Environmentalist sue over Idaho river dredging
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BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- An environmental group sued the state after officials including Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter approved a plan to dredge the Salmon River for gold.
The Idaho Conservation League on Tuesday 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 Otter and other board members 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.
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