Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Down To Earth

Friday Quote

“Presidents since Theodore Roosevelt have recognized that the Grand Canyon, America’s national icon, must be preserved for future generations to enjoy.  Now it’s time for Congress to safeguard the Grand Canyon from threats posed by the 1872 mining law and permanently protect this natural wonder.” - Jane Danowitz, director of Pew Environment Group’s public lands program.

A new Pew Environment Group ad is calling on Congress to permanently ban new mining claims on public lands surround Grand Canyon National Park – claims that are ridiculously easy to get because of the antiquate 1872 Mining Law.  This ad campaign comes after nearly 10,000 members of the public weighed in calling for Grand Canyon protections.  Under the 1872 Mining Law, more than 1,000 uranium claims have been staked just outside the park boundaries.

According to a release by the Pew Environment Group, H.R. 644, authored by Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), chair of the House National Parks, Forests and Public Lands Subcommittee, would protect approximately one million acres of U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management lands surrounding Grand Canyon National Park from new mining claims. The bill would make permanent a moratorium on claim staking called for in July by U.S. Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.  

In case the above picture doesn’t justify what’s at stake, consider that roughly five million people from around the world visit the Grand Canyon each year, and the Colorado River is an important source of water for more than 25 million people downstream.



Down To Earth

The DTE blog is committed to reporting and sharing environmental news and sustainability information from across the Inland Northwest.