Picture of the week

This was photographed in the area of the Dry Diggins California state park about 20 miles north of Nevada City.  The green pools formed from hydraulic mining activities that used to take place here over 120 years ago. The color is most likely the residue from some mineral of this former mining activity. I have to imagine it is probably not that good to have in our water system.

Dry Diggins is also noteworthy for triggering the first environmental laws in the state of California.  The hydraulic mining was so destructive and rampant in the 1880's, the the Sacramento river system and delta became clogged with sediment from all the top soil washed down river while mining for gold.  This had a significant impact on the fisheries and the river based transportation at the time. To this day, the mining industry has developed a reputation as being one of the worst offenders with respect to environmental destruction and lack of accountability to take care of the mess they leave behind.

All content and images are property of Stephen Fischer Photography, copyright 2010.   Last updated: 09/12/2010