Lawmakers want to block gold rush in Oregon

Wilderness remains the best long term protection against harmful mining.

Efforts to stop an anticipated rush of small-time gold miners in southern Oregon are increasing.
Some Democratic members of Oregon's congressional delegation are asking the Obama administration to formally withdraw some rivers on federal lands in southwestern Oregon from new mining claims and work on claims that have not proven profitable.

They include part of the Chetco River, Rough and Ready Creek and Baldface Creek.

The rivers are in an area conservation groups have long wanted to protect for its unusual diversity of plant life and prime salmon habitat.

More miners are expected in southern Oregon since California declared a moratorium on small gasoline-powered dredges that are a popular tool of hobby miners.