The Annual PLP Christmas Party will be held on December 17^th at Keene Engineering, 8940 Lurline Ave, Chatsworth, CA  91311. The party kicks off at 7:00 p.m., and everyone is welcome.

Attendees are encouraged to bring a wrapped gift with a value of at least $10 which will be included in our raffle present giveaway. PLP will be donating several gifts as well, and Pat Keene promises to put some very nice presents under the tree.

This casual but very social event will offer catered sandwiches and beverages courtesy of Keene Engineering. As always, Barry Wetherby will be supplying his famous champagne punch. Since this is a potluck affair, you are welcome to bring a side dish or dessert.

The PLP Board hopes you can attend this annual affair. It is an excellent way to catch up with friends and establish new contacts. You can listen to the latest updates concerning our court cases and ongoing projects, as well as learn what lies ahead in 2016.

If you have any questions, please send us an email at: info@publiclandsforthepeople.org

We hope to see you there,
PLP Board of Directors

MEDIA RELEASE

Public Lands for the People

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, Nov. 23, 2015

The following is a media release issued by Public Lands for the People, a national non-profit organization based in California:

CEQA court case settlement to cost taxpayers $350,000

Public Lands for the People has recently learned that the state of California has offered to pay $350,000 to a coalition of environmental groups, including the Karuk Tribe and Center for Biological Diversity, to drop a lawsuit over the California Department of Fish & Wildlife’s 2012 suction dredge mining regulations.

The case centers around a flawed study under the California Environmental Quality Act, which requires state and local agencies to identify significant environmental impacts and to avoid or mitigate those impacts, if feasible. The court battle, known in mining circles as the CEQA case, involves two separate lawsuits:

The Karuk Tribe, Center for Biological Diversity, Environmental Law Foundation, Pacific Federation of Fisherman’s Associations and Friends of the River allege that the regulations adopted in March 2012 were not developed in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act, fail to mitigate identified impacts and are inconsistent with existing state law. The case was filed April 3, 2012 in Alameda County Superior Court.

Meanwhile, Public Lands for the People also sued the state, alleging that the Subsequent Environmental Impact Report, which was based on reports from Horizon Water and Environment, a consulting firm based in Oakland, Calif., was improperly and unlawfully conducted and therefore rendered skewed, unscientific findings.

“The 2012 dredging regulations were based on bad science from a deeply flawed environmental report,” said PLP President Walt Wegner. “The SEIR results were used to prop up the case for far more restrictive suction dredge mining regulations because of pressure from these environmental groups.”

The SEIR study claims that suction dredge mining has several “potentially significant impacts” on the environment, even though all previous studies had concluded that dredging causes a “less than significant impact,” Wegner said.

“How does this drastic change in study results happen overnight? The study is bogus and heavily influenced by politics—not science,” said Wegner. “And, now after years of battling the CEQA case, these environmental groups have decided to take the money and run, leaving California taxpayers on the hook for $350,000.”

PLP Attorney James Buchal said it’s a shame that state taxpayers will be stuck with the tab, again.

“It is regrettable that once again the state of California has decided to shovel hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees to entities working to cripple the state’s natural resource economy. To make matters worse, the state agreed to pay that money and allow the tribe and its allies to dismiss their claims without prejudice, meaning they could bring them all over again for a second payoff,” Buchal said. “The Karuks are done; they’ve settled. The state and the tribe have agreed to it, and at this point I think it’s just a pro forma approval by the judge, and the money will be paid.”

PLP’s CEQA case is expected to proceed Jan. 20 in San Bernardino County Superior Court.

“With the tribe dismissing its claims,that leaves only the miners claiming that the environmental analysis of the 2012 regulations was defective. But, what gives this a sort of surreal and Kafkaesque quality is that back in January the judge ruled that the regulations are unconstitutional anyway,” Buchal said, referring to another dredging case heard by California Superior Court Judge Gilbert Ochoa.

