Help save the Chetco River from gold mining.

If he could speak from the grave, Ed Abbey would explain it this way:

The love of [wild rivers] is more than a hunger for what is always beyond reach; it is also an expression of loyalty to the earth … the only home we shall ever know, the only paradise we ever need — if only we had the eyes to see.

Billy Miller in Conehead on the Scenic Chetco River - Northwest Rafting Company photo. 

So if producing 40 to 65 pound chinook salmon is not enough, here's one more reason to protect the priceless Chetco River from proposals to mine almost half its length for gold. It's the epitome of America's Great Outdoors.

A 65-pound reason to protect the Chetco River from gold mining

There's few rivers like it on the West Coast. Extra large chinook salmon are not anomalies for this beautiful relatively small river. Last week saw a 65-pound record king salmon and three 45 to 50 pounders caught in a single day. Earlier this season over a dozen 45 to 50 pounders were reportedly caught.  See also "Chetco living up to it reputation as world-class."

Wayne Davis and guide Andy Martin with catch.