Near Bonanza City (ghost town) in Custer County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
Remnants of the Past
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 25, 2017
1. Remnants of the Past Marker
The 4-level Yankee Fork dredge floated in water as it dug its way upstream, extracting gold and silver from the river bed. It left behind an arc of fan-shaped tailing piles as it pivoted back and forth, anchored by a 55-foot post called a spud. Large cobbles were sent to a mounted conveyor belt, or stacker, while finer sediments were deposited outside the dredge.
These dredge piles are evidence of Idaho's mining heritage and are being preserved as an important part of the Yankee Fork's history.
Erected by Simplot, U.S. Forest Service, various Idaho Governmental Agencies.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Industry & Commerce.
Location. 44° 20.532′ N, 114° 43.41′ W. Marker is near Bonanza City (ghost town), Idaho, in Custer County. Marker is on Yankee Fork Road - Custer Motorway Adventure Road near Westfork Lane, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Stanley ID 83278, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bonanza City (approx. 2.1 miles away); Dredge Tailings (approx. 2.4
this page online
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 25, 2017
2. Remnants of the Past Marker
The marker is on the left.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 25, 2017
3. Bring Back the Fish panel
Several species offish live in the Yankee Fork of the Salmon River, but only Chinook salmon and steelhead migrate to and from the Pacific Ocean to complete their life cycle.
These fish were once plentiful in the Pacific Northwest, but experience steady declines during the 20th century. They are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Tribal, federal, state, private, and non-governmental organizations are working together to improve Chinook salmon and steelhead habitat in the Yankee Fork.
In 9012, this group completed the half-mile-long side channel project before you.
The ponds and dredge piles once found here were transformed into a stream channel, floodplain, and wetlands that provide crucial habitat for Chinook salmon and steeled. Within six months, steelhead were spawning here.
These fish were once plentiful in the Pacific Northwest, but experience steady declines during the 20th century. They are listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
Tribal, federal, state, private, and non-governmental organizations are working together to improve Chinook salmon and steelhead habitat in the Yankee Fork.
In 9012, this group completed the half-mile-long side channel project before you.
The ponds and dredge piles once found here were transformed into a stream channel, floodplain, and wetlands that provide crucial habitat for Chinook salmon and steeled. Within six months, steelhead were spawning here.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 25, 2017
4. The reclaimed river channel
Credits. This page was last revised on November 13, 2017. It was originally submitted on November 13, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 169 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 13, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
