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Advanced Geologic Exploration enjoys sharing their exciting news with you, as well as keeping you up to par with GOLD news! We have made some changes to our news page so that it is easier to navigate. Please click the links for the year of which you would like to read our news updates.
2013 - 2014 News Updates January 15, 2015 -CONTRACT ORE PROCESSING January 13, 20154 - WE WIN!!! WE WIN!!! After a nine-year battle, Judge Ochoa ruled that state law cannot preempt federal law by banning the use of suction gold dredges! Negotiations is scheduled for January 23, 2015 to reach reasonable regulations. Click on the link to view the whole article. December 23, 2014 - Looking for a creative gift to get the family this year for Christmas? Something that can be enjoyed by all and create long lasting memories? Try a gold claim!! Gold claims are not just about finding gold (although that is a really awesome perk) but they also give people a place to escape to from all the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Out on the claim a whole family can set up camp and spend the days playing in the water and looking for that shiny metal and spend the nights by the campfire recapping all the adventures. Advanced Geologic has a Holiday sale going on and the claims are going fast. Contact our office and let the memories begin!! December 15, 2014 - The suction dredge hearing was held last Friday on December 12th. Click here for the latest update. December 4, 2014 -The suction dredge hearing set for December 12, 2014 has been rescheduled for 1:30 instead of 8:30. This is supposed to be the final hearing that will hopefully be putting our dredges back out into the water. Attending this hearing is highly encouraged to show support. The hearing will be held at the Superior Court of California, San Bernadino Justice Center, Dept. S36J, 247 West 3rd Street, San Bernadino, CA 92415-0210. November 24, 2014 -The State of California has asked the California Supreme Court to depublish the Rinehart case. Below is the link to download the letter that James Buchal has drawn up to send to the California Supreme Court stressing why the decision should remain published. Make sure to sign in the appropriate places and it is received by the courts by December 1, 2014. This is very important if we all want to continue to protect our rights! Western Mining Alliance November 21, 2014 -A 3.5 magnitude earthquake gave the people around Quincy and Greenville a little shake this morning. While that's not as big as the 5.7 that rocked Lake Almanor last year, it is non the less enough to get the publics attention. October 23, 2014 - Update on the Brandon Rinehart case: The Karuk tribe and their allies filed a motion with the Third Appellate Court stating that the State owns the bottom of the waterway and his claim is not valid. Mr. Buchal does an excellent job once again proving that the Karuk Tribe and other extreme environmentalists will go to any lengths to shut down mining and even stating that "their position is frivolous." October 21, 2014 -A whopping five pound nugget was found just recently in Butte County!! The amazing find was recovered by simply metal detecting. Advanced Geologic has claims for sale in Butte County so check them out at our website or give us a call and you could possibly be the next one to hit the jackpot!!! October 8, 2014 -Great news for miners and one more step closer to putting our dredges back out in the water!! Click here for the update on suction dredging. September 30, 2014 -We, the staff at Advanced Geologic, are very thrilled to announce that we have successfully entered into a joint venture with the Poker Game! It was a lot of hard and intricate work for both parties involved but contracts are signed and work will begin immediately!! This been a project in the making for some time now and all the pieces have finally come together! So... LETS GO MINING!!! September 15, 2014 - With the rain and snow approaching fast, now is the time to get out and start reclamation on your claim. Also, fall is the perfect time to begin a permit because this process can take several months, so what better time to wait for approval then when there is snow on the ground and the claim is not accessible. Advanced Geologic can help you get this ball rolling so when spring arrives you will be out on your claim ready to go! September 12, 2014 -Right now Advanced Geologic is offering a great discount to clients who have previously purchased a claim of ours in the past. Buy a new claim and receive $500 off!! This offer is for a limited time only so don't delay! September 11, 2014 -Advanced Geologic has two new claims for sale out on Lights Creek called Deuces Wild and Four Kings. Four Kings is the new featured claim and also has an exploration permit that is about to be submitted to the forest service for a backhoe ...and trommel. Production will be able to begin in the spring! These two claims have very easy road