Ochoa ruled in January 2015 that the federal Mining Law of 1872 pre-empts the state ban on dredging under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which states that federal law supersedes state law. The ruling was deemed a win for miners, however the state continues to cite dredgers and has refused to issue dredging permits to miners.

Clark Pearson, northern director for PLP, said the CEQA case settlement wreaks of cronyism and corruption between the state and environmental groups.

“It doesn’t pass the smell test,” Pearson said. “This was a sweetheart lawsuit … so basically they were paid off to drop the case. Do you think the same offer will be made to miners? I highly doubt it. No offer has been made to us, and we are the prevailing party. We should be entitled to attorney fees.”

Suction dredge mining has been banned since 2009 in what began as a two-year moratorium imposed under Senate Bill 670, and extended under various legislation.

“That so-called moratorium has become a de facto ban, which is unconstitutional—and small-scale suction dredge miners are paying the price,” Wegner said. “The state has crippled the local economies of many mining towns in California, and is actually making the mercury problem worse. Contrary to the propaganda from some environmental groups that it may harm fish, dredging not only removes mercury and lead from California streams and rivers but it cleans hard-packed, silt-covered gravels that salmon and other fish need to spawn, and it also improves fish habitat by creating refugia.”

Sue-and-settle cases

Friendly lawsuits, or sue-and-settle cases, have been the subject of investigations in Washington, D.C. In fact, the Center for Biological Diversity is listed as fourth on the list of most frequent environmental group plaintiffs in sue-and-settle cases in a 54-page report, “Sue and Settle, Regulating Behind Closed Doors,” published by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in 2013.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce “Sue and Settle, Regulating Behind Closed Doors” report: https://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/documents/files/SUEANDSETTLEREPORT-Final.pdf

The Karuk Tribe is based in the northwestern corner of the state in Humboldt and Siskiyou Counties and has opposed suction dredging mining along with environmental groups, such as the Center for Biological Diversity.

Public Lands for the People is a 501[C](3) nonprofit corporation whose mission statement is “to represent and assist outdoor user groups and individuals interested in keeping public and private lands open to prospecting, mining and outdoor recreation through public education, scientific data and legal means.”

NOTE: (Kafkaesque refers to Franz Kafka and his novels about arbitrary bureaucracy.)

For more information, contact:
PLP President Walt Wegner
Phone: (818) 887-5970
Website: www.PublicLandsForThePeople.org
Email: info@publiclandsforthepeople.org

Public Lands for the People
20929 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 47-466
Woodland Hills, CA 91364

Public Lands for the People is a 501(C)(3) Nonprofit Corporation: #95-4521318 & 1880483

PLP would like to bring you up to date on the Minerals and Mining Advisory Council (MMAC) meeting with General John F. Kelly, USMC Commander, U.S. Southern Command, and Howard “Buck” McKeon, former Chairman of the Armed Services Committee.

This meeting took place Friday, November 6^th, 2015 where the parties discussed MMAC’s new proposed legislation “Minerals and Mining Regulatory Reform Act a Clear Path Respecting Mining Rights”. PLP and MMAC are in negotiations with the McKeon Group LLC to have the firm deliver the MMAC Bill to the House and Senate Floor as soon as possible. Also present at this meeting was MMAC Counsel Bill Jensen, PLP Board Member Pat Keene, PLP President Walt Wegner, and MMAC Founder Joe Martori.

PLP’s primary responsibility in its association with MMAC is to administer the donations received on MMAC’s behalf. We are supporters of the MMAC mission to pass legislation to put miners on equal footing with other Federal agencies and have miners control their destiny within the organized mining districts. Even with our MMAC involvement, PLP’s primary energy will continue to focus on our ongoing court litigation and the interests of our members.

It is critical for our community at large to donate in order to move this process forward. By clicking on the link below you can:

Learn more about MMAC’s mission.
Review key documents of interest. 
Contact a MMAC counsel with questions you may have. 
Learn how you can donate to support this legislation. 

