Mining Initiative Resources

The Sierra Fund is building a toolbox to help Sierra Nevada community members and leaders learn about and address the issue of legacy mining toxins. 

Publications

NEW ---> Gold Country Angler Survey - May 2011 - A pilot study to assess learn whether people catching fish at Sierra water bodies are being exposed to high levels of mercury, and also to gauge health hazard awareness.  Also available:  Executive Summary.

Mining's Toxic Legacy: An Initiative to Address Legacy Mining Toxins in the Sierra Nevada - March 2008 - This 85-page report is the first-ever comprehensive look at the ongoing environmental, cultural and human health impacts of the Gold Rush.  Also available: 8-page Executive Summary.  

Protecting Public Health and the Environment from Legacy Mining Toxins: A Primer for Nonprofit Organizations in the Sierra Nevada - March 2010 - This document summarizes the key issues that confront land trusts and land and water conservation organizations working in the Sierra Nevada. 

Protecting Public and Environmental Health from Legacy Mining Toxins: A Primer for Local Government Officials in the Sierra Nevada - May 2010 - This document summarizes the key issues that confront local government officials with legacy mining in their jurisdiction. 

Building a Mining Toxins Working Group:  A Blueprint for California - May 2010 - This working document is meant to guide collaboration among and encourage community involvement in the many efforts to address legacy mining contamination in the Sierra Nevada.

Gold Country Recreational Trails and Abandoned Mines Assessment - June 2010 - A pilot study to assess potential exposure to toxins from mine waste and naturally occurring hazardous substances by recreationists including off-highway vehicle (OHV) riders, mountain bikers, horseback riders and hikers.   Also available:  Executive Summary. Appendices are available by This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Outreach Materials

3-Fold Brocure: Mining's Toxic Legacy Initiative - Profiles environmental, cultural, and public health impacts of legacy mining in the Sierra Nevada, and what everyone can do about them. 

Powerpoint Presentation: Mining's Toxic Legacy - This presentation is given at most of The Sierra Fund's public presentations, to educate the general public about the ongoing environmental, cultural, and public health impacts of legacy mining in the Sierra Nevada. 

For hard copies of these materials, contact The Sierra Fund.