Countys 28,000 residents, with the largest user being the City of Crescent City; and
WHEREAS, The Del Norte County Board of Supervisors and the City Council of Crescent City have voted unanimously to oppose the issuance of a limited water use license for the Cleopatra Check Drilling Program based on the potential to cause significant adverse environmental impacts within the overall watershed of the Smith River and subsequent impacts on drinking water for residents and thousands of annual visitors; and
WHEREAS, The California North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, the Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Natural Resources Agency and the Oregon Water Resources Department have also opposed any mining within the Smith River watershed because of the detrimental effects of strip mining; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River is unparalleled for its free flowing status, large and abundant salmon and steelhead stock, and extraordinary botanical diversity, and is the only major undammed river in California; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River National Recreation Area Act, passed by the 101st United States Congress in 1990 (Public Law 101-612), amended the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 and permanently protected all federal lands of the Smith River watershed within California by establishing the Smith River National Recreation Area; and
WHEREAS, The Oregon portion of the North Fork of the Smith River was not included in the act and remains vulnerable to mining; and
WHEREAS, Any strip mining activities on the North Fork of the Smith River could have devastating and irreversible impacts to the entire National Wild and Scenic Smith River Watershed; and
WHEREAS, In 2012, Red Flat Nickel Corporation submitted the Cleopatra Check Drilling Mining Plan for the watershed of the North Fork of the Smith River to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest, with the goals to develop and operate a devastating 3,980 acre strip mine to extract nickel, cobalt, and chromium; and
WHEREAS, The proposed mining operations will unnecessarily put the people and wildlife that rely on the Smith River at risk; and
WHEREAS, The United States Environmental Protection Agency has confirmed that hard rock mining, which includes strip mining, is the largest source of toxic pollution in the United States; and
WHEREAS, The United States Department of Agricultures Technical Guide to Managing Groundwater Resources documents numerous published reports concerning the release of toxic metals to ground water and surface water resulting from mines and mine-related facilities; and
WHEREAS, Mining operations along the tributaries of the Smith River would inevitably impact water quality and quantity with the potential to cause significant injury to fish and other wildlife, including threatened coho salmon; and
WHEREAS, The Smith Rivers coho salmon are protected under the federal Endangered Species Act and are recognized as a core independent population with a high risk of extinction; and
WHEREAS, The Smith River is one of Californias most important, irreplaceable watersheds for the threatened coho salmon; and
WHEREAS, The Chinook salmon, cutthroat trout, and steelhead runs are vitally important to the economies and environment of northern California and Oregon; and
WHEREAS, Millions of federal, state, and private dollars have been spent in the past decades on improving water supply systems and for restoration and protection of salmonid habitat and watershed lands downstream from the proposed mining operations; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate and the Assembly of the State of California, jointly, That the Legislature urges the President of the United States and Congress to permanently safeguard the currently unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have potential impacts on water supplies, economies, or the environment in Californias portion of the Smith River watershed; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Apr 9, 2015 | Read. Adopted. (Ayes 25. Noes 12. Page 532.) Ordered to the Assembly. |
| Jul 6, 2015 | Enrolled and filed with the Secretary of State at 3:15 p.m. |
| Jul 6, 2015 | Chaptered by Secretary of State. Res. Chapter 93, Statutes of 2015. |
| Jul 2, 2015 | Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 25. Noes 12.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling. |
| Jul 2, 2015 | Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 25. Noes 12. Page 1752.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling. |
| Jun 29, 2015 | In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending. |
| Jun 25, 2015 | Read. Amended. Adopted. (Ayes 52. Noes 19. Page 2148.) Ordered to the Senate. |
| Jun 25, 2015 | Read. Amended. Adopted. Ordered to the Senate. |
| Jun 23, 2015 | From committee: Be adopted. Ordered to third reading. (Ayes 5. Noes 1.) (June 22). |
