EASTERN OREGON
MINING ASSOCIATION
MAY 2024
VOLUME 416
YOUR MEMBERSHIP IS IMPORTANT!
IF YOU HAVEN’T PAID YOUR DUES, THIS MAY BE YOUR LAST NEWSLETTER Please send your dues to: EOMA, PO Box 932, Baker City, OR 97814. You can also pay with a credit card on our website: eoma.us Or you can pay at the meeting. Your support is appreciated!
MAY 3rd MEETING AT ELK CREEK ENTERPRISES
The EOMA monthly meeting is at the Elk Creek Enterprises saw shop located at 890 Elm Street in Baker City. The Board Meeting will begin at 6:00 PM and the general meeting follows at 6:30 PM. Everyone is welcome to attend these meetings. There is time for discussing mining and getting to know other miners. We will give away a 1 oz. silver medallion at the end of the meeting.
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Forest Service Supervisor Shaun McKinney reached out to me to ask about my “road closing” message in the April EOMA newsletter. He pointed out that Congress makes the final official Wilderness designation. However, page 75 & page 84 of the Draft Summary Assessment that we talk about in this newsletter, basically says, that any areas recommended for wilderness designation will be managed as if they are already wilderness. This sounds like no motorized access will be allowed in these areas even if it is a mineralized area with existing roads and trails.
The Supervisor also restated that the Forest Plan will not make access and Travel Management decisions. However, if you read the Draft Assessment; about Infrastructure and Access, you will get a realistic picture of the desired goals the FS has for the future forest plan revision. This chapter says the FS has already been continually “decommissioning” roads to public motorized use, other than for use by the FS (11,575 miles open and 10,320 miles closed except for FS use). The FS focus is to maintain roads for passenger car two lane roads, and to generally reduce the rest of the public road system. This looks like a clear message that unless you speak up, most public forest roads will be closed to motorized access, except for two lane passenger car roads.
EASTERN OREGON MINING ASSOCIATION ENDORSES CURTIS MARTIN FOR BAKER COUNTY COMMISSIONER PRIMARY ELECTION MAY 21st
Curtis Martin, long time rancher and supporter of natural resources use in Baker County, has announced plans to run for County Commissioner Position 1 (Bruce Nichols is retiring). Curtis is past president of the Cattlemen’s Association, currently sits on the Baker County Natural Resources Committee and has been very involved with the Baker County irrigation districts in their fight to combat the onerous TMDL regulations that DEQ wants to put in place in order to get rid of cattle. Curtis believes, as a Baker County Commissioner, he can help to promote wise use of all natural resources, including ranching, agriculture, recreation, logging, and mining.
MSHA NEW RULES ON SILICA SAMPLING
The much awaited and anticipated MSHA Proposed Silica Rule spells out specific requirements for sampling for silica in mining applications. The ability to meet these requirements hinges on air sampling procedures that may be new to mining operators at some small to medium sized mines. MSHA clarifies that under this final rule, any sampling device that meets the ISO 7708:1995 particle size selective criteria for respirable dust samplers are acceptable for respirable crystalline silica (RCS) sampling. RCS refers to particles of crystalline silica less than four microns in size, or particulate matter 4 (PM4). Under the final rule, the PPI sampler would be acceptable. The following link to the April 10, 2024 Webinar explains the new rule.
https://register.gotowebinar.com/recording/viewRecording/4292289323481257301/3480373654311721216/mbrowning@skcwest.com?registrantKey=2329677560795985759&type=ATTENDEEEMAILRECORDINGLINK
DO YOU WANT YOUR NEWSLETTER DELIVERED BY MAIL OR BY E-MAIL?
With the cost of postage going up, we are looking at options for mailing the newsletter. If you would rather have your newsletter delivered in the mail box that is fine. If you want to receive the newsletter by e-mail, send a message to alxk@ortelco.net
POWDER MINING PROJECTS EIS-Jan Alexander
According to the Forest Service website, the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be available to the public on May 1, 2024.
All miners who made comments back in 2018 will need to see if their concerns were addressed. The document has a section where letters from the public were addressed, so each mimer needs to check this section.
A Decision is supposed to be made October 10, 2024 with Plans of Operation approved on April 1, 2025. Many of these miners have waited over 10 years for their plans to be approved. We will see if these timeframes are adhered to by the Forest Service.
