California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed into law a bill that places a moratorium on a controversial gold mining technique.

The Karuk Tribe lobbied heavily for the bill, attributing a decline in salmon runs to the practice of suction dredge mining. Recreational groups, known as the New 49ers, fought back and tried to shut down a tribal fishery at one point.

"We offered up a compromise awhile back with some of the gold-mining folks out there," tribal member Bob Goodwin told the Associated Press. "They kind of had us backed into a corner. We kept pressing. We're very happy with the outcome."

The moratorium will stay in place while the California Department of Fish and Game studies how the practice affects salmon runs.

Get the Story:
Gov. Schwarzenegger signs Wiggins bill to ban suction dredge mining in Calif. (The Eureka Times-Standard 8/7)
Glimmer of Gold Rush dies: Calif. bans gas dredges (AP 8/6)
California Tribal Business Alliance Applauds Governor on Signing of SB 670 (CTBA 8/6)

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