| Jun 11, 2015 | Referred to Com. on NAT. RES. |
| Jan 21, 2015 | Introduced. Referred to Com. on RLS. |
| Apr 9, 2015 | In Assembly. Held at Desk. |
| Apr 7, 2015 | Read second time. Ordered to third reading. |
| Apr 6, 2015 | Read third time and amended. |
| Apr 6, 2015 | Ordered to second reading. |
| Mar 24, 2015 | From committee: Be adopted. Ordered to third reading. (Ayes 7. Noes 2. Page 406.) (March 24). |
| Mar 17, 2015 | Set for hearing March 24. |
| Mar 17, 2015 | From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on N.R. & W. |
| Feb 5, 2015 | Re-referred to Com. on N.R. & W. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 2, 2015 | Unfinished Business SJR3 McGuire Concurrence | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Jun 25, 2015 | SJR 3 McGuire Senate Third Reading By WOOD | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| Jun 22, 2015 | Be adopted. To third reading. | Assembly Standing Committee on Natural Resources |
Passed |
|
| Apr 9, 2015 | Senate 3rd Reading SJR3 McGuire | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Mar 24, 2015 | Be adopted. Ordered to third reading | Senate Standing Committee on Natural Resources and Water |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees | ** Support | Jul 2, 2015 |
| American Whitewater | ** Support | Jul 2, 2015 |
| California Trout | * Support | Jun 22, 2015 |
| City of Crescent City | ** Support | Jul 2, 2015 |
| Clean Water Action | * Support | Mar 24, 2015 |
| County Of Del Norte | ** Support | Jul 2, 2015 |
| Earthworks | ** Support | Jul 2, 2015 |
| Elk Valley Rancheria, California | ** Support | Jul 2, 2015 |
| Friends of the Kalmiopsis | ** Support | Jul 2, 2015 |
| Friends of the River | ** Support | Jul 2, 2015 |
| Kalmiopsis Audubon Society | ** Support | Jul 2, 2015 |
| Native Fish Society | ** Support | Jul 2, 2015 |
| Planning And Conservation League | ** Support | Jul 2, 2015 |
| Redwood National Park | ** Support | Apr 9, 2015 |
| Save the Redwoods League | ** Support | Jul 2, 2015 |
| Smith River Alliance | ** Support | Jul 2, 2015 |
| Smith River Rancheria Tribal Council | ** Support | Jul 2, 2015 |
| Trout Unlimited | ** Support | Jul 2, 2015 |
| Wild and Scenic Rivers | ** Support | Jul 2, 2015 |
SJR 3
Page 4
|
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 |
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
Bill No: SJR 3
Amended: 6/25/15
SENATE NATURAL RES. & WATER COMMITTEE: 7-2, 3/24/15
AYES: Pavley, Allen, Hertzberg, Hueso, Jackson, Monning, Wolk
NOES: Stone, Fuller
SENATE FLOOR: 25-12, 4/9/15
AYES: Allen, Beall, Block, De León, Galgiani, Hall, Hancock, Hernandez, Hertzberg, Hill, Hueso, Jackson, Lara, Leno, Leyva, Liu, McGuire, Mendoza, Mitchell, Monning, Pan, Pavley, Roth, Wieckowski, Wolk
NOES: Anderson, Bates, Fuller, Gaines, Huff, Moorlach, Morrell, Nguyen, Nielsen, Runner, Stone, Vidak
NO VOTE RECORDED: Berryhill, Cannella
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 52-19, 6/25/15 - See last page for vote
SUBJECT: Smith River watershed protection
DIGEST: This resolution urges the President of the United States and Congress to permanently safeguard the currently unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have potential impacts on water supplies, economies, or the environment in California's portion of the Smith River watershed.
Assembly Amendments add several Assembly coauthors.
Existing law:
Pursuant to the National Wild and Scenic River Act:
Preserves certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
Classifies rivers in the National Wild and Scenic River System (System) as wild, scenic, or recreational including segments of the Smith River in both California and Oregon.
Requires each component of the System to be managed in such manner as to protect and enhance the values which caused it to be included in the System without limiting other uses that do not substantially interfere with public use and enjoyment of these values.
Prohibits new mining claims within one-quarter mile boundary of rivers classified as wild. Allows new mining claims on rivers classified as scenic or recreational subject to reasonable access and regulations that minimize surface disturbance, water sedimentation, pollution, and visual impairment.
Allows existing valid mining claims or leases within the river boundary throughout the System, subject to regulations that minimize surface disturbance, water sedimentation, pollution, and visual impairment.
Establishes the Smith River National Recreation Area in California, which prohibits new mining claims in the recreation area after 1990.
This resolution urges the President of the United States and Congress to permanently safeguard the currently unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have potential impacts on water supplies, economies, or the environment in California’s portion of the Smith River watershed.