MMAC FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN 

Thank you very much,
Walt Wegner
President, PLP

A few selected photos taken at the McKeon Leadership Forum November 6, 2015 at College of the Canyons in Valencia Ca. featuring General John F. Kelly, USMC Commander, U.S. Southern Command:

The PLP/MMAC team with Chairman Buck McKeon discussing the new proposed legislation “Minerals and Mining Regulatory Reform Act a Clear Path Respecting Mining Rights”.

The PLP/MMAC Team at the McKeon Leadership Forum. (L-R) Walt Wegner, Pat Keene, Joe Martori, and Bill Jensen.

The PLP/MMAC Team with Morris Thomas, Regional Director of The McKeon Group LLC.

Members of the PLP/MMAC Team with Howard “Buck” McKeon (center) and General John F. Kelly.

Dave Fjeld, who was very active in Mizzouri prospecting, passed away June 12th, 2015. His wife, Carolyn, set up a memorial fund in Dave’s name to raise funds for PLP. You can read the full text of the article detailing Dave’s memorial fund by clicking Over the Divide.

Most good things in our lives are about the people around us. This memorial is about Dave’s family and friends. PLP wishes to thank Carolyn Fjeld, the entire Fjeld family, and all the donors who are listed below:

William Mathein                                                          Barbara Meyer

Donna Daniels                                                            Harvey Walden

Carol Smith                                                                Jeffery & Rhonda Larma

Dave & Betty Gilliland                                                  Robert & Maureen Riordan

Carl & Mary Anna Wolf                                                Nina Thomas

John & Andrea Bargiel                                                 Doug & Emily Schrader

Below is the Press Release from Mineral and Mining Advisory Council (MMAC) outlining their campaign to raise funds for the introduction and eventual passage of a Congressional Bill that will protect Public Land access and mining rights.

It is important that you take some time to understand MMAC’s Purpose and goals by visiting their website. There are links to important MMAC documents at the bottom of this press release that should be investigated as well. In addition, a contact number is provided for any additional questions you may have.

It is critical for our community at large to donate now in order to move this Bill into Congress.  -PLP Editor

This is a fund raising effort for all Americans to recover and maintain their Public Land rights. The Mining Industry and related support businesses will benefit, along with individuals who support prospecting, logging, ranching, off-roading, hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking and camping. This Bill protects every American’s right to explore and enjoy the great outdoors.

DONATIONS ARE REQUIRED TO FUND AND INTRODUCE AN HR BILL, WRITTEN BY MMAC TO PROTECT OUR RIGHTS TO ACCESS PUBLIC LAND; WITH AN EMPHASIS ON MINING AS A MATTER OF NATIONAL SECURITY, PROTECTED UNDER THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT.

THIS PROJECT NEEDS YOUR PLEDGE BY JANUARY 31^st, 2016 FOR A SUCCESSFUL VOTE BY JUNE 2016

This Bill re-establishes Public Land access for all Americans. It re-establishes an Industrial Mineral & Mining Supply Chain for manufacturing in support of domestic & military requirements, something America has not seen since the turn of the 20^th century.

This fund raising effort will be used to support the contract with The McKeon Group, LLC. The McKeon Group will make recommendations for improvements to the Bill, locate Congressional sponsors and prepare the Bill for Congressional submission & Committee by January 31^st, 2016.

The McKeon Group, LLC, is operated by former Congressman Buck McKeon, who was the last Chairman of the Armed Services Committee. The McKeon Group will guide the Bill through introduction, sponsorship and marketing, in addition to creating a companion Bill for the Senate.

This Bill eliminates overlapping laws, rules, and regulations which restricts Public Land access and cripples the mining industry. In addition, this Bill will support all other industries and activities.

