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Commissioners move to advance repeal of 2017 mineral-leasing ordinance after public concern for Sumpter dredge tailings
Summary
After public testimony and parks board recommendation, Baker County commissioners voted to move forward with rescinding a 2017 mineral-leasing ordinance that could have opened the Sumpter dredge tailings to mechanized mining and scheduled the first reading for Nov. 5.
Baker County commissioners voted to move forward with rescinding a 2017 mineral-leasing ordinance after public comment and a parks board recommendation that the ordinance conflicts with park protections for the Sumpter dredge tailings.
Commissioners reviewed minutes from the parks board, which had voted unanimously to rescind the 2017 ordinance because of ecological, historic and recreational values at the dredge tailings. The parks board and multiple commenters said the tailings are a historic site, provide important habitat for species including bull trout and migratory birds, and are valuable for public access, hunting and recreation.
Mark Kochan, a geologist who said he has surveyed the lower dredge tailings, told commissioners he found "virgin ground" and raised questions about prior interpretations of the property status. Kochan said he was told by county staff that mechanized prospecting would not be allowed on parks property and that the dredge tailings are county park property with historic value.
Commissioners debated whether rescinding the 2017 ordinance would unintentionally remove protections for county-owned gravel pits used by the road department. Staff and commissioners clarified that rescinding the mineral-leasing ordinance would not alter existing road department pits or standard operations; commercial uses of other county properties would still follow separate processes, such as purchase or lease requirements.
After discussion, a commissioner moved to advance rescinding the ordinance and to advertise and hold the first reading on Nov. 5; the motion was seconded and carried. Commissioners also acted to discontinue the county’s indemnity agreement for parks to avoid conflict with park policy.
Ending: The board scheduled the formal ordinance process to begin Nov. 5; commissioners said they would retain existing park protections and coordinate with the parks director and state historic preservation review as needed.