Comments
In 2012, Red Flat Nickel Corporation submitted the Cleopatra Check Drilling Mining Plan with the goals to develop and operate a 3,980 acre strip mine to extract nickel, cobalt, and chromium in the watershed of the North Fork of the Smith River in Oregon. The plan was submitted to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. In September 2014, the Oregon Water Resources Department refused to allow Red Flat Nickel to use water for drilling on a major tributary of the Smith River on grounds that it "will impair or be detrimental to the public interest." While the United States Forest Service hasn't approved any hard rock mining on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in many years, new mining claims are still allowed. The federal Smith River National Recreation Area Act of 1990 prohibited new mining claims on 450 square miles of Smith River watershed land, but only the portion in California. There is significant scientific evidence that strip or surface mining of laterite nickel ores results in ecological disruptions, including the release of toxic heavy metals, and would likely affect the health and quality of the California Smith River watershed and its fisheries. In addition, mining laterite nickel ores is extremely energy intensive, and is widely known for resulting in extensive greenhouse gas emissions.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No
American Federation of State, County, and Municipal
Employees
American Whitewater
City of Crescent City
County
of Del Norte
Earthworks
Elk Valley Rancheria,
California
Friends of the Kalmiopsis
Friends of the
River
Kalmiopsis Audubon Society
Native Fish
Society
Planning and Conservation League
Save the Redwoods
League
Smith River Alliance
Smith River Rancheria Tribal
Council
Trout Unlimited
Wild and Scenic Rivers
OPPOSITION: (Verified 6/30/15)
None received
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to author, “[t]he Smith River watershed is considered the crown jewel of the California Wild and Scenic Rivers system. The Smith River watershed is in danger of future mining activities which will unnecessarily put the people and wildlife that rely on the Smith River at risk.”
“SJR 3 would urge the Federal Government to permanent safeguard the unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have potential impacts on water supplies, economics, or the environment in California’s portion of the Smith River watershed.”
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 52-19, 6/25/15
AYES: Alejo, Baker, Bloom, Bonilla, Bonta, Brown, Burke, Calderon, Campos, Chau, Chiu, Chu, Cooley, Cooper, Dababneh, Daly, Dodd, Eggman, Frazier, Cristina Garcia, Eduardo Garcia, Gatto, Gipson, Gomez, Gonzalez, Gordon, Hadley, Roger Hernández, Holden, Irwin, Jones-Sawyer, Levine, Lopez, Low, Maienschein, McCarty, Medina, Mullin, Nazarian, O'Donnell, Quirk, Rendon, Rodriguez, Salas, Santiago, Mark Stone, Thurmond, Ting, Weber, Williams, Wood, Atkins
NOES: Achadjian, Travis Allen, Bigelow, Brough, Chang, Chávez, Beth Gaines, Gray, Grove, Harper, Jones, Lackey, Mathis, Obernolte, Olsen, Patterson, Steinorth, Wagner, Waldron
NO VOTE RECORDED: Dahle, Gallagher, Kim, Linder, Mayes, Melendez, Perea, Ridley-Thomas, Wilk
Prepared by: Angee Doerr / N.R. & W. / (916) 651-4116
7/1/15 14:10:16
**** END ****
SJR 3
Page 2
SENATE THIRD READING
SJR 3
(McGuire)
As Amended April 6, 2015
Majority vote
SENATE VOTE: 25-12
Committee |
Votes |
Ayes |
Noes |
Natural Resources |
5-1 |
Williams, Cristina Garcia, McCarty, Rendon, Mark Stone |
Harper |
SUMMARY: Urges the President of the United States and Congress to permanently safeguard the currently unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have potential impacts on water supplies, economies, or the environment in California's portion of the Smith River watershed.
EXISTING LAW:
Pursuant to the National Wild and Scenic River Act:
Preserves certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
Classifies rivers in the National Wild and Scenic River System (System) as wild, scenic, or recreational including segments of the Smith River in both California and Oregon.
Requires each component of the System to be managed in such manner as to protect and enhance the values which caused it to be included in the System without limiting other uses that do not substantially interfere with public use and enjoyment of these values.
Prohibits new mining claims within one-quarter mile boundary of rivers classified as wild. Allows new mining claims on rivers classified as scenic or recreational subject to reasonable access and regulations that minimize surface disturbance, water sedimentation, pollution, and visual impairment.