 IN SUMMARY:

All donations are tax deductible, and all donations will be used to retain the McKeon Group.
This Bill will open floodgates to create millions of new long-term high paying jobs.
This Bill rids the United States of overlapping laws, rules, and regulations so businesses can operate without fear.
This Bill will benefit all industries and will bolster the economy, especially rural America.
Key Presidential candidates are being asked to back this Bill.

PUBLIC LANDS FOR THE PEOPLE (PLP) IS A 501(c)(3) CORPORATION WITH A 25 YEAR HISTORY FIGHTING FOR PUBLIC LAND ACCESS AND MINING RIGHTS. PLP IS READY TO ACCEPT YOUR TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO SUPPORT THE INTRODUCTION OF THE MMAC HR BILL.

TO DONATE VIA CREDIT CARD (NON PAYPAL USERS)

Navigate to www.publiclandsforthepeople.org/join/.
Under Donate to PLP, insert your donation amount in the box.
Click the Donate button. Under Don’t have a PayPal Account, click Continue.
Fill out your information, then click Review Donation and Continue.
Click on Add Special Instructions to the Seller. In the box, type in MMAC HR Bill.
Click the Donate button at the bottom.

TO DONATE VIA CREDIT CARD (PAYPAL USERS)

Navigate to www.publiclandsforthepeople.org/join/.
Under Donate to PLP, insert your donation amount in the box.
Click the Donate button, then log into PayPal.
Click on Add Special Instructions to the Seller. In the box, type in MMAC HR Bill.
Click the Donate button at the bottom.

TO DONATE VIA CHECK

Make your check out to Public Lands for the People.
On the memo line, write MMAC HR Bill.

MAIL YOUR CHECK TO:

Public Lands for the People
20929 Ventura Blvd. Ste 47-466
Woodland Hills, CA  91364

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, please go to the MMAC website: www.mmacusa.org
OR CALL: 530-273-0420.

ADDITIONAL MMAC DOCUMENTS:

Declaration of Miners
Miners Making the Rules and Regulations
MMAC & PLP Update
Organize Your Mining District
Power of the Mining Districts

Below is the Press Release from Mineral and Mining Advisory Council (MMAC) outlining their campaign to raise funds for the introduction and eventual passage of a Congressional Bill that will protect Public Land access and mining rights.

It is important that you take some time to understand MMAC’s Purpose and goals by visiting their website. There are links to important MMAC documents at the bottom of this press release that should be investigated as well. In addition, a contact number is provided for any additional questions you may have.

It is critical for our community at large to donate now in order to move this Bill into Congress.  -PLP Editor

This is a fund raising effort for all Americans to recover and maintain their Public Land rights. The Mining Industry and related support businesses will benefit, along with individuals who support prospecting, logging, ranching, off-roading, hunting, fishing, hiking, mountain biking and camping. This Bill protects every American’s right to explore and enjoy the great outdoors.

DONATIONS ARE REQUIRED TO FUND AND INTRODUCE AN HR BILL, WRITTEN BY MMAC TO PROTECT OUR RIGHTS TO ACCESS PUBLIC LAND; WITH AN EMPHASIS ON MINING AS A MATTER OF NATIONAL SECURITY, PROTECTED UNDER THE NATIONAL DEFENSE AUTHORIZATION ACT.

THIS PROJECT NEEDS YOUR PLEDGE BY JANUARY 31^st, 2016 FOR A SUCCESSFUL VOTE BY JUNE 2016

This Bill re-establishes Public Land access for all Americans. It re-establishes an Industrial Mineral & Mining Supply Chain for manufacturing in support of domestic & military requirements, something America has not seen since the turn of the 20^th century.

This fund raising effort will be used to support the contract with The McKeon Group, LLC. The McKeon Group will make recommendations for improvements to the Bill, locate Congressional sponsors and prepare the Bill for Congressional submission & Committee by January 31^st, 2016.

