Oregon gold mining stand off with BLM….Next bundy ranch

originally posted by: Vasa Croe
a reply to: zazzafrazz

I have no need to answer to you. Nor do I need to come up with anything. This IS a story and it IS in the news and BLM IS involved.

I am fascinated to see what a non-argument a self described writer has on this.

All of the facts are NOT out there,

Sure they are? Despite the miners not sharing any specifics. You just don't like the facts...so you and the miners conveniently scream...uh, well, the BLM is involved! as the story.

You might not like this story the more it becomes a story..

They are illegally mining without permits on Public Lands.

U.S. Bureau of Land Management spokesman Jim Whittington says the agency stumbled on the claim late last year and sent the claimholders letters ordering them to stop operations until they file the necessary paperwork.

www.oregonlive.com...

Hey...honestly, I am less concerned with cattle grazing on public lands than I am with illegal mining operations rolling in with bull-dozers, backhoes and rock trucks into our tax-payer owned national forests while blatantly trying to hide from the only people tasked with making sure they don't completely trash the landscape and rivers.

These guys suck...They trash the envirornment...don't get the permits (hiding so that they won't be inspected and don't have to repair the damage) and then run off with the gold and OREGON TAXPAYERS have to pay for the repairs.

They ignore letters from the BLM and then when they get a cease and desist order...call in the militia's?

It's not their land? They didn't even get the permits for mining rights...here is a phrase the Oath Keepers should be familiar with...get the eff off OUR land! And we will send you a bill for the damages.

a reply to: Indigo5

I think the whole Nevada debacle embarrassed them, and they are desperate for a new cause...pity they went in half cocked guns blazing....again.
The concept of a public militia given the current state of corrupt policing, they could have been useful to the public if they didn't make such idiots of themselves.

I agree totally with your assessment on the mining.

BLM aren't perfect, but I do remember when applying to make a claim with them in Cali and Nevada (for a fun social Gold mining group) thinking how extraordinary it is I can mine land I don't own, pay pennies to be there, can enforce no trespasses, and make a damn fortune if I strike it rich with the minerals whilst paying the BLM nothing for it....All if I keep my paperwork up to date, hide nothing and follow the law. I don't think there is another country on earth that does makes it that user friendly and cheap for claim stakes.

a reply to: zazzafrazz

Agreed. It is an unusually great system. I can not think of another country on earth that allows any one of it's citizens to mine public land for profits they can keep ..and in exchange for nothing more than the pennies a permit costs and a promise you wont destroy the local environment and public lands. I have no sympathy for anyone that thinks that is too big an ask.

Lock the miners up and throw away the key as an example to others.

Federal land doesn't mean you can just saunter in and do whatever you want because it's 'public.'

originally posted by: zazzafrazz
a reply to: Indigo5

BLM aren't perfect, but I do remember when applying to make a claim with them in Cali and Nevada (for a fun social Gold mining group) thinking how extraordinary it is I can mine land I don't own

I actually think the BLM has been unusually patient with these idiots..

Jim Whittington, public affairs officer for the BLM's Medford District, says the agency wasn't aware of any mining operations at the site until inspectors looking for abandoned mines stumbled on the site earlier this year.

He says inspectors visited the site in January and found the owners, George Backes and Rick Barclay, were out of compliance with the law, not having filed an operational plan for mining the claim. "Every time a mining claim changes ownership, it resets," Whittington says.

"They had heavy equipment, built a structure, they cut down trees, moved some earth and stuff of that nature," he says. "We've sent them two letters because the parts (of the regulations) they're in noncompliance with have two different administrative solutions."

www.mailtribune.com...

It blows my mind how many people are willing to support these men (some even with guns) to illegally mine and destroy OUR federal lands, without legal permits. While in my home state of WV, it seems the entire US stands against our LEGAL coal mines. Adding taxes and "new laws" to force them out of business.

Hold Your Hosses !!!

Hot news from the Western Front at Galice, Oregon.


"The Miners have asked that no one else come to the area at this time, but to stand by."




Sugar Pine Miners Stand off with the BLM

Posted on April 14, 2015 by TheHoss
There has been much misinformation and many misconceptions about the Galice Creek Mining district in Josephine County in southern Oregon. Being a 5th generation Oregonian, and a lover of freedom and liberty I am concerned any time the government shows up and threaten to burn things to the ground as some reports have stated.

I just got off the phone with Kirby Jackson, who is on the Galice Creek mining board, and he told me that he would like me to relay some information to the public.

Posted 23 Hours ago

“Breaking official news from Galice – One of the mine owners has informed myself and the second owner by phone, that he has spoken to Sheriff Dave Daniel.

Daniel stated that he has received many phone calls this morning from around the country.

In turn, he has spoken to Medford BLM about the brewing situation at Galice, Oregon.

BLM has assured him that they are not taking action at this time.

In light of BLM’s long history of utilizing deceptive tactics and well known reputation for dishonesty, the mine site will continue to be secured.