Allows existing valid mining claims or leases within the river boundary throughout the System, subject to regulations that minimize surface disturbance, water sedimentation, pollution, and visual impairment.
Establishes the Smith River National Recreation Area in California, which prohibits new mining claims in the recreation area after 1990.
FISCAL EFFECT: None
COMMENTS: In 2012, Red Flat Nickel Corporation submitted the Cleopatra Check Drilling Mining Plan with the goals to develop and operate a 3,980 acre strip mine to extract nickel, cobalt, and chromium in the watershed of the North Fork of the Smith River in Oregon. The plan was submitted to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. In September 2014, the Oregon Water Resources Department refused to allow Red Flat Nickel to use water for drilling on a major tributary of the Smith River on grounds that it "will impair or be detrimental to the public interest." While the United States Forest Service hasn't approved any hard rock mining on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in many years, new mining claims are still allowed. The federal Smith River National Recreation Area Act of 1990 prohibited new mining claims on 450 square miles of Smith River watershed land, but only the portion in California. There is significant scientific evidence that strip or surface mining of laterite nickel ores results in ecological disruptions, including the release of toxic heavy metals, and would likely affect the health and quality of the California Smith River watershed and its fisheries. In addition, mining laterite nickel ores is extremely energy intensive, and is widely known for resulting in extensive greenhouse gas emissions.
Analysis Prepared by: Michael Jarred / NAT. RES. / (916) 319-2092 FN: 0001067
SJR 3
Page 3
Date of Hearing: June 22, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES
Das Williams, Chair
SJR 3
(McGuire) – As Amended April 6, 2015
SENATE VOTE: 25-12
SUBJECT: Smith River watershed protection
SUMMARY: Urges the President of the United States and Congress to permanently safeguard the currently unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have potential impacts on water supplies, economies, or the environment in California’s portion of the Smith River watershed.
EXISTING LAW:
Pursuant to the National Wild and Scenic River Act,
Preserves certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
Classifies rivers in the National Wild and Scenic River System (System) as wild, scenic, or recreational including segments of the Smith River in both California and Oregon.
Requires each component of the System to be managed in such manner as to protect and enhance the values which caused it to be included in the System without limiting other uses that do not substantially interfere with public use and enjoyment of these values.
Prohibits new mining claims within one-quarter mile boundary of rivers classified as wild. Allows new mining claims on rivers classified as scenic or recreational subject to reasonable access and regulations that minimize surface disturbance, water sedimentation, pollution, and visual impairment.
Allows existing valid mining claims or leases within the river boundary throughout the System, subject to regulations that minimize surface disturbance, water sedimentation, pollution, and visual impairment.
Establishes the Smith River National Recreation Area in California, which prohibits new mining claims in the recreation area after 1990.
FISCAL EFFECT: Non-fiscal
COMMENTS:
Author’s statement:
The Panama-based Nickel Corporation submitted an application to develop a 3,980 acre strip mine in Oregon’s portion of the Smith River watershed. Although their application was partially withdrawn, it is clear that future mining attempts are imminent. Any mining activities on the North Fork of the Smith would have devastating and irreversible impacts to the entire Watershed and the surrounding people, businesses and wildlife.
Any contaminations to the river’s watershed will not only ultimately affect the drinking water of Del Norte County residents, but it will impact the thousands of visitors and the many county businesses and residents who rely on tourism for their livelihood. Mining operations along the tributaries of the Smith would impact water quality and quantity with the potential to cause significant injury to fish and other wildlife, including the federally protected Coho Salmon.
