EASTERN OREGON
MINING ASSOCIATION
FEBRUARY 2020
Volume 365
IF YOU HAVEN’T PAID YOUR MEMBERSHIP DUES FOR 2020
THEY ARE OVERDUE
EASTERN OREGON MINING ASSOCIATION MEETING
Meetings are held on the first Friday of the month. The next meeting is Friday, FEBRUARY 7TH at the Baker City Hall. The building is located at 1st and Auburn Streets in Baker City. The Board meeting starts at 6:00 PM. The general meeting starts at 6:30 PM. As usual, there will be a drawing for a $50 silver medallion at the meeting!
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Waldo Mining Association is conducting a drawing to pay its past legal fees. They still owe $18,500 to their attorney for taking on the BOHMKER case, in addition to the fees owed for EOMA/Waldo’s long standing battle with DEQ over the legality of the 700PM suction dredge permit.
An attorney is writing the Amicus Brief in support of Pacific Legal Foundation’s Writ of Certiorari. This Writ has been filed in the Supreme Court, and it concerns whether suction dredges add a pollutant when they work the bottom of the stream. EOMA is a party to this lawsuit, and thus, cannot pay for preparation of the Amicus Brief.
But what EOMA, and all our miners we can do to support these efforts, is to enter the drawing for ½ pound of gold. Go to the Waldo website (www.waldominingdistrict.org) for full information.
There's also a 20-acre placer claim (non-ESH), a high-banker, two new rifles, gold specimens, equipment, books, 1 oz silver bars & rounds and more. Tickets are $5.00 or six tickets for $25.
IT'S TIME AGAIN FOR MSHA TRAINING
New Miner Training April 17, 18, 19
This training will be held at the Hereford Hall in Hereford Oregon. Ed Sinner is retiring after this year, so if you ever thought you would like to get this training, now is the time. Call Jan Alexander at 541-446-3413 to reserve a seat in this class. Hours are 8:00AM-5:PM each day.
Annual Refreshers March 13, March 14 and April 18:
The March 13 and 14 classes will be held at the OTEC Office conference room, 4005 23rd St., Baker City, and the April 18 annual refresher will be day-2 of new miner training and will be held at the Hereford Hall in Hereford. Call Jan Alexander at 541-446-3413 to reserve a seat in any of these classes. Hours are 8:00AM-5:PM each day.
EOMA ELECTIONS
Enclosed with your newsletter is a ballot. If yours is a dual membership, both of you can vote on the same sheet-just put a check beside each person you are voting for. If you want to vote for someone not on the ballot, be sure to write in that person’s name. Ballots are counted at the March meeting, so either mail yours in, or bring it to the March meeting.
UPDATE FROM SENATOR LYNN FINDLEY
“As you may know, I was appointed to the Oregon Senate to represent Senate District 30. I look forward to the opportunity to represent the largest senate district in Oregon and carry on Sen. Bentz's great work in the legislature.
Beginning in February, I will be in Salem for the six-week legislative short session. If you have any questions or comments about the bills or issues working through the legislative process, please do not hesitate to contact my office. Sen.LynnFindley@oregonlegislature.gov.
With the legislative short session right around the corner, I want to make sure that you have the opportunity to share your thoughts with my office. I want to know what the priorities of my constituents are so that I am able to best represent you in Salem. Please reach out to my Salem office or my district office to let me know your thoughts and concerns”.
Lynn is reaching out to the people in his district, and seems to really want to know our concerns. Jan filled out his survey, and let him know that mining and natural resources are her priorities. She also explained her opposition to the new Cap and Trade bill. Lynn is new to the Senate, but he has the necessary energy to put into this position, and he seems to really want to do a good job working for the people who live in this huge, mostly rural, district.
CAP AND TRADE LEGISLATION-Lynn Findley
As you may be aware, the proponents of the 2019 Cap and Trade legislation have drafted a new version of the program that we will be working on during the short session. As a member of the Senate Environment and Natural Resources committee, I am going to do my absolute best to fight for the interests of all working Oregonians who will be impacted by this kind of legislation. I believe that there are many things we can do to lessen our carbon footprint, but this Cap and Trade bill is certainly not the way to do it. It will do nothing but bankrupt Oregon businesses and families.
