The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission is proposing a rule that would allow small-scale mining, beach prospecting, and placer mining on Washington's beaches. The hearing for this rule is tomorrow, August 11 in Wenatchee, obviously very far away from the coast.
Surfrider Foundation only just learned about the hearing and is disappointed that it isn't being held in Western Washington closer to the coastal communities who will be most impacted by beach mining. Mining on Washington's beaches, even at small-scale, is going to impact coastal communities, tourists, and recreational users.
Allowing for this commercial activity on our public beaches requires a better opportunity for coastal communities members to learn more about this rule change and the potential impacts. For your information please see the the link to learn about the proposed rule. To provide input prior to tomorrow's hearing please contact lisa.lantz@parks.wa.gov.
