In this documentary, filmmakers Tom and Debra Weistar tell the story of nearby San Juan Ridge, where a mine shut down in the mid-90's after draining resident's wells.
In the foothills of the Sierra Nevada lies the San Juan Ridge. On the Ridge, tucked away amongst towering pines, flanked by two forks of the Yuba River, is a thriving, independent community. There is also a huge gold mine – a vestige of California's mining era.
A mine that, in the 1990’s, caused water to pour out of the aquifer scouring creeks and dewatering wells; a mine that wreaked havoc on the community; a mine that is proposed to reopen. This is the story of what a community can do when they decide that enough is enough, and that they will not trade water for gold.
• Learn more about why our community can't afford to risk its precious water resources.
• Concerned?
• Write a letter to your Nevada County Supervisor!
• Watch the full length version of the San Juan Ridge Water for Gold video (32 min).