Great study our from Than, documenting that Mining reduces fish populations. Water quality is more important than the physical stream structure.

http://www.wvgazette.com/article/20140701/GZ01/140709912

Also, I just heard about a court case in Colorado where the judge ruled that the BLM and USFS had to consider the climate impact from the CO2 released from a mining lease on federal land. That would be a game changer if it holds up.

JBK