Wolk bill to protect native trout and amphibians moves forward

Legislation would enable state to restrict suction dredging when harmful to sensitive species

SACRAMENTO–The State Assembly voted last Thursday to approve legislation by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) to strengthen the state’s protection of threatened and endangered native trout, aquatic, and amphibian species.

Wolk’s Assembly Bill 1032 allows the Department of Fish and Game (DFG), in certain situations, to close streams to suction dredging, a method of gold mining using power equipment and large hoses to vacuum stream floors. Stream closures would be allowed if deemed necessary to protect fish and wildlife resources including native California aquatic species such as wild trout and yellow-legged frogs. 

“Amphibians and native aquatic species such as trout and salmon are often seen as indicator species, the decline of which signals that an ecosystem is under stress from pollution, loss of habitat, or lack of water,” said Wolk. “The courts have already questioned the adequacy of current instream mining regulations to protect threatened and endangered species such as the Coho salmon. This legislation provides a balanced approach by still allowing recreational gold panning, as well as recreational suction dredging where it can be conducted without harming sensitive native species.”

AB 1032 would also require instream dredge mining operations in designated Wild and Heritage Trout waters to obtain a permit from the Fish and Game Commission.  Permits could only be issued if the commission finds dredging will not harm wild trout or steelhead, or other native aquatic or amphibian species listed as threatened, endangered, or as species of special concern. 

“California's wild and heritage trout populations, as well as our state's dwindling runs of native salmon, need stronger protection from the harmful effects of instream mining,” said Jeff Shellito on behalf of CalTrout, the bill’s sponsor. “AB 1032 effectively provides increased protection.”

The bill, which will next be heard in the Senate, is also supported by the Karuk Tribe of California and over a dozen other Native American tribes, Friends of the River, California Outdoor Heritage Alliance, Clean Water Action, Environmental Justice Coalition for Water, and the Sierra Fund.