access, campsites, places to park a RV/trailer, have great highbanking opportunities, and plenty of room to set up a processing site. The claims are also near Greenville so amenities are close by. Contact our office today and let the staff at AGE get you set up on your chance to go for the gold!! September 10, 2014 -The featured claim for this week is a very exciting one. The Whiskey Run & Whiskey Run Extension placer claim on the South Branch Middle Fork of the Feather River in Plumas County has something to offer for everyone. It has a paved forest ...service road right to both claims with RV/trailer accessibility along with a campsite right on the creek. Whiskey Run is flatter with calmer water flow, some fun swimming holes, and excellent fishing while Whiskey Run Extension is for those who want to hike around and dig in the hill sides. Also, this claim is very remote and the only thing you will hear is the flowing of the river and wind in the trees! Don't miss out on this one! Contact our office for more information. September 9, 2014 -Update on Suction Dredge Hearing: The hearing that was scheduled on September 4 & 5 has continued onto September 16 & 17 and possibly September 6 through October 2 if more time is needed. Unfortunately, there is nothing else to report. Bo...th involved parties are not allowed to discuss specifics. But rest assured the miners and lawyers are doing everything in their power to bring dredgers back to the waters. September 5, 2014 -There will be new claims added to the sales list very shortly. They are being staked in some hot spots so they won't last long! Keep checking back to our website and Facebook page for the latest updates. September 3, 2014 -It is now the beginning of the new 2015 mineral year and our 20% sale is continuing. There is still a few good months left to get out there before the snow sets in. Don't miss out on your chance to get a claim while the sale and good weather lasts!! August 28, 2014 -Advanced Geologic is having a spectacular Labor Day sale with 20% off selected placer mining claims! Contact the friendly staff today to get you set up and out in the creeks!! July 11, 2014 -The BLM, in their infinite wisdom, has once again raised the location and maintenance fees. Prior, the new location fee was $32 and maintenance fees were $140 per 20 acres. Beginning on September 1, 2014 the new location fee will be $37 and maintenance fees will be $155 per 20 acres. BLM website July 3, 2014 -Well the hot summer months are officially upon us and with temperatures soaring between 90 and 100 degrees it can be hard to stay cool. Now is why this is a great time to buy a claim and get the family out and play in a crisp cool creek. Many people have been catching onto this idea and claims are selling fast!! Call our office today!! June 16, 2014 -Two weeks ago the crew at Advanced Geologic took a high banker out to the Silverado placer claim on Silver Creek and spent a day digging in the dirt. A few boulders were moved and the material was then processed through the high banker and... the results were incredible!! Just some simple digging proved this claim to be very abundant. There is a permit in progress so that it can be utilized to its fullest!! This claim should not be passed up! Contact our office today for more information. June 3, 2014 -With summer officially upon us so is the perfect time to go out and stick some pans in the water. Advanced Geologic has claims that are suitable for any kind of adventure. Whether it be drive-up 2wd access with a campsite or a secluded area that requires hiking. Call our office today and let the friendly staff help get you set up. April 29, 2014 -Advanced Geologic is looking for a translator in the local area (Chester/Lake Almanor, Susanville, Chico, Reno/Tahoe) fluent in Spanish to travel to Mexico to perform work. Duties will include hiking and digging. Must be in good physical shape and have current passport. Departure date will be May 20, 2014 to May 25, 2014 and will also include all expenses. Please contact our office for exact details and pay. April 25, 2014 -Advanced Geologic has four new claims for sale on Hayfork Creek in Trinity County. This is a very beautiful area with lots of gold potential! Each one of these claims have paved road access, campsites, and year round flowing water. It is a...lso right outside of the small town of Hayfork, which has lodging, restaurants, and shopping. All this is and much more is what makes this claim block a true prize for any prospector!! Our Hayfork claims usually don't last long so contact us today and let us help you get set up on your new adventure! April 24, 2014 -A week from today on May 1st, 2014 @ 8:30 am the court hearing will begin for the suction dredging moratorium. The hearing will be held at the Rancho Cucamonga Courthouse. For those who want to attend, which is very highly encouraged, the address of the courthouse is 8303 N. Haven Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 and will be on the 2nd floor. This is our