EXCERPTS FROM THE 2012 RULE AND THE FOREST PLAN REVISION-FS Website
The 2012 Planning rule is important, because everything in the rule will be reflected in the new forest plans. Here are some frequently asked questions and FS answers. Note that all uses must be “sustainable”.
Does the 2012 planning rule weaken the role of multiple uses in plans?
Land management plans under the 2012 planning rule will emphasize the importance of the continued delivery of sustainable multiple uses of National Forest System lands.
How is recreation addressed in the 2012 planning rule?
By managing for sustainable recreation on forests and grasslands, national forest management provides opportunities for new small businesses, such as restaurants, lodging and other tourism-related enterprises close to National Forest System lands, and can help sustain current businesses.
During the assessment phase, responsible officials will identify and evaluate existing information relevant to recreation settings, opportunities, and access, in addition to recreational infrastructure, benefits to people from the plan area, and the contributions of recreation to the local, regional and national economies. Visitor use and satisfaction, as well as progress towards meeting recreation objectives, will be monitored as part of the plan monitoring program.
What is the relationship between the planning rule and the travel management rule?
The 2012 planning rule does not modify the travel management rule. However, the 2012 planning rule requires that resource plans, such as the travel management plans, developed by the Forest Service, be consistent with land management plans. Where travel management plans are already in place, they must be evaluated for consistency with land management plans and amended if necessary.
Would planning under the 2012 planning rule consider livestock grazing in addition to ecological sustainability and other uses?
The Multiple-Use Sustained-Yield Act specifically provides that range is one of the purposes for which the national forests and grasslands are managed, and the 2012 planning rule recognizes and includes direction for providing for multiple uses including range. The appropriate levels, locations, times, and other elements of range use and grazing in the plan area are best determined in individual plans and at the site-specific level.
How does the 2012 planning rule address energy development and mineral exploration?
We recognize the demand for minerals and energy, including renewable sources. When developing plan components for integrated resource management, the responsible official will consider renewable and nonrenewable energy and mineral resources, land status, and the appropriate placement and sustainable management of infrastructure.
How does the 2012 planning rule address timber harvest on NFS lands and the timber requirements of NFMA?
Under the 2012 planning rule, timber is recognized and included as a multiple use. Today, harvest of timber on NFS lands occurs for many different reasons, including restoration for ecological resilience, community protection in the wildland urban interface, habitat restoration, protection of municipal water supplies, biomass energy, and wood production. Timber harvest also supports economic sustainability and provides employment and tax revenue in many counties throughout the country.
Land management plans will identify expected timber harvest levels, outline a planned timber sale program, and describe the proportion of probable methods of forest vegetation management practices expected to be used. Plans will also have plan components that establish the quantity of timber that can be removed in perpetuity, which relates to long-term sustained yield and sets an upper limit for timber production.
How will you ensure that the best available science is used in forest planning?
The 2012 planning rule requires the responsible official to use the best available scientific information to inform the assessment, the development of the plan, including plan components, and the monitoring program. It also requires that responsible officials document how the best available scientific information was used. Documentation must identify what information was determined to be the best available scientific information, explain the basis for the determination, and explain how the information was applied to the issues considered.
Will responsible officials coordinate land management planning with county planning efforts?
The 2012 planning rule directs the responsible official to coordinate land management planning with other planning efforts. However, land management plans developed under the 2012 planning rule need not be consistent with county-level plans. We will encourage counties to participate throughout the planning process, and where appropriate, to work with us as cooperating agencies.
What requirements are in the 2012 planning rule for which the public can hold the Agency accountable?
The 2012 planning rule includes requirements for how plans will be developed, revised or amended and what must be included in plans. The responsible official will not have the discretion to disregard the best available scientific information in making a decision. The agency will be held accountable by the public for meeting these requirements in every planning effort.
In addition, under the 2012 planning rule, the Chief of the Forest Service will establish and administer a national oversight process for accountability and consistency in land management planning.