The McKeon Group, LLC, is operated by former Congressman Buck McKeon, who was the last Chairman of the Armed Services Committee. The McKeon Group will guide the Bill through introduction, sponsorship and marketing, in addition to creating a companion Bill for the Senate.

This Bill eliminates overlapping laws, rules, and regulations which restricts Public Land access and cripples the mining industry. In addition, this Bill will support all other industries and activities.

 IN SUMMARY:

• All donations are tax deductible, and all donations will be used to retain The McKeon Group.                                                         • This Bill will opens floodgates to create millions of new long-term high paying jobs.                                                                     • This Bill rids the United States of overlapping laws, rules, and regulations so businesses can operate without fear.                           • This Bill will benefit all industries and will bolster the economy, especially rural America.                                                               • Key presidential candidates are being asked to back this Bill.

PUBLIC LANDS FOR THE PEOPLE (PLP) IS A 501(c)(3) CORPORATION WITH A 25 YEAR HISTORY FIGHTING FOR PUBLIC LAND ACCESS AND MINING RIGHTS. PLP IS READY TO ACCEPT YOU TAX DEDUCTIBLE DONATION TO SUPPORT THE INTRODUCTION OF THE MMAC HR BILL.

TO DONATE VIA CREDIT CARD (NON PAYPAL USERS)

• Navigate to: http://www.publiclandsforthepeople.org/join/                                                                                                              • Under Donate to PLP, insert the donation amount in the box.                                                                                                       • Click the Donate button.                                                                                                                                                           • Under Don’t have a PayPal Account, click Continue.                                                                                                                   • Fill out your information, then click Review Donation and Continue.                                                                                         • Click on Add Special Instructions to the Seller.                                                                                                                           • In the box, type in MMAC HR Bill.                                                                                                                                             • Click the Donate button at the bottom.

TO DONATE VIA CREDIT CARD (PAYPAL USERS)

• Navigate to: http://www.publiclandsforthepeople.org/join/                                                                                                              • Under Donate to PLP, insert the donation amount in the box.                                                                                                       • Click the Donate button, then log into PayPal.                                                                                                                           • Click on Add Special Instructions to the Seller. In the box, type in MMAC HR Bill.                                                                     • Click the Donate button at the bottom.

TO DONATE VIA CHECK

• Make your check out to Public Lands for the People.                                                                                                                 • On the memo line, write MMAC HR Bill.                                                                                                                                     • Mail your check to:

Public Lands for the People                                                                                                                                             20929 Ventura Blvd. Ste 47-466                                                                                                                                 Woodland Hills, CA  91364         

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS, Please go to the MMAC website: www.mmacusa.org

or CALL: XXX-XXX-XXX

ADDITIONAL MMAC DOCUMENTS

Miners Declaration of Independence                                                                                                                                        Miners Making the Rules and Regulations                                                                                                                               MMAC & PLP Update                                                                                                                                                                Organize Your Mining District                                                                                                                                                  Power of the Mining Districts

Walt Wegner, President of PLP, will be the guest speaker November 7th at the Temecula Valley Prospector’s monthly meeting. Walt will be fielding questions in addition to providing the latest updates on the dredge lawsuits and PLP’s position on SB 637.

Temecula Valley Prospectors, located in Riverside County, boasts a membership of 250 strong and is the largest prospecting, mineral and gem organization in the area. Founded in 2001, this family oriented club is a chapter of the GPAA as well as being a supporting member of PLP. Temecula Valley members supported the recent Octoberfest outing in large numbers and played a large part in the success of that event.

Like many other prospecting organizations, Temecula Valley schedules outings to gold claims it owns- one located in Big Bear, one in Coolgardie, and two on the Feather River. This group is also very active attending community events throughout the year.

Temecula Valley Prospectors meets on the first Saturday of every month from 9-12 a.m. at the Assistance  League of Temecula Valley, 28720 Via Montezuma, in Temecula Valley.

