Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Taking Steps Toward Sustainability
In California, rapid development and uncontrolled or unplanned growth have often come
at great environmental cost. Starting in 1849, Gold Rush miners tore apart the land in their
frenzied quest for a lucky strike, ultimately sending more than 1.5 billion tons of debris,
and incalculable amounts of poisonous mercury, downstream into the Central Valley,
where rivers and streams became clogged and polluted.
