Without voicing any opinion, the U.S. Supreme Court has declined to Review Bohmker v. Oregon, 903 F.3d 1029 (9th Cir. 2018). This was our second attempt to get the High-Court to weigh in on the very important matter of how much authority State agencies have to prohibit mining activity on the federal lands.
We can only speculate as to the reason our case was not accepted. I am told that the High Court receives so many requests that it is only able to review about 5% of the cases it receives. With all of the political turmoil right now in America, my guess is that there are other matters (immigration on multiple levels, abortion, gun control, the limits of Presidential authority, election tampering, and much more) which are perceived to be more expedient to the broad population.
The Trump Administration is also being challenged in the courts for relaxing environmental regulation on the federal lands. The decisions in those matters may affect our industry.
I am attaching a letter from our attorney which summarizes this matter. Let me please suggest that we keep trying. This was our second legal case to reach the U.S. Supreme Court in about a year. We should be pleased that our legal challenges are making it all the way up to one step from the top. This issue is so important to America’s future; it is just a matter of time before the Supreme Court Reviews it.
The matter will not be fully resolved until the High Court weighs in on it. More cases are certain to arise as States continue to prohibit Americans from developing mineral deposits which have been granted to them by congress through existing mining laws.
We have also heard from the new Director of the California Water Board that they have fallen behind in their effort to develop a water quality permit to support suction dredging. The reality is that there is not enough time to make it happen in time for our 2019 mining season.
Therefore, we will not have access to mechanized systems to support our small-scale gold mining programs this coming season. All I can say is that we will keep on trying as long as you guys continue to support our efforts.
Our 2019 summer in Happy Camp will largely be devoted to teaching members how to do successful gold mining using hand methods, and to provide several weekend projects that will generate fun, excitement and some natural gold for all who participate.
2019 Schedule of Events
June 22 & 23; July 20 & 21; August 17 & 18.
There is a learning curve to successful gold prospecting. One of the most effective methods of progressing through the learning curve is to go on prospecting adventures with others who more experienced than you are.
Our 2-day Group Mining Projects are one of the primary benefits of New 49’er membership which set us apart from other mining associations. All weekend events are free to Full & Associate Members. All participants share equally in the gold we recover.
Group projects are limited to a certain number of participants. Scheduling in advance is strongly advised to ensure a position on any specific weekend project: 530 493-2012
Planned Office Hours for Upcoming Season
Until further notice, we will continue opening the doors between 9 AM and 4 PM on weekdays. The office will be closed on weekends, except for the morning hours during the Saturdays when we are sponsoring the coming season’s Weekend Group Projects: June 22; July 20; and August 17. Our Saturday evening potlucks will also only happen on these dates.
Members are invited to sign in your whereabouts on our properties over the phone in case there is some reason we need to find you.
Our mining properties are freely available to all members in good standing 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, unless the Klamath National Forest is closed due to wildfires.
For any problems, our Internal Affairs is available over the phone: Richard Krimm is our Director of Internal Affairs, email or call (510) 681 8066 (also available after hours and on weekends).
Upcoming Legal Drawing in Just Two weeks!
Grand Prize: 1-ounce American Gold Eagle
Four ¼-ounce American Gold Eagles
Ten 1/10th-ounce American Gold Eagles
Ten 1-ounce American Silver Eagles
Our office will automatically generate a ticket in your name for every $10 legal contribution we receive ($100 would generate 10 tickets, etc.).
This drawing will take place on Friday, 21 June 2019 at our headquarters in Happy Camp. You do not need to be a member of our organization to participate. You do not need to be present to win. There is no limit to the size or frequency of your contributions, or to the number of prizes you can win.
Legal contributions can be arranged by calling (530) 493-2012, by mailing to The New 49’ers Legal Fund, P.O. Box 47, Happy Camp, CA 96039, or online.
All contributions are tax deductible. You can find more information about the drawing right here.
My sincere thanks to each of you who support our efforts!
Sincerely,
Dave McCracken
New 49’er Gold Prospecting Association
27 Davis Road P.O. Box 47, Happy Camp, California 96039 (530) 493-2012
www.goldgold.com