Mining risks. In 2012, Red Flat Nickel Corporation submitted the Cleopatra Check Drilling Mining Plan with the goals to develop and operate a 3,980 acre strip mine to extract nickel, cobalt, and chromium in the watershed of the North Fork of the Smith River in Oregon. The plan was submitted to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. In September 2014, the Oregon Water Resources Department refused to allow Red Flat Nickel to use water for drilling on a major tributary of the Smith River on grounds that it “will impair or be detrimental to the public interest.” While the U.S. Forest Service hasn't approved any hard rock mining on the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest in many years, new mining claims are still allowed. The federal Smith River National Recreation Area Act of 1990 prohibited new mining claims on 450 square miles of Smith River watershed land, but only the portion in California. There is significant scientific evidence that strip or surface mining of laterite nickel ores results in ecological disruptions, including the release of toxic heavy metals, and would likely affect the health and quality of the California Smith River watershed and its fisheries. In addition, mining laterite nickel ores is extremely energy intensive, and is widely known for resulting in extensive greenhouse gas emissions.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
American
Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees
American
Whitewater
City of Crescent City
County of Del
Norte
Earthworks
Elk Valley Rancheria, California
Friends
of the Kalmiopsis
Friends of the River
Kalmiopsis Audubon
Society
Native Fish Society
Planning and Conservation
League
Save the Redwoods League
Smith River Alliance
Smith
River Rancheria Tribal Council
Trout Unlimited
Wild and
Scenic Rivers
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Michael Jarred / NAT. RES. / (916) 319-2092
SJR 3
Page 3
|
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: SJR 3
Amended: 4/6/15
SENATE NATURAL RES. & WATER COMMITTEE: 7-2, 3/24/15
AYES: Pavley, Allen, Hertzberg, Hueso, Jackson, Monning, Wolk
NOES: Stone, Fuller
SUBJECT: Smith River watershed protection
DIGEST: This resolution urges the President of the United States and Congress, on behalf of the California Legislature, to permanently safeguard the currently unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have potential impacts on water supplies, economies, or the environment in California’s portion of the Smith River watershed.
Senate Floor Amendments of 4/6/15 make minor clarifying changes and add a co-author.
ANALYSIS: The Smith River in California is part of the Smith River National Recreation Area Act (Act), which was passed by the 101st United States Congress in 1990 (Public Law 101-612). It amended the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 and permanently protected all federal lands of the Smith River watershed within California by establishing the Smith River National Recreation Area. The North Fork of the Smith River was designated as a National Wild and Scenic River in 1988. However, the 13 miles of the North Fork of the Smith River located in Oregon were not protected as part of this Act.
This resolution urges the Federal Government to permanently protect the North Fork of the Smith River watershed, restricting future mining activities along the river.
Background
The North Fork of the Smith River was designated as a National Wild and Scenic River in 1988. Of the 13 miles of the Smith River that flow through Oregon, 8.5 miles are designated as Wild, and 4.5 miles are designated as Scenic. The North Fork of the Smith River is known for its outstanding water quality and for its ability to clear quickly following storms. Low turbidity and lack of pollutants contribute to the river’s excellent habitat and high fisheries value.
The North Fork of the Smith River’s fishery, typical of Pacific coastal systems, is dominated by trout and salmon. Winter steelhead and sea-run cutthroat trout are the predominant anadromous species on the North Fork. Some populations of coho, Chinook (both fall and spring run), and summer steelhead are found in the lower reaches of the river, primarily in California. The North Fork provides seven miles of near-pristine steelhead spawning and rearing habitat and is a significant source of the high-quality water on which the anadromous fishery of the Smith River depends.
Comments
Upstream mining risks. Renewed efforts to protect North Fork of the Smith River have come about due to requests by the Red Flat Nickel Corporation to mine for metals in the North Fork of the Smith River watershed. In 2012, Red Flat Nickel Corporation submitted the Cleopatra Check Drilling Mining Plan with the goals to develop and operate a 3,980 acre strip mine to extract nickel, cobalt, and chromium in the watershed of the North Fork of the Smith River in Oregon. The plan was submitted to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. While this plan has not progressed past the environmental analysis stage, the corporation maintains ownership of the area, and future plans may be forthcoming. There is significant scientific evidence that strip or surface mining of laterite nickel ores results in ecological disruptions, including the release of toxic heavy metals, and would likely affect the health and quality of the California Smith River watershed and its fisheries. In addition, mining laterite nickel ores is extremely energy intensive, and is widely known for resulting in extensive greenhouse gas emissions.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No
American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees
American Whitewater
County of Del Norte
Earthworks
Elk Valley Rancheria, California
Friends of the Kalmiopsis
Friends of the River
Kalmiopsis Audubon Society
Native Fish Society
Planning and Conservation League
Redwood National Park
Save the Redwoods League
Smith River Alliance
Smith River Rancheria Tribal Council
Trout Unlimited
Wild and Scenic Rivers
OPPOSITION: (Verified 3/25/15)
None received
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to author, “[t]he Smith River watershed is considered the crown jewel of the California Wild and Scenic Rivers system. The Smith River watershed is in danger of future mining activities which will unnecessarily put the people and wildlife that rely on the Smith River at risk.”
