Jan/Feb 2026 Newsletter

PLP Has Cool New Shirts! Get them at Quartzsite!
The show everyone’s been waiting for!!
PLP will be at the Quartzsite Gold Show with new shirts!

WHEN: Friday February 13th, Saturday the 14th and Sunday the 15^th 2026 https://quartzsitegoldshow.com/

Once again, we’ll have metal detecting hunts Friday and Saturday, XRF instant assays, gold bags, PLP T-Shirts, Memberships and more! Renew or sign up at the show and get bonus Grand Raffle tickets and pick up your T-shirt right there. We’ll be answering mining rights questions, talking about PLP’s accomplishments in the last few years and other controversial topics. Come say hello and learn more about things like how successful Reclamation Dredging has been the last 5 years. We’ll also have 2026 Grand Raffle tickets on hand. Prizes include thousands of dollars worth of gold, silver, a mining claim, Garrett gold detector, Riverdance Jig, Alaska trip at Skookum Gold Camp, Gold Cube and so much more!

QUICK NOTES:

Well, the lockup of 624,000 acres creating the Chuckwalla National Monument is not going unchallenged. PLP President Ron Kliewer recently joined several other key people in the fight to keep public lands open to multiple use in a meeting to brainstorm strategies and meet with the miner and their attorney who is challenging this fake monument in court. Godspeed my friend!

Once again the move is afoot to annex 17,000 acres of the mineral rich Eagle Mountains into Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP). The area was left out of any new land designations last year, but Congressman Alex Padilla has a bee in his bonnet to close this area besides the already massive closures such as the Chuckwalla, Sand to Snow and other recently formed national monuments by the stroke of out-of-control presidential pens. The area is home to the nearby historic Kaiser steel mine and some mining claims, both patented and unpatented. The only access is on a very primitive 4×4 dirt road. There isn’t much human activity there now except a few miners working their claims, and many are Veterans using the activity as therapy for PTSD. The bighorn sheep are thriving. They hang out near the miners without a care in the world. If you want to prospect a little-known area, get out there and file your claims now before the National Park takes any more steps to annex this area into the JTNP.

This week we learned that the Mojave road closure plan finally cleared the court system after 5 years. This affects 2,200 miles of unpaved roads. We’ve known for years that they won’t stop the land and road closures until everything is closed, PERIOD. We must not give up the fight! PLP’s legal team is reviewing the documents to inform PLP members of the best way to proceed. View the court order here: Federal Court Orders OHV Route Closures in Mojave Desert – Friends Of Jawbone Get involved or you will lose your rights!

Ron Kliewer
President
www.PublicLandsforthePeople.org
Mission Statement: Dedicated to Preserving the Rights of the Public to the Access and Use of Public Land

Come see us at the Quartzite Gold Show Feb. 13th, 14^th and 15^th 2026 https://quartzsitegoldshow.com/

P.S. 2026 Raffle Tickets are now available! Supporting PLP’s Grand Raffle also helps us continue to fight for your rights. A book of 12 tickets is STILL only $10! We have a lot of great high value prizes. You can’t win if you don’t enter! Tickets will be available in January to purchase by phone for the 2026 Grand Raffle Drawing. The growing list of the prizes for the 2026 Grand Raffle is published on our PLP Facebook site. You can call our toll-free number (844)-PLP-1990 which is (844) 757-1990 or Mail a Check (to the address below) and specify the number of ticket books you wish to have mailed to you. The drawing date and location is October 10^th at the 2026 PLP Fallfest event.

PLP…The original. No compromise. Standing 36 years strong for Multiple Use on Public Land “RIGHTS”!

PLP Year-End Newsletter 2025

Public Lands for the People – Keeping the Dream Alive!

Dear Friends, Members, and Fellow Prospectors,

As 2025 draws to a close, we want to start with a heartfelt THANK YOU. None of what we accomplished this year would have been possible without your unwavering support, membership, donations, and the countless hours so many of you put in on the ground. You are the backbone of PLP, and we are deeply grateful.

