Some proposed activities are within the boundary of the North Folk John Day Wilderness Area. Gold was discovered in the project area in 1864 and a small gold rush shortly followed. Most of the gold produced in this area was placer gold mined from the gravel and bars of streams. There were also several large producing gold and silver mines. A large-scale dredge operated in many of the area streams in the later 1930's Most of the big mining was over by the 1950's as the economical discoveries were mined out.
Exploration continues but no major production is occurring.
Most current mining activity consists of small-scale placer operations. Endangered Species Act. After reviewing the new listings, the Forest Service has determined that current mining operations could significantly affect these fish species. Therefore it is necessary for persons operating in the project area to submit new or modified Plans of Operations to the Forest Service. Under the regulations at 36 CFR 228.4 and 228.5, and because of the potential significance of the effects, these plans must be analyzed in an Environmental Impact Statement.