“SJR 3 would urge the Federal Government to permanent safeguard the unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have potential impacts on water supplies, economics, or the environment in California’s portion of the Smith River watershed.”
Prepared by: Angee Doerr / N.R. & W. / (916) 651-4116
4/8/15 15:13:14
**** END ****
SJR 3
Page 3
|
Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: SJR 3
Amended: 3/17/15
SENATE NATURAL RES. & WATER COMMITTEE: 7-2, 3/24/15
AYES: Pavley, Allen, Hertzberg, Hueso, Jackson, Monning, Wolk
NOES: Stone, Fuller
SUBJECT: Smith River watershed protection
DIGEST: This resolution urges the President of the United States and Congress, on behalf of the California Legislature, to permanently safeguard the currently unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have potential impacts on water supplies, economies, or the environment in California’s portion of the Smith River watershed.
ANALYSIS: The Smith River in California is part of the Smith River National Recreation Area Act (Act), which was passed by the 101st United States Congress in 1990 (Public Law 101-612). It amended the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 and permanently protected all federal lands of the Smith River watershed within California by establishing the Smith River National Recreation Area. The North Fork of the Smith River was designated as a National Wild and Scenic River in 1988. However, the 13 miles of the North Fork of the Smith River located in Oregon were not protected as part of this Act.
This resolution urges the Federal Government to permanently protect the North Fork of the Smith River watershed, restricting future mining activities along the river.
Background
The North Fork of the Smith River was designated as a National Wild and Scenic River in 1988. Of the 13 miles of the Smith River that flow through Oregon, 8.5 miles are designated as Wild, and 4.5 miles are designated as Scenic. The North Fork of the Smith River is known for its outstanding water quality and for its ability to clear quickly following storms. Low turbidity and lack of pollutants contribute to the river’s excellent habitat and high fisheries value.
The North Fork of the Smith River’s fishery, typical of Pacific coastal systems, is dominated by trout and salmon. Winter steelhead and sea-run cutthroat trout are the predominant anadromous species on the North Fork. Some populations of coho, Chinook (both fall and spring run), and summer steelhead are found in the lower reaches of the river, primarily in California. The North Fork provides seven miles of near-pristine steelhead spawning and rearing habitat and is a significant source of the high-quality water on which the anadromous fishery of the Smith River depends.
Comments
Upstream mining risks. Renewed efforts to protect North Fork of the Smith River have come about due to requests by the Red Flat Nickel Corporation to mine for metals in the North Fork of the Smith River watershed. In 2012, Red Flat Nickel Corporation submitted the Cleopatra Check Drilling Mining Plan with the goals to develop and operate a 3,980 acre strip mine to extract nickel, cobalt, and chromium in the watershed of the North Fork of the Smith River in Oregon. The plan was submitted to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. While this plan has not progressed past the environmental analysis stage, the corporation maintains ownership of the area, and future plans may be forthcoming. There is significant scientific evidence that strip or surface mining of laterite nickel ores results in ecological disruptions, including the release of toxic heavy metals, and would likely affect the health and quality of the California Smith River watershed and its fisheries. In addition, mining laterite nickel ores is extremely energy intensive, and is widely known for resulting in extensive greenhouse gas emissions.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No
American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees
American Whitewater
County of Del Norte
Earthworks
Elk Valley Rancheria, California
Friends of the Kalmiopsis
Friends of the River
Kalmiopsis Audubon Society
Native Fish Society
Planning and Conservation League
Redwood National Park
Save the Redwoods League
Smith River Alliance
Smith River Rancheria Tribal Council
Trout Unlimited
Wild and Scenic Rivers
OPPOSITION: (Verified 3/25/15)
None received
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT: According to author, “[t]he Smith River watershed is considered the crown jewel of the California Wild and Scenic Rivers system. The Smith River watershed is in danger of future mining activities which will unnecessarily put the people and wildlife that rely on the Smith River at risk.”
“SJR 3 would urge the Federal Government to permanent safeguard the unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have potential impacts on water supplies, economics, or the environment in California’s portion of the Smith River watershed.”