DRAFT ASSESSMENT NEEDS FEEDBACK FROM FOREST USERS-Jan Alexander
EOMA has a copy of the Draft Summary Assessment Report of Ecological, Social and Economic Conditions on the Malheur, Umatilla, and Wallowa-Whitman National Forests. The document outlines changes they say are needed to the existing 1990 forest plans. Of course, Climate change is first and foremost. The Draft Assessment states, “The existing forest plans do not address a changing climate, nor its related impacts. Rising temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns, have likely contributed to environmental, economic, and social changed in the Blue Mountains.
The Draft Assessment addresses soils in a changing climate, and how grazing affects the soil, the effects of wildfires, and how all of these are caused by a changing climate, and how aquatic, wetland, and riparian ecosystems are affected in a changing climate. As to the effects of wildfires, the document states the FS needs a clearer understanding about how wildfires affect economies and communities. (Most of us know well these effects.)
The Draft Assessment talks about the need for wildlife corridors, the problem with fences and roads. The Draft Assessment talks about our counties as poor and rural and the people as under educated, as compared to the nation. “Future management changes will impact counties differently, and these differences need to be considered in the plan revision process”.
Under the section about benefits of grazing, the Draft Assessment fails to mention that cattle grazing enhances the vegetation and also helps to minimize the spread of wildfire. The Draft Assessment states that “Going forward, forest plans will need to incorporate grazing conservation measures”. Under the timber section, the Draft Assessment states that the current state of the forests increases the risk of uncharacteristic, high-severity disturbances which will increase due to a changing climate. The FS will put a cap on timber production.
Under the wilderness section, the Draft Assessment states that lands adjacent to existing wildernesses will be set aside and studied to see if they have wilderness potential. During the study time, “any areas recommended for wilderness designation will be managed to protect and maintain the ecological and social characteristics that provide the basis for their suitability”. (Roads will be closed and new mining claims will not be allowed.)
Under recreation, the Draft Assessment talks about recreational driving, but not about ATV use on the forests. Under the Access section, the Draft Assessment states the FS does not have funding to maintain the roads. The Draft states they need to develop a realistic sustainable program (ie close the roads).
The Forest Service is asking for feedback on their Draft Assessment. The site to provide feedback is mailto:sm.fs.bluesforests@usda.gov. I encourage everyone to get involved.
AMBLER ROAD PROJECT REJECTED BY BIDEN ADMINISTRATION-AEMA
The American Exploration & Mining Association released the following statement upon the Department of the Interior’s rejection of the Ambler Road project: “This disappointing decision on the Ambler Road project is unfortunately emblematic of the administration’s record on mining policy and securing our domestic mineral supply chains. For every step forward, we seem to take two or three steps back,” said American Exploration & Mining Association Executive Director Mark Compton. “While some agencies make funding available to support domestic mining, Interior is rejecting or slow-walking permits, terminating leases, and placing millions of additional acres off-limits to mining. Interior’s actions only exacerbate our dangerous reliance on foreign minerals and sabotage a raft of Biden administration initiatives. It’s time we recognize the true cost of not developing domestic mineral resources to our national and economic security, as well as to the communities and peoples that would benefit. After all, there is no ‘Made in America’ without ‘Mined in America.’
SECRETARY HAALAND DELIVERS NATIONAL STATEMENT-U.S. Dept of Interior
Secretary Haaland delivered the National Statement on behalf of the U.S. at the United Nations for the 23rd Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues; in New Mexico. Secretary Haaland signed an order protecting more than 4,200 acres from new mining claims and oil and gas development; the Bureau of Land Management announces a final rule to revise oil and gas regulations to ensure responsible stewardship of America’s public lands; the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management announces a final rule to protect taxpayers from covering costs that should be borne by the oil and gas industry; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife announces the expansion of four national wildlife refuges.
FINAL BLM CONSERVATION AND LANDSCAPE HEALTH RULE-AEMA
The American Exploration & Mining Association released the following statement on the announcement of the final BLM Conservation and Landscape Health Rule: “The BLM’s Conservation and Landscape Health rule is illegal, unnecessary, and contrary to numerous policy goals of the Biden administration and Congress,” said American Exploration & Mining Association Executive Director Mark Compton. “Our risky reliance on imported minerals is a direct result of five decades of ignoring Congress’ clear directives that minerals should be mined from public lands to help satisfy the Nation’s need for minerals. The Biden administration’s own goals of fighting climate change and reducing carbon emissions require more domestic mining – not less. The rule significantly changes the way BLM manages the 245 million acres of public land it oversees, to the detriment of America’s mineral and energy independence goals and resource dependent rural communities that produce the fiber, food, minerals, and energy America requires from its public lands. Make no mistake, our members are strong supporters of conservation, not only for public lands but all of the country’s resources, and are ready to work with the BLM to further advance these goals. However, this will not be accomplished by the flawed and illegal provisions in this rule.”