time to rally together and defend our mining rights!! March 27, 2014 -Although creeks are low and California could be heading towards a drought, there is one good thing coming out of it and that is a lot of creek and river beds that have not been accessible for many many years are being exposed! If gold prices rise again like they did two years ago this knowledge could be very helpful to many prospectors. Advanced Geologic has many claims available for sale and that are still accessible even in the winter months!! Don't miss out on this rare opportunity! March 3, 2014 -Advanced Geologic is so excited to announce another successful Plan of Operation has been secured for a client in Plumas County! The staff at AGE understands the importance of making sure clients are up and running quickly and efficiently and all the while 110% in accordance with Forest Service regulations. Contact Advanced Geologic today for all of your permitting needs!! February 21, 2014 -The quick acting staff at Advanced Geologic has recently staked a dynamite spot out in Taylor's Gulch and the Big Creek area! The two new claims, Taylor's Crossing and Will Taylor, are in a very historically known gold district and not to m...ention has proven over and over again to be a very prosperous area!! Since the staking of these claims, quite a few prospectors have already inquired about them, so they won't last long. Contact our office today to get your chance to GO FOR THE GOLD!!! February 5, 2014 -There is some exciting news at Advanced Geologic! The permit for the Gold Mill placer claim on Mill Creek has been approved and is now trommel and backhoe ready!! Don't miss out on this great opportunity to go for the gold!! Contact our office today for more information. February 3, 2014 - A public hearing will be held on February 13, 2014 for the Blue Lead Mining project. All miners and those in support of mining are strongly encouraged to attend. This will be a great opportunity to show not only those involved with Blue Lead support but the mining community as a whole! The hearing will be held at the Administrations Building, 950 Maidu Ave. Suite 170, Nevada City, CA 95959. Click on the link below for more information. Hope to see you all there!! January 31, 2014 - While most people will be watching the Super Bowl this Sunday, Chief Geologist Charles Watson will record the game and head out to his Squirrel Creek Mine for a day of prospecting and reconnaissance. This coming Tuesday is an onsite meeting... with the National Forest Service to review his Mineral Exploration and Testing Plan of Operations. The Plan calls for the use of an excavator, haul truck and wash plant to test the gold content of the remnant glacial deposits. He his hopeful to have the permit in hand by May 1st and start work shortly thereafter. January 31, 2014 - Well it began to look like winter in Chester for about 5 minutes with a few flurries of snow. But by the time the town woke up this morning it felt like spring again. Which isn't all bad because the creeks are still accessible for mining. In fact we had a miner tell us just today he is heading up to his claim! So take advantage of this clear weather and get outside and go mining!! And as always have fun!! January 25, 2014 - Gold breaks $1,270 for the first time since November 19th. January 16, 2014 - Advanced Geologic just slashed the price of the Glory Creek placer claim out on Rock Creek!! It is this weeks featured claim and with a price like this chances are it won't last long!! Hurry and contact our office today!! January 16, 2014 - Pictures are up on the Bah Humbug! claim out on Miller Creek. December 27, 2013 - Advanced Geologic just sold the Devils Elbow placer claim out on Spanish Creek in Plumas County. Spanish Creek is not only a historically rich area but is still currently being mined today and producing fantastic results!! The claims we st...ake there never last long and AGE only has one claim left on Spanish Creek so if your interested you better act fast!! And a many congrats to the new owners of the Devils Elbow!! December 27, 2013 - The crew at Advanced Geologic Exploration hopes everyone had a wonderful and safe Christmas Holiday!! Now it's time to bring on 2014!! December 23, 2013 -Advanced Geologic is having an amazing Christmas sale!! 50% off of California placer claims!! This only applies to certain claims and it won't last long so contact our office today and don't miss out on this exceptional sale!! December 11, 2013 -Even though the temperatures are freezing the mining claims at Advanced Geologic are on fire and selling one after another!! If there is a claim you have been eyeing you better jump on it now because they aren't lasting long!! And don't be discouraged because of the snow, we have claims in lower elevations that can be accessed all year long!!! December 11, 2013 -Mark your calendar's because April 4-7 is the 2014 Gold Prospecting & Mining Summit in Placerville and our very own Chief Geologist Charles Watson will be a guest