Medford Democrat, Senator Alan Bates, has introduced senate bill 401 that would restrict suction dredge mining on sections of 30 Oregon rivers, including the Rogue and Illinois.

The Waldo Mining District and other mining organizations have pledged to fight it, while the Klamath-Siskiyou Wildland Center and the Rogue Flyfishers urge its support.

The bill would expand to 30 the river segments identified as Oregon State Scenic Waterways, effectively banning suction dredge mining, and would include the land a quarter mile on either side impacting private property rights.

Conservation Director for the Klamath-Siskiyou Wildland Center says the bill is needed to protect streams and their habitat.

Miners dispute that claim and promise lawsuits.