EOMA ADVERTISING AND SALE LISTINGS
WANTED MINING PROPERTY (16)
I would like to rent/lease/lease with option to buy property that may be productive for metal detecting and mining. Especially areas with tailings like the Powder River near Sumpter, or other local areas. Thanks, Johnny West. Email: jwestboise@gmail.com
WANTED-GOLD
Gold Specimens and Gold nuggets, mostly from Oregon mines. Fair prices paid. Also selling Gold nugget jewelry, specimens, nuggets and more. For an interesting and informative experience explore www.northernnevadagold.com Call Robert 775-455-6470
PRICE REDUCED-SIMPSON AND LUCKY PLACER CLAIMS FOR SALE
The Simpson is an 80-acre association placer and must be quit-claimed to a group of four miners. The Lucky group is composed of three 20-acre claims. These can be purchased by one miner. Both claim groups are covered by approved Plans of Operation and both are located on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest.
My health is forcing me to sell these claims. Give me a call if you are interested and please make me an offer. Call Dave at 810-523-7313.
MINING EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
Equipment located in Baker City:
Small trommel, feeder/grizzly, infeed conveyor, Honda pump, 20KW generator, 3” flat hose, sluice
Commercial Sized trommel, feeder, stacker, pump (has cracked housing) sluice
Also, scraper, Conex boxes, clean-up table, road runner screen, screen, diesel tank and pump, army trailer, two slurry pumps, a Honda pump, clean-up room equipment, and additional flat hose.
Equipment located on Connor Creek:
Feeder
Additional flat hose
I can send pictures and can provide details on this equipment. I am willing to discuss offers. Call Bill at 503-781-4393. E-mail me at dei@teleport.com.
TEST TROMMEL FOR SALE-$1500
This unit is mounted on a trailer and can easily be moved into a site for testing the deposit. Contact Bob at firebasebob@hotmail.com. My phone number is 541-473-2880
I can e-mail you pictures.
CAPITOL PROSPECTING-METAL DETECTING AND MINING SUPPLIES
We are located in Baker City at 2801 Broadway Street. We buy used equipment and sell both new and used equipment. Come in and see what we have, or call me at 503-269-8640. My e-mail is CapitolProspecting@hotmail.com.
We appreciate your business. Gary and Christina Earle
ACTION MINING SERVICES, INC.(ca)
AMS is selling assay supplies, screens, chemicals and labware! Call for a quote and mention this ad for 10% off! Assay supplies, concentrators, impact mills, technical books (for the beginner to the advanced mill man), & more! Call for our free catalog or visit us online! Check out our website for information on Wave tables. We are located in Plains, Montana. Please call 406.826.9330 to place your order. This way our staff can have it pulled and ready for pick up. Otherwise, we can always ship your order! sales@actionmining.com • www.actionmining.com
AMERICAN EXPLORATION & MINING ASSOCIATION
EOMA is a member of American Exploration & Mining Association, and many of our members are also individual members. American Exploration & Mining Association is a 128-year-old, 1,400-member, national association representing the minerals industry. With members in 46 states, AEMA is the recognized national voice for exploration, the junior mining sector, maintaining access to public lands, and represents the entire mining life cycle, from exploration through production to reclamation and closure. You can become a member of AEMA by going to their website at https://www.miningamerica.org
SUBSCRIBE TO MINING JOURNAL FOR UP TO DATE NEWS (ca)
ICMJ’s Prospecting and Mining Journal is your monthly source for news, legislation, how-to articles and more. Josh and Sherrie Lynn Reinke are the new owners of the Mining Journal, same great news source! A full year is still only $29.95; or get a print and an online subscription for just $44.95, and get access to our last 16 years of articles online too. Published monthly since 1931. Visit us at www.icmj.com or call at (831) 479-1500 to get your subscription.