speaker!! There will also be 80 booths, hands-on classes and several speakers. Advanced Geologic Exploration will be amongst those with a booth so come on down and meet the staff!! November 22, 2013 - Some great news in the mining world!! The permit for the Blue Lead Gold Mine that Advanced Geologic Exploration prepared has been deemed complete by the Nevada County Planning Commission! It is up for public review and all comments are due by December 20, 2013. Advanced Geologic encourages all to submit positive comments to help support the mining project. There will also be a public hearing before the project is fully approved. All comments will be considered in the hearing. This is a great opportunity for miners to ban together and support our fellow prospector!!! Comments can be sent to: Tod.Herman@co.nevada.ca.us November 15, 2013 - Our very own Chief Geologists Charles Watson has made headlines again, this time with Action News out of Chico, CA. Charles was interviewed about a gold claim for sale in the Seneca Mining District. He explained that the price of $225,000 was a great deal due to the fact that Seneca is a very rich area and could easily show profit within a few years!! October 17, 2013 - Chief Geologist Charles Watson was a guest speaker at the Chester Elementary School on October 17, 2013. The children were fascinated with the slide show of pictures that Charles had taken of earthquake sites and engaged in conversation about the great shakes and volcanoes. October 29, 2013 - Advanced Geologic Exploration's Italian Wash Package is now on SALE!!! It is going for $2,000,000 or best offer! It has over 1,000 acres of land and that includes stated leased land. It also has two exploration permits ready to go!! So the moment you purchase this once in a lifetime package it will be ready to work!! This sale won't last long so contact our office today to take advantage of this blow out price!!! October 22, 2013 -The Discovery Channels Gold Rush will begin its 4th season this Friday!! Along with that the price of gold is on the rise, hitting $1343 today!! Do you want your own personal gold claim? Contact us today and the staff at Advanced Geologic Exploration can get you set up with your own personal gold rush! October 11, 2013 -Advanced Geologic Exploration is having a blow out fall sale!!! ALL CALIFORNIA CLAIMS ARE 25% OFF!!!! Contact our office today and don't miss out on this opportunity!! Sale is for a limited time so act fast!!!! October 3, 2013 - This weeks featured claim is The Patriot on Mill Creek in Plumas County. It already has been stamped by the BLM so therefore no fees!! It has also been recently worked and proved to produce gold!! Contact our office today for more information!! September 23, 2013 -There is a major event scheduled in Quincy, Plumas County at the fairgrounds Saturday September, 28 2013. Two million acres of our California forests are in threat of being closed off to the public!! Click on the link below to view more information about this closure and the meeting on Saturday. September 16, 2013 -Advanced Geologic has a very exciting new claim for sale!! The Lucky Jack Mine and the Chase Angel Mine on Big Creek in Plumas County. The crew at AGE has personally done exploration testing on the Lucky Jack and has found it to consistently produce gold at every test site!!! And not just flakes and specks but chunky pieces!! The adjoining claims are permitted as to which the permit can be transferred into the new claim owners name making them trommel ready!!! And not to mention they are already filed with the BLM so there are no fees!! This claim set has everything going for it which makes it too good to pass up!!! September 5, 2013 - Need mining supplies?? Advanced Geologic can get you what you need!! Whether it be metal mining claim signs, gold pan kits, classifiers, or sluice boxes, we got it!! Whatever your mining needs may be, Advanced Geologic can get you set up!! Contact us today!!! September 5, 2013 -Just an update on the Rim fire down in Yosemite. Over 235,000 acres have burned and it is now at 80% containment. There has been no direct threat to the Yosemite Valley floor and all evacuations have been lifted. All thoughts and prayers go out to the firefighters working around the clock containing the blaze!! August 30, 2013 - Click on the link to view the Mining Journal's news report on the recent decision on the suction dredging moratorium hearing. August 26, 2013 - Well tomorrow is the big day!!! The court hearing for the dredging moratorium and state wide "emergency" ruling will be heard. Lets all keep good thoughts and prayers that common sense along with the correct science will prevail!!! As soon as we here at Advanced Geologic have an update on the ruling we will have it posted!!! August 26, 2013 - Advanced Geologic has a new claim in Sierra County on Jim Crow Creek called Crow's Nest. It is also the featured claim! The Crow's Nest placer claim is located near the historical mining town of Downieville. Click on the