-PLP Editor

PLP attends Feinstein’s Public Meeting, Whitewater CA 10/13/15   2 pm

Three Proposed Monuments comprising over one million acres:

Mojave Trails (AKA Route 66) Between Needles and Barstow: enlarging the Mojave Preserve

Sand to Snow: 134,000 acres from San Bernardino National Forest east into the desert

Castle Mountains: Taking more land off line around the Mojave Preserve near the Nevada border.

Over 600 people showed up to the public meeting, many of whom had hopes of voicing their opinion on the proposed monuments. Many people are passionate about this issue and came to either support the additional monuments or try to dissuade the powers that be from taking more land from the public and locking it up under federal control.

The Wildlands Conservancy graciously hosted the event, providing food and drinks on their property at the site where they recently mothballed the historic Whitewater fish hatchery and opened a visitor’s center.

The meeting was scheduled to begin at 2 pm and people began arriving very early in the morning despite the very hot weather. There were cars parked along the road for several miles and shuttle buses were provided for the attendees.

Senator Feinstein was the moderator and main speaker, introducing other politicians who each spoke in turn. Feinstein, mentioning in reference to the Castle Mountain monument, that the preserve “seeks only lands that won’t interfere with the mine. No active mine will be affected.” She went on to say “I want to be clear, we have worked a carve out for every commercial mine THE COUNTY ASKED US TO.”

What was not said is oftentimes more profound than what was said, though that is bad enough. Someone in a county office, not involved with commercial mining is deciding which mines get to stay open and which ones get included in the monuments. Also, there is NO PROVISION for prospecting for new mineral deposits, or holding in reserve known deposits that are essential to the national defense. Prices of commodities fluctuate and mines open and close depending on economic and national war status. It is VERY SHORT SIGHTED to exclude prospecting for new and ignoring known deposits that are not currently being mined from the discussion of the monuments.

Feinstein continued… “What this desert carries is the tradition of the West that founded California, and we aim to keep that going.”  She must have forgotten that California became a state far ahead of all the other western states due to the 1849 Gold Rush. Prospecting and mining built California and propelled it into the economic powerhouse of the nation. It was one of the biggest economies in the world for many decades because of mining and then agriculture also boomed with mining. It has been declining in direct proportion to the increase in regulation and the exodus of businesses from the state.

So now it’s the tourist industry the politicians are banking on to pay the tab for the new monuments, since the BLM and Forest Service are strapped for cash as it is. They claim that the monuments will bring in $146 million a year in additional revenue to the area. Funny thing though, the one gold mine getting ready to open in the proposed Castle Mountain monument area (Castle Mountain Mine) is projected to bring in $220 million a year and provide 300 high paying, long term jobs. Just think if we could remove some regulatory barriers and open up more mines in existing areas already impacted from historic mining how the region could thrive! The active and potentially active mines are mostly in historic mining areas, so preserving the natural landscape is not as crucial, though very important. We can do both- preserve the landscape and wildlife, plus have mining production if it is done correctly with oversight by www.mineralsandminingadvisorycouncil.org .

San Bernardino County Supervisor Ramos stated that “80% of the land is under Federal control”. I agree Mr. Ramos, 80% is way too much! There isn’t much left for multiple use when you consider 25% of the area is Wilderness, a bunch more is locked behind military gates, National Parks, National Monuments, Preserves, etc. There just isn’t very much left for multiple use!

Many speakers including Senator Feinstein called on Obama to use the Antiquities Act to create the monuments, since she could not get it through legislative means. Even when the Democrats controlled both the House of Representatives and the Senate, she could not get it passed. There is a reason for that, it’s a bad idea! She said they are requesting Obama to sign the monuments into being as a ‘Plan B’ running concurrently with the legislative track.

Most people think the only, or the best way to protect the land is to make it into a monument, etc. They don’t realize the public has little or no say in what happens after land is declared a National Monument, National Park, Preserve, etc. It actually changes ownership from the citizens of the United States of America to the Federal Government.