The owners request that all interested persons remain on standby.” - Kirby Jackson

Posted 27 minutes ago.

“Contrary to reports otherwise, all is calm in Galice, Oregon According to the attorney representing the mine, he spoke with BLM Special Agent Mike Swindon who told him that BLM is standing down. It is also reported that BLM has no LEO presence west of Merlin.

Despite this, the mine owners continue to have a distrust of BLM and efforts are still to keep the mine infrastructure secure from destruction or theft by run amok “land managers”.

In the meantime, the internet is aflutter with all kinds of rumors.

As I said earlier, if you do not hear it from Oathkeepers or myself, it is NOT official.
We are currently working on an official release of information, including pertinent documents.
Stay tuned.” - Kirby Jackson


The Miners have asked that no one else come to the area at this time, but to stand by. This is from the Oath keepers.

I was told by Mr. Jackson that he will keep me updated.

If need be I will go and investigate myself.

At this time I am standing by for more information.

The Hoss

a reply to: thorfourwinds

LOL, just lol.

Such dramatics.

a reply to: Martin75

Bunch of uneducated rednecks, envious they weren't in the revolution, bored with hunting and paintball now want to play militia.

Tension Between BLM and Mining Operation, Oath Keepers Set Up Camp

There is video also on that media link

I do not always agree with Oathkeepers, but I do agree with them giving the Feds a headache.

How many times have big government and their lobbyists sold you out to pocket a little more?

I could care less how illegal something is, because legality (so much lately) is in the interest of those well-greased palms. I choose to follow the constitution and morality. ( I am not responding to any particular person here)

At the least, these people are standing up to big government. I can applaud them for that.

a reply to: For Truth

So regardless of the reason, as long as the are sticking it to the man then you are on their side?

These guys are destroying the land and then fitting the tax payer aka you, with the bill.

What constitutional or moral basis do these miners have to do that?

a reply to: Sremmos80

Yes, I am.

I am not talking about, or in support of, the miners here, or Bundy Ranch. I am just talking about making it harder for the federal government to do their job. I am in almost constant opposition to most things our "leaders" do, at home or abroad.

I pay my taxes and see what the dollars go to, and I am not a fan.

originally posted by: thorfourwinds
Hold Your Hosses !!!

Hot news from the Western Front at Galice, Oregon.


"The Miners have asked that no one else come to the area at this time, but to stand by."

This nearly made me squirt coffee out of my nose. LOL

That is one fun machismo face saving bit!!

I imagine the first handful of Oathkeepers arrived and got an "on the ground" look at the mine complete with clear-cutting, bull-dozers, heavy equipment, tailings pond leeching into the creek etc. etc. and said..."sooo...this is Federal Land? and you don't have a permit?"

"No!...this is my land now Gdamit!!"

"OK guys...umm...we are all good here, no need to send more folks"

No in order to make setting up a militia camp there seem worthwhile and not another waste of time, they are now officially saying they are there to make sure the miners rights are protected in case the BLM MIGHT do something wrong.
LOL> Do these people have no homes and family of their own to look after because they can sit in a camp polishing their weapons for weeks on the off chance the BLM sends a third OUTRAGEOUS letter asking them to pull back operations until they comply with the law on public land management.

a reply to: zazzafrazz


Here is the backstory...After one miner that was illegally mining and ripping apart waterways actually got charged with something in 2012...after 3 illegal mines and a taxpayer paid repair bill of 29K...The year before a Galice creek miner shot an off-roader that crossed through his 20 acre claim...on federal land...with posted 4-wheeler trails and the local miners supported his right to shoot recreaters on federal land when they wandered into a mining claim. So the local miners organized and declared themselves their own "entity" with their own laws..

Re-organization: The Galice Mining District, which was first organized near the mouth of Galice Creek in 1853, was re-organized by a concerned committee of miners on September 2nd, 2012 who felt that many needs of the miners were not currently being met by any existing organization or mining district. The committee met at Sutherlin in Douglas County, Oregon for the purpose of re-organizing the Galice Mining District and declared in part:

“that an existing mining district must be activated to achieve the goals of the miners, to wit: to provide guards for their mining rights, their properties and the yields thereof and therefore. It was agreed that the re-organization of the Galice Mining District was necessary to the achievement of said goal. The Galice Mining District is hereby reorganized.”
It was further motioned and unanimously passed that:

“All officers have the duty to diligently execute their offices within the parameters of the Constitution for the United States of America, the Mining Law and the Common Law of the Miners.”

It was established, that the boundaries of the reorganized Galice Mining District shall consist of Josephine, Jackson and Douglas Counties, Oregon.

On September 16th, 2012, the committee re-convened at the property of George Backes of Grants Pass (Indigo5: this is the owner of the Sugar Pine mine in the OP), Oregon for the purpose of re-establishing the local rules, regulations and customs of the Galice Mining District.