link to view or call our office to inquire! August 14, 2013 - Just a caution while out in the woods, right now is berry season so be aware of bears and other wild animals feeding on them. August 9, 2013 - The end of the mineral year is upon us. If you haven't gotten your paper filed yet make sure you do so! To make it stress free Advanced Geologic offers a secure and worry free filing service. Please contact our office and we can get you all set up. If you are already a client with us and have not yet mailed us your paperwork, remember the deadline is August 15, 2013. After that there will be a $100 extra charge. Don't delay and risk your claim being lost!! August 2, 2013 -Advanced Geologic has just put The Raven placer claim on the North Fork Feather River in Butte County up for sale for one week only!! Originally priced at $15,000 has been slashed in half and reduced to $7,500!! This is such an amazing div...erse spot with not only mining opportunities but also includes a sandy beach and a swimming hole making it extra fun for the whole family!! Also, this claim, being at a low elevation, can be accessed year round. July 23, 2013 -Just a friendly heads up to all claim owners: Tax bills will be getting mailed out at the end of the week. July 22, 2013 -We have just discovered that the reason for the postponement for the suction dredge hearing is as follows: There was a scheduled court hearing for the "emergency" ruling that would prevent a miner from using any kind of suction system set for July 30, 2013. That hearing along with the suction dredging moratorium has been combined into one court case and Judge Ochoa has requested more time to allow him to review the state wide "emergency" ruling. We will update as soon as we have more information. July 22, 2013 -The court hearing regarding the suction dredging moratorium has been postponed to August 27, 2013 at 8:30 a.m.. It is still be held in Rancho Cucamonga in front of Judge Gilbert Ochoa. All are strongly encouraged to attend and show support!! July 18, 2013 -Well it's calling for another possible 100 degree weekend!! Advanced Geologic has a blowout summer sale going on right now so this would be the time to purchase a claim and have a nice place to get away to and stay cool!! July 12, 2013 -Our website has a new great feature!!! There are now interactive maps that view all the claims. Click on the link below and check it out!!! July 12, 2013 -Just a follow up on yesterdays post about the "emergency" regulation on suction dredging. The restraining order was only set for the Siskiyou area and is not a state wide ruling. Unfortunately, the ruling still stands throughout the rest of the state. The state wide ruling is set for July 30,2013. But if the moratorium on suction dredging is abolished at the hearing on July 23, 2013 then there w...ill be no need for the "emergency" regulation hearing because suction dredging will be reinstated to the original 1993 regulations thus allowing miners to freely enjoy the waterways once again!!! So with all opinion to the "emergency" regulation aside, we encourage all to be lawful and respectful until the moratorium is lifted. July 10, 2013 -Last month the California Department of Fish & Wildlife tried issuing an "emergency" ruling that would prevent a miner from using any form of a suction system to recover gold from any river, stream, or lake. There was no "emergency" according to the government code 11342.545 which is as defined: "a situation that calls for immediate action to avoid serious harm to the public peace, health, safety..., or general welfare." Therefore, the attempted regulation was illegal. The New 49ers along with other miners filed a motion for a temporary restraining order and request for a preliminary injunction against the CDFW in Siskiyou County. The restraining order was granted ruling that the regulation was "unlawfully adopted." Although it doesn't lift the current moratorium, it is none the less a victory for miners throughout California!! The final hearing for the dredging moratorium will be July 23, 2013. We will keep everyone updated!!! July 9, 2013 -ATTENTION: Beginning July 15, 2013, a major road construction project will be taking place on Hwy 32 between Chester and Chico. There will be one way traffic control in effect Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. for approximately 2 weeks. Road will be open Saturdays and Sundays. FULL closure of Hwy 32 will begin July 29, 2013, Monday through Thursday and continue through till the end of September. During full closure the Hwy will reopen Friday at 6 a.m. though Sunday. Detours will be Hwy 36 to Hwy 99 in Red Bluff or Hwy 89 to Hwy 70 but there are also numerous projects scheduled for Hwy 70 so its best to probably take the Red Bluff route. June 28, 2013 -With the price of gold dropping, some might panic and think SELL, SELL, SELL, when actually this is the time to BUY, BUY, BUY!! Now is the time to lock into a claim and start stockpiling your finds. And when the price of