Former Mayor of Redlands Pete Aguilar claimed we need a feasible management plan. Yes Pete, we do, but this isn’t it!

Paul Cook’s Chief of Staff explained Cook’s recently introduced bill which he claims is a more balanced management plan; though groups like Minerals and Mining Advisory Council and Public Lands for the People were left out of much of the planning of his proposed bill since we would not compromise. Though much improved over Feinstein’s version, it lacks much of the mineral resource mining preservation we advocate. It may be a lesser of the two evils (three counting Obama’s pen), but it’s still evil! NO COMPROMISE. Too many groups have done this in the past and we are almost out of land to compromise with!

Robert Bonney, Under Secretary in charge of the Forest Service said “68,000 acres of the Sand to Snow Monument would be in the Forest Service area” meaning, it’s already protected under Forest Service management. No need for a monument there! Already being managed…

The Laborers International Union of North America representatives had about 40 people at the meeting. They came out in favor of mining interests because they realize that without mining, there would be no materials to use on construction projects! They get it. They are for preserving some pristine land, as we are. We agree that we should be good stewards of the land, but we need a fully balanced management plan that takes into consideration National Security, Recreation, the Economy and Preservation. Not one over the others.

During the Public Comment period, speakers were chosen “at random” from their comment cards they turned in before the meeting started. The cards asked if you were for, against or unsure of your position on the monuments. It seemed the speakers chosen were far and away more FOR than AGAINST. When the time for comments came to an end, many folks stood up and protested loudly that they had not been allowed to speak. To her credit, Feinstein conceded, saying she needed to leave but her staff would stay and listen to everyone, letting her know the comments that were made. After that, the ratio of AGAINST the monument comments increased dramatically. Hmmmm one has to wonder, well not really.

The Mayor of Hesperia exhorted the politicians to follow the rule of law, forcefully telling them “don’t change the rules in the middle because you don’t like the outcome!” He is against this monument land grab scheme as many, many folks who love the land are.

About 2 dozen of us signed a paper donating our speaking time to Bill Jensen for MMAC. So when everyone was allowed one minute to speak, he bargained with Feinstein, and she only allowed him 3 minutes to speak. Not a very good deal, but he made some excellent points, concluding with the phrase that sums it all up: “Remember, if it’s not grown, it’s mined!”

-Ron Kliewer, VP Public Lands for the People

The 2015 Oktoberfest concluded Monday October 12th after a very successful 4 day run. The PLP Board of Directors would like to extend our sincere thanks and gratitude to:

Jim, Sue, and Kristie Jeffery, owners of American Prospector Treasure Seeker

Joe and Karen Martori, owners of the Sleepy Bear Mine

Jack and Gerri Williams, owners of Miners Keepers

In addition, this event would not have happened without the participation of the 300 strong friends and family members who paid good money to attend this outing and make it a success. And not to be forgotten are the group of volunteers in safety green T-shirts who donated their time to make this fundraiser a well run, organized gathering.

A special thank you goes out to these vendors and manufacturers:

Pat Keene of Keene Engineering: Pat provided the men and extra mining equipment for the Common Dig. He also donated a Keene 151S Drywasher as one of the giveaway prizes.

GPAA: Thanks to Brandon Johnson and Dominic Ricci for donating the panning booths for the Oktoberfest. The kids had a great experience panning out gold and gems.

Curt Tims, owner of Little Digger Mining & Supply: Curt set up mining equipment, ran demonstrations and answered questions all day every day. Curt is a big PLP supporter and operates his business in Johannesburg.

Bill Samarin, owner of Mad Mining: Bill is also a large PLP supporter. Like Curt, Bill set up mining equipment, ran demonstrations and answered questions all day every day. He helped make the PLP booth area an interesting place to visit.

Scott Harn, publisher of ICMJ: Scott donated the latest edition of the ICMJ to the attendees of the event. He also presented PLP with a sizeable donation check for PLP memberships bought through his magazine.