Prepared by: Angee Doerr / N.R. & W. / (916) 651-4116
3/25/15 14:10:56
**** END ****
SJR 3 (McGuire) Page 3 of 3
SENATE COMMITTEE ON NATURAL RESOURCES AND WATER
Senator Fran Pavley, Chair
2015 - 2016 Regular
Bill No: SJR 3 Hearing Date: March 24, 2015
Author: |
McGuire |
|
|
Version: |
March 17, 2015 |
||
Urgency: |
|
Fiscal: |
No |
Consultant: |
Angee Doerr |
||
Subject: Smith River watershed protection
BACKGROUND AND EXISTING LAW
The National Wild and Scenic Rivers System was created by Congress in 1968 (Public Law 90-542; 16 U.S.C. 1271 et seq.)(the Act) to preserve certain rivers with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. The Act is notable for safeguarding the special character of these rivers, while also recognizing the potential for their appropriate use and development. It encourages river management across political boundaries and promotes public participation in developing goals for river protection.
In the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System, Wild River Areas are rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments and generally inaccessible except by trail, with watersheds or shorelines essentially primitive and waters unpolluted. These represent vestiges of primitive America. Scenic River Areas are rivers or sections of rivers that are free of impoundments, with shorelines or watersheds still largely primitive and shorelines largely undeveloped, but accessible in places by roads.
California Smith River is part of Smith River National Recreation Area Act, which was passed by the 101st United States Congress in 1990 (Public Law 101-612). It amended the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act of 1968 and permanently protected all federal lands of the Smith River watershed within California by establishing the Smith River National Recreation Area. However, the thirteen miles of the North Fork Smith River located in Oregon were not protected as part of this Act.
The North Fork Smith River was designated as a National Wild and Scenic River in 1988. Of the 13 miles of the Smith River that flow through Oregon, 8.5 miles are designated as Wild, and 4.5 miles are designated as Scenic. The North Fork Smith River is known for its outstanding water quality and for its ability to clear quickly following storms. Low turbidity and lack of pollutants contribute to the river's excellent habitat and high fisheries value.
The North Fork Smith River's fishery, typical of Pacific coastal systems, is dominated by trout and salmon. Winter steelhead and sea-run cutthroat trout are the predominant anadromous species on the North Fork. Some populations of coho, Chinook (both fall and spring run), and summer steelhead are found in the lower reaches of the river, primarily in California. The North Fork provides seven miles of near-pristine steelhead spawning and rearing habitat and is a significant source of the high-quality water on which the anadromous fishery of the Smith River depends.
PROPOSED LAW
This resolution would urge the President of the United States and Congress, on behalf of the California Legislature, to permanently safeguard the currently unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have potential impacts on water supplies, economies, or the environment in California’s portion of the Smith River watershed.
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT
According to author, “[t]he Smith River watershed is considered the crown jewel of the California Wild and Scenic Rivers system. The Smith River watershed is in danger of future mining activities which will unnecessarily put the people and wildlife that rely on the Smith River at risk.”
“SJR 3 would urge the Federal Government to permanent safeguard the unprotected North Fork of the Smith River watershed in Oregon from any mining activities that would have potential impacts on water supplies, economics, or the environment in California’s portion of the Smith River watershed.”
ARGUMENTS IN OPPOSITION
None received
COMMENTS
Upstream mining risks. In 2012, Red Flat Nickel Corporation submitted the Cleopatra Check Drilling Mining Plan with the goals to develop and operate a 3,980 acre strip mine to extract nickel, cobalt, and chromium in the watershed of the North Fork of the Smith River in Oregon. The plan was submitted to the Rogue River-Siskiyou National Forest. While this plan has not progressed past the environmental analysis stage, the corporation maintains ownership of the area, and future plans may be forthcoming. There is significant scientific evidence that strip or surface mining of laterite nickel ores results in ecological disruptions, including the release of toxic heavy metals, and would likely affect the health and quality of the California Smith River watershed and its fisheries. In addition, mining laterite nickel ores is extremely energy intensive, and is widely known for resulting in extensive greenhouse gas emissions.
SUPPORT
American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)
County of Del Norte
Earthworks
Friends of the Kalmiopsis
Friends of the River
Kalmiopsis Audubon Society
Native Fish Society
Planning and Conservation League
Save the Redwoods League
Smith River Alliance
Trout Unlimited
Wild and Scenic Rivers
OPPOSITION
None Received
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