gold recovers you will be happy you did!! June 6, 2013 - Here is a very interesting article published in the Lassen County Times about the recent earthquake. They interviewed our very own Chief Geologist Charles Watson and he gives a lot of very insightful information regarding the quake!! June 6, 2013 - This weekend Plumas County is supposed to be hitting record breaking temperatures for this time of year!! Its expected to reach 100 degrees!!! And what more better reason to head out into the cool creeks and do some prospecting!! If you don't have a claim hurry into today and let our staff get you set up on one!! Owning your own mining claim not only gives you a chance to go for the gold but also is a great opportunity for family fun and long lasting memories during these hot summer days!!! And don't forget a lot of the claims have a campsite available allowing for a whole weekend get away!!! May 23, 2013 - Advanced Geologic Exploration, Inc., is pleased to announce another successful Plan of Operations, accepted by the BLM in Nevada! The Plan of Operations is for an exploration and testing project that includes an excavator, dump truck, backhoe and a wash plant. May 17, 2013 - All the pictures are up to our recently staked claims on Howard Creek and Jamison Creek. Click on the links and a take a look at these rich claims!! May 3, 2013 - With the warm weather upon us and the mining season in full swing, Advanced Geologic has staked 11 new claims in four different counties!! In Nevada County two claims have been staked, one on Diamond Creek and one on Poormans Creek. In Sierra County five claims have been staked throughout Pauley Creek. In Plumas County three claims have been staked; one on Jamison Creek, one on Silver Creek, and one on Slate Creek. And lastly one has been staked in Butte County on the South Fork Feather River. So no matter your mining level, the staff at Advanced Geologic will be sure to find a claim that best suits your needs!! Whether it be a simple pan and sluice in a creek bed to submitting a permit and running heavy equipment, our staff can help you every step of the way!! Contact our office today to begin your mining adventures!! April 25, 2013 -The crew at Advanced Geologic just got back from a exploration testing project in Plumas County. A permit for the week long project was submitted and because every i was dotted and every t was crossed, everything went perfectly and legally as planned!! An official from the Department of Fish and Game even stopped in and performed a very detailed inspection that passed with flying colors and also noted that not one single violation had been broken!! The crew also endured very diverse weather throughout the project! The first couple of days consisted of high winds, freezing temperatures, and SNOW! And the days following were hot and dry resulting in a few getting sunburns!! But not even cold, snow, wind, or heat could stop this determined crew from getting the job done!!! April 8, 2013 - Hello everyone, and Happy Spring! Although the air is still chilly, Spring IS here, and it's time to enjoy the beautiful outdoors. Today, Advanced Geologic has reduced the price of two of our beloved placer claims; Sourdough Placer and Two Waters. These claims are located on the North Fork Feather River, south of Canyon Dam, CA. These claims are our featured claim, and are 20% off for a limited time. Access to these claims is now open, and all down trees blocking the road ways have been moved. This is a great opportunity, so don't let it slip by! March 1, 2013 - Advanced Geologics newest claims have been staked in Butte County and are up on the website and ready for viewing!! With many of our Plumas County claims still not accessible due to snow, the claims in Butte County are in lower elevations a...nd are accessible now!! These claims will allow for year round prospecting for that lucky miner!! They lie on Bush Creek, Falls Creek, French Creek, Ram Creek, and in Dark Canyon. Take a look at them today or call our office for more details!!! February 19, 2013 - Tomorrow, February 20th, there will be a court case for a miner who was caught dredging by the Department of Fish and Wildlife, and the miner is contesting citation. The case involves Brandon Renehart, who was operating a suction dredge on the North Fork of the Feather River. He was observed and cited by the Department of Fish and Game, otherwise now known as Department of Fish and Wildlife (they... are spending 26 million dollars for this name change by the way!) February 19, 2013 - The Raven on the North Fork Feather River which just has been recently staked by Advanced Geologic is now up on the web and ready to view!!! The Raven has abundant gold potential along with great claim amenities!!! The drive is 2wd access w...ith a short walk down a trail to the claim. Once down at the river there is a beautiful sandy beach with a swimming hole, making this claim fun for the whole family!!! It is also only 19 miles from Oroville which has many