Mike Scott of First Texas Products: Mike set up a booth with First Texas products and several giveaways for the Oktoberfest participants.

Whites Electronics: Whites donated a metal detector for one of the giveaway prizes.

First Texas Products: First Texas donated a metal detector for one of the giveaway prizes.

Minelab USA: Minelab donated a metal detector for one of the giveaway prizes.

Although the weather was a bit hot for this time of year in the California desert, that fact did not slow down the participants from prospecting on Sleepy Bear’s 400 acres. Some reported finding good amounts, and others not quite so much. The Saturday night barbecue was fantastic, with brisket, pulled pork, tri-tip and 2 types of sausage. The pot luck sides and desserts offered something for everyone, as did the music that played for 2 days. After the event concluded, there could be hardly a piece of trash found. The folks camping on the grounds left it spotless. The PLP Board can think of no better place to have been October 9-12, and we suspect most if not all of the 300 strong feel the same way.

Thank you,                                                                                                                                                                                 Public Lands for the People

Some Pictures……..

Monday, October 12th

TOMORROW 8:AM Your Attendance Is Requested

STOP THE CLOSING OF 2 MILLION ACRES

Senator Feinstein has organized an AMBUSH Public Hearing & Invited the President of the USA to attend and try to Shut Down 2,000,000. ACRES of Public Land….

PLEASE JOIN US TOMORROW, OCTOBER 13TH for the Public meeting on proposed Mojave Trails, Sand to Snow and Castle Mountains national monuments.  

WHEN: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2015 AT 2PM Tomorrow! You must arrive at 8am or earlier or you will never get in!

WHERE: The Wildlands Conservancy’s Whitewater Preserve, 9160 Whitewater Canyon Road, Whitewater, CA 92282

LOCATION: Near the Palm Springs area. Directions will be provided below.

This is in a remote location after a 3 day holiday weekend with very little advance notice. This is not an accident.

There are only 23 parking spaces at the Wildlands Conservancy. Arrangements have made for another 100 parking spaces along the road. There are approximately 300 seats available inside the conservancy grounds under a tent. There is a nice picnic area there with gas stoves only. There is little to no cell service in the area. Please bring plenty of water and something to snack on.

The Environmental Lobby made arraignments to bus in over 400 of their supporters in a deliberate effort to keep “Mining & Public Lands for the People, Out”. Walt Wegner, President of PLP, will be present at this event to speak.

In order for Minerals and Mining Advisory Council (MMAC) and Public Lands for the People (PLP) to have representation at this hearing we need you to show up before 8am to have a chance of finding parking and seating before you are deliberately locked out!

Anyone that wants to prevent 2 million acres from being removed from public access without Congressional approval should show up and protest this action. Fill out a Public Comment Card and speak for your (3) minutes. Please remember to dress in an appropriate manner, as this event should be covered by the regional press.

Feinstein has every intention of having Obama sign an Executive Order in the same fashion that the San Gabriel National Monument was accomplished, going around Congress and the Senate.

Feinstein’s Leftist organizations have been notifying conservancy members and supporters for over a month about this “Public Hearing” in an effort to keep everyone else (us the public) out. Congressman Bishop & Cook did not even get a week’s notice! 

If we are going to stop Feinstein’s land grab and another misuse of Presidential powers we must show up and have our voices heard!

Thank you very much,

Public Lands for the People

Directions:

– Going East on Interstate 10 you’ll see Morongo Trail Exit (Exit 104) – continue on from there for another approximately 9.4 miles to Whitewater Exit (Exit 114)

– Take the Whitewater Exit (Exit 114)

– Go left, over the freeway for approx. .4 miles to Whitewater Canyon Rd

– Turn left onto Whitewater Canyon Rd

– The location is in approx 4.5 miles, the road dead ends into the property.

  (This location is where the old Whitewater Trout Hatchery was)