WHAT’S UP AT DOGAMI?-Jan Alexander
Larry Chase sent the following e-mail to Chuck Chase, who forwarded it to me. “I have it on good authority that DOGAMI is no longer going to spend time, money or effort on anything associated with minerals or metals in Oregon. This policy comes as a result of directions straight from the governor. DOGAMI will direct all its efforts toward mapping ground water and other environmental concerns. Given the current political environment in Oregon, I doubt that this policy will change for quite some time”.
I talked to DOGAMI personnel, and was told that the environmental side of DOGAMI (tsunamis, earth quakes etc.) was getting all the funding, and the Mined Lands Division was short funds, other than the fees they get for their permits. All fees will be going up (a new permit will be $2,000), but that is to be expected. The scary thing would be if they dissolved DOGAMI and turned mine permitting in Oregon over to DEQ.
The bottom line is that all eyes are on Grassy Mountain. If that project goes forward, DOGAMI will stay in business. If Grassy Mountain folds, so goes DOGAMI.
GOOD NEWS ON WOTUS-Jan Alexander
The environmentalists are furious, so you know that’s a good thing. The new Trump approved Waters of the State is very clear about what is and is not a water of the state. Your ditches, source ponds, settling ponds, groundwater, wetlands not adjacent to a perennial stream, and channels that only run water in a storm event are not subject to the Clean Water Act. Miners, farmers and everyone who cares about reasonable regulations, are celebrating.
AEMA KICKS OFF 2020 IN D.C.
AEMA's Mark Compton (Executive Director) and Sid Smith (Government Affairs Manager) kicked off 2020 in Washington D.C. the week of January 13, meeting with federal agencies and congressional offices on both sides of the aisle. They were joined by AEMA's D.C. Representative Ron McMurray, AEMA President Adam Hawkins, and AEMA 2nd Vice President Ron Rimelman.
Highlighted topics included, among others:
• Proposed revisions to the Mining law;
• Potential Good Samaritan legislation to incentivize remediation of AML sites;
• National Environmental Policy Act reform;
• Revisions to the U.S. Forest Service 228A mining regulations; and
• Opposition to minerals withdrawal legislation in Arizona and Minnesota.
AEMA has worked hard over the years to develop constructive relationships in Washington, D.C. We will continue to be a consistent and well-respected voice in our nation’s capital on behalf of our members.
2020 AEMA WINTER RECEPTION FEBRUARY 7, 5:00PM-7:PM TUCSON, AZ
Are you cold, tired of winter? Here is your chance to talk one-on-one with AEMA staff at the Marriott Hotel, 3800 W. Star Pass Blvd, located in sunny, warm Arizona. Learn how AEMA can assist you and your company with your mining projects. For more information and a chance to join other miners in these discussions, RSVP Deanna Stroh dstroh@miningamerican.org
PROPOSAL TO MODERNIZE NEPA REGULATIONS-AEMA
The White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) announced its proposed rule to modernize and clarify its National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations to facilitate more efficient, effective, and timely NEPA reviews.
The proposed rule is a very positive development, and many of the provisions in the proposal are the result of long-term advocacy by AEMA and the mining industry. CEQ plans to host two public hearings: February 11 in Denver and February 25 in Washington, D.C.
AEMA's Environmental Committee hosted a call on January 28 to discuss the development of detailed AEMA comments, which we will submit by the March 10, 2020 deadline.
MINERAL WITHDRAWAL LEGISLATION INTRODUCED FOR ARIZONA AND MINNESOTA-AEMA
Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ) in December introduced the Grand Canyon Centennial Protection Act (S. 3127) to permanently withdraw from mineral entry more than one million acres in Arizona. Similar legislation (H.R. 1373) from Rep. Grijalva (D-AZ) passed the House of Representatives in October. AEMA strongly opposes both bills, and we do not expect either to get a hearing in the Senate.
Introduced this month in the House of Representatives was H.R. 5598 from Rep. Betty McCollum (D-MN), chairwoman of the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, withdrawing approximately 234,328 acres of federal land and waters in a specified area in the Superior National Forest in Minnesota from entry, appropriation, and disposal under the public land laws; location, entry, and patent under the mining laws; and operation of the mineral leasing, mineral materials, and geothermal leasing laws.
The mineral withdrawal in Rep. McCollum’s bill is identical to the one the Obama Administration announced just before leaving office, which the Trump Administration halted.