stores, restaurants, hotels, and a Walmart! This claim has so many unique features and won't last long!!! So contact our office today for more information!! February 1, 2013 - The next suction gold dredge hearing in California is Febraury 13. To read more information, or to attend this event, click here! January 18, 2013 - Recently, as we thumbed through the January 2013 issue of the ICMJ’s Prospecting and Mining Journal, we found an article we thought we would share. The article was written by Scott Harn and is titled “Small Miner Beats Forest Service in Court.” The article discusses a small scale miner who was facing criminal charges for using National Forest System land without a special use operation. The miner was working his mining claim in Southeast Arizona and hand dug a hole that was approximately 10 feet deep, 8 feet wide and 15-20 feet long, using only a pick and shovel. The Forest Service had visited the site a number of times and informed the miner that he was causing significant disturbance and had requested that he file a Plan of Operations. Upon his final refusal to file a Plan of Operations, he was charged with a criminal misdemeanor for using the land without a special use authorization. Forest Service testified, stating that the miner had caused significant damage, including; exposing tree roots, cutting down a small tree and leaving a large hole uncovered. (Which had been filled due to a fire in the area.) The judge sided with the miner, and stated that the government had failed to show the significant disturbance of resources that would have required reclamation. Also added, was the fact that exposed tree roots were not at danger because tree roots are often exposed in the woods, there was no proof that a small tree had been cut down and also that miners dig holes, and because the hole had been filled that it is not a significant amount of disturbance, nor is it a danger to those who might be hiking in the area. We would also like to remind you that these holes were hand dug, and that absolutely no motorized equipment was used! As small miners, we have rights! If you are interested in learning more about mining, contact us, or you can also subsribe to the ICMJ’s Prospecting and Mining Journal. January 14, 2013 - HUGE NEWS ON SECTION DREDGING!!!!! Dave McCraken, the founder of The New 49'ers, has found that the California dredging moratorium clearly states that "A person is suction dredging as difined when all of the following components are working together : (A) a hose which vacuums sediment from a river stream or lake, and (B) A motorized pump; and (C) A sluice box. The moratorium states when all of the following components are working together!! Therefore, if the sluice box is removed from the equation then it is no longer, according to the moratorium, considered dredging. Instead, a catch container can be used to gather the material. But be aware, the regulations do prevent you from having a "dredge" within 100 yards of any active waterway. Therefore, the third component (sluice) should NOT be sitting up on the streambank or even in the back of your pickup, even if you are not using it. Leave it at home!! Wardens are out on the prowl for suction dredgers and many probably do not know about this loop hole. So print out a copy of the DGF regulations to keep with you at all times. Also do not refer to it as suction dredging but as underwater suction system. It is not dredging since you are not using all three components!! Using the term dredging will only lead the warden to have cause to write you up, leaving you to have to explain your case to a judge. Further, McCraken took his findings on the moratorium to Mark Stopher, the Habitat Conservation Program Manager of the California Fish and Game, and Stopher and stated that Dave McCracken's description of the legal requirements and applications is accurate. If practiced as he describes, this is not a violation of the moratorium and is not prohibited. We here at Advanced Geologic, strongly encourage you to thoroughly read Dave McCrackens article. Click here to be directed to the link. Also click here to print out the Department of Fish and Games regulations. January 10, 2013 -While being in the heart of winter, now is the best time to start on your permits!! By the time your permit is approved the snow will have melted and creeks flowing, therefore being perfect timing to get out and go mining!! January 10, 2013 -The new claims that Advanced Geologic has staked are up on the web and ready to view!!! With the heavy snow, some areas were not accessible to take pictures, but as soon as we can we will have pictures posted! These claims are in very rich ...drainages and we have had claims for sale along these creeks before, which sold quickly and made for very happy clients!! Don't hesitate to scoop up one, for these spots won't last long!! The new claims are along the North Fork Feather River, Soda Creek, Cascade Creek, and Wards Creek. |
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