In particular, it was discussed how the 1866 and 1872 Mining Acts granted the miners with the right of self government and the right to self regulate through the implementation of local rules and regulations, as well as the observance of local mining customs. Chief Executive Officer Jackson spoke to some degree about how over the years, the counties, states and federal agencies have usurped the powers and functions of the mining districts.

galicemining.x10.mx...

Now...read that first sentence...
Re-organization: The Galice Mining District, which was first organized near the mouth of Galice Creek in 1853, was re-organized by a concerned committee of miners on September 2nd, 2012

What has changed between 1853 and 2012?...a lot. Not least of which that Oregon did not become a state until 1859, so in 1853 a self ruling miningg district with it's own laws would seem reasonable absent any government authority, state or federal what-so-ever. Not so much in 2012 when they decided to revive their declared independence on Federal lands.

They are fighting for the right to pollute, block access roads, post no-trespassing signs and shoot people that do "trespass" by using public lands...all on tax-payer, public lands and under their self-proclaimed laws, they may build houses, pollute streams, bull-doze acres of national forests freely as well as shoot trespassers that might think it is OK to fish, hike or 4-wheel on in the national forest.

The Sugar Pine mine in this OP (20 acres) is $149 dollars per year to the BLM/gov for mining rights. One hell of a deal. They don't own the land, just the mineral rights to the gold in the ground and are asked kindly to do their best to return the public lands to a safe working order like it was before. The owners have refused to pay the $149, have not filed a plan of operations explaining what they are going to do, have moved in heavy equipment, bulldozed large portions of the land and began building a house.

They have reverted to an 1853 self-ruling "district"...a time not only when the territory was not subject to the Federal Government, but also before there was a STATE government.

By simply sending kind and professional letters explaining they are not allowed to build a house and bull-doze acres of land in a Public, Tax-Payer owned national forest and declare the land "theirs", and that they have to follow rules around polluting and can't shoot hikers...the BLM is showing much more patience than imaginable.

Hell..all the BLM asked for was a $149 dollars and a plan of operations for the right to mine 20 acres of tax-payer land! And they refused...or more accurately, ignored the BLM...cuz under the "Galice Mining District" laws their is no BLM, No Fed, No State, No EPA...and they can do as they please with OUR land and shoot trespassers.

If a homeless person tried that in central park...see how many Oathkeepers would show up to protect him.

a reply to: Indigo5

Excellent research Indigo. I appreciate you digging into these details. (pun intended)

Anti-government sentiment is running high and hot, while the real issue is a legal one that concerns all Americans who wish their public lands to be kept safe from illegal polluting and destruction.

The miners have rights, through proper procedures with the Sate of Oregon, to use Federal lands for mining IF they agree to take care of the land in return. Shooting people for their legitimate access to the same federal lands cannot be seen as acceptable, nor can trashing OUR publicly held property nor the waterways of Oregon, be seen as anything other than criminal.

I hope the Oathkeepers decide to fight for the rights of the American people to have healthy public lands free of illegal mining operations that destroy our mutual birthright as American Citizens.

- AB

originally posted by: Sremmos80
So are they free loading at the tax payer dime and not paying taxes?

Please stop spreading FUD.

Bundy was not free loading. He was paying the fees - just not to the Feds, he was paying it to THE STATE, which is where it should have been going anyway.

a reply to: Vasa Croe

I wonder/hope the miners can claim the area/forest as their own...hippies forgot to hug the trees?

private forest?

...tear the baby in half?

Little is said how the forest service does not make good on their claim to pay for the woods/forests that wind up exported, seems a normal practice to screw Oregonians of their state owned/sold resources...alaska pipeline is an example of paying for resources extracted?

What would we do if the 'pie' makes us all sick...but so sick that we don't even realize we are so sick?

Everyone wants a piece of the pie because their own unique life depends upon it. It makes me sick.

Pay for the forests that were exported first, before you swing your racket at this...?

Timberland owners?

timberland owners?

Note that federal agencies are the majority owners of forestland in Oregon, particularly in eastern Oregon.

Work takes me away from the computer.

IMO; the miners own the land they have been stewards to as long as have been established thereon.

I'll take my cloud with me

originally posted by: tanstaafl

originally posted by: Sremmos80
So are they free loading at the tax payer dime and not paying taxes?

Please stop spreading FUD.

Bundy was not free loading. He was paying the fees - just not to the Feds, he was paying it to THE STATE, which is where it should have been going anyway.

Incorrect.

Bundy's family paid the now $1.35 per month for each cow and calf on both BLM and Forest Service lands from 1956 to 1993. It was likely less back through time. $16 dollars per head per year to graze his cattle on 600K acres of public land.


In 1993 he stopped paying.

In 1994 he did try paying the fees to the State, but the check was returned to him

In March 1994, Bundy tried to send a check for $1,961 to Clark County for grazing fees, but the county returned it because it lacked jurisdiction over the land

www.eenews.net...

Then for the next 20 years he paid nothing and actually expanded his herd and the land he grazed his cattle on. Trespassing on other allotments.

pickardparry.com...

www.eenews.net...

www.factandmyth.com...

www.care2.com...