The Energy & Minerals Subcommittee of the House Natural Resources Committee is holding a hearing on H.R. 5598 on Wednesday, February 5. AEMA will travel to D.C. next week to participate in a briefing for Members of Congress and their staffs separate from the formal subcommittee hearing to express our strong opposition to the legislation.
EOMA SILVER MEDALLIONS FOR SALE
As most of you know, EOMA did not mint 2019 medallions, nor will we mint 2020 medallions. However, we still have 2018 medallions available, as well as some medallions from previous years. They are currently selling for $50.00 apiece plus $5.00 shipping, handling, and insurance. (Prices are subject to change).
You can order your medallion from the EOMA website and pay by pay-pal. Or, you can send $50 plus $5.00 shipping and handling to EOMA, Medallions, PO Box 932, Baker City, OR 97814, or call 541-523-3285. Also, you can buy them at our EOMA meetings.
EOMA ADVERTISING AND SALE LISTINGS
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.
WANTED-MINE RAIL
Wanted 40 to 60 feet of narrow gage mine rail (8 lb. preferred) with connectors. Various lengths are needed; used, and rusty are fine as long as it is straight!
Contact Frank at 724-840-2179 or flotito1@verizon.net.
GOLDEN ANGEL PLACER CLAIMS FOR SALE
Located on Pine Creek, adjacent to the High Bar (Gold Rush) claims, the four 20 acre Golden Angels have an approved Plan of Operation in place. Good County road access, water for processing, WPCF permit goes with the sale. For information, call John at 541-620-1177.
FOR SALE
Ed Hardt is selling his placer mining equipment. Ed's trommel is 20 feet long, 5 feet in diameter, gear driven, positive drive. It will process up to 100 yards a day, will not slip or spin out. Also, one three-inch pump, a two-inch pump, two and three inch flat hose, and a generator. Call 541-377-9209 or email Ed at twohardts@hotmail.com. Price for all is $15,000.
GOLD CLAIMS FOR SALE (3)
6 unpatented placer claims (180 acres) located on Elk Creek near Baker City.
Sale includes all equipment (2 excavators, dump truck, trommel, pumps, generators, etc).
Site was featured on the cover of ICMJ’s Prospecting and Mining Journal (August 2014).
Approved Plan of Operation with US Forest Service in place and can be transferred (expires 2021). DEQ process permit goes with the sale of the claims. For price, pictures and details, call Don Enright, 509-860-1145 or email: donaldenright25@gmail.com
FOR SALE TWO 80 ACRE ASSOCIATION PLACER CLAIMS (5)
Because of health reasons, we are selling our two 80 acre Association Placer Claims. These two claims are the last two claims on the top end of Elk Creek, a short distance from Baker City. A road goes through most of it. Sell for $7,000 each, or best offer. Will take gold, silver or will sell for a lesser price for cash. Call Ken Anderson at 541-519-9497 or Chuck Chase at 541-310-8510.
NATIVE SPIRIT 60 ACRE CLAIM FOR SALE
This claim is located on McCully Creek on the Wallowa-Whitman National Forest just west of the town of Sumpter. The site was hydraulic mined historically, and the gravel face is exposed. Good access, off-channel water is available for processing. DEQ process permit goes with the sale of the claim. Plan of Operation is scheduled to be approved for 2020 work. Call Charles Stewart at 541-910-5435 for more information.
BLUE SKY PLACER MINE $7,500
Three mining claims, two on Bull Run Creek, and one on Swamp Creek, a tributary of Bull Run Creek. The mine has a Plan of Operation and is set up for a trommel and backhoe operation. Can assume the plan and the $1,400 Bond. Six off channel ponds. Number six pond is the fresh water pond and number five you can discharge into. Can pan gold out of the tailings. Quite a bit of testing done and assay work; has all of the 17 Rare Earth Minerals. Call (541-310-8510)
SUE PLACER FOR SALE-$12,000
The Sue is located on the North Fork Burnt River, which is open for suction dredging, and is accessed by a good county road. The North Fork has a long dredging season-July 1-October 31 each year. I am selling the 20-acre Sue claim, along with two dredges (a 4” and a 6”), two trailers for them and accessories, two wet suits with weight belts, one repair kit and a few other items. There is also an approved Plan of Operation with the Forest Service for using a trommel and mechanized equipment beside the river.
The equipment alone is worth over what you will be paying for the total package, it's like getting the claim for free. For information call Stan Baker 541-938-8353 HM
509-386-7465 CELL swbrockett@msn.com.
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