2025 – A Year of Action and Victories

We were busy representing you at every opportunity:

Quartzsite Gold Show – Our booth was packed full for 3 days as we signed up new members, sold raffle tickets and spread the word about Reclamation Dredging, gold mining rights, mineral access on public lands etc. The coin hunt was a big hit again! Quartzite 2026 is coming the second weekend of February (Fri.Sat.Sun.) You don’t want to miss this one! This is one of the BEST GOLD SHOWS in the country!
Gumboot Blast in Angels Camp – a thrilling day of gold mining, hard rock mining demonstrations, and camaraderie!
Fighting the creation of the Chuckwalla National Monument…Which is still ongoing
Fallfest at Duisenberg CA- Lots of classes, food, raffle prizes, finding gold, coins and amazing entertainment around the campfire…great fellowship with friends old and new!
Clark Pearson – Our legal reseacher, took another trip to Washington DC to fight for mining legislation for regulatory relief in Congress! Thank you, Clark, we couldn’t do it without you!

Major Legal Wins on Reclamation Dredging

This year PLP stepped up big when several of our members faced aggressive enforcement actions over reclamation dredging standards. With your support, we provided expert testimony, technical reports, and legal coordination that helped secure clear victories in court. These wins not only protected the individuals involved but set important precedents that benefit every small miner and prospector in the state.

The Best Grand Raffle Yet – And an Even Bigger One Coming!

Our 2025 Grand Raffle was the most successful in PLP history – thank you to everyone who bought tickets and to the generous donors who made it spectacular.

And we’re already gearing up for the 2026 Grand Raffle, which promises to be bigger and better. A huge shout-out to one very special donor who just contributed an absolutely stunning high-grade crystalline specimen gold that will be one of the centerpiece prizes. (Photo below – prepare to drool!)

Gold, silver, detectors, mining equipment, a week at Skookum Camp Alaska, Roaring Camp trip and MUCH MORE! Raffle Tickets for the 2026 raffle will go on sale in January.

Looking Ahead:

In January we are issuing NEW, very improved California Reclamation Dredging cards!

Your membership and contributions are the backbone of our cause! Without generous and committed members, PLP would be unable to continue to have the reach and influence that we do. Our ability to take legal action and stand up for your rights is directly related to your contributions. With your continued support, PLP will be right there in the trenches – in the field, in the courts, and in the halls of government – defending your rights in 2026 and beyond.

Thank you in advance for including PLP in your year-end giving and your estate planning.

From all of us at Public Lands for the People – thank you again for an incredible year. Wishing you heavy pans, and rich pockets in the New Year!

See you on the waterways and in the tunnels, The PLP Board!

P.S. Renew your membership or join today www.publiclandsforthepeople.org – every dollar goes straight to the fight!

Newsletter November 2025

Reclamation Suction Dredging Change in 2026?

Hello Friends!

Public Lands for the People (PLP) wants to give a heads up to its members of the very real possibility that the California State laws surrounding dredging will be changing in 2026. Right now, as of this writing PLP has heard several rumors that the State may repeal Fish & Game code 5653.8 if some miners continue misusing it for mining purposes. As you may recall the Clements case was voluntarily dismissed earlier this year in April by the Siskiyou District Attorney and the Superior court Judge after Clements provided his partnership agreement for reclamation purposes and Fish & Game code 5653.8. Clements was then recharged for the same violation a couple months later. While PLP believes that he will prevail once again, we have some reservations about his new legal approach with an unnamed mining club. Clements has finally filed a motion to dismiss using Fish & Game code 5653.8 along with his partnership agreement, but now the moving legal papers sets forth that it was for mining purposes – which is exactly what PLP warns its members not to do. Doing so will motivate the State to repeal Fish & Game code 5653.8. We fear that even if Clements wins, the State will then repeal Fish & Game code 5653.8. So far, the CA Fish & Wildlife has not posted a proposed rulemaking change to 5653.8 on their website. In order to better protect our PLP members going forward starting January, PLP may discontinue issuing the existing suction dredge guide cards for California or Oregon members. PLP is working on a new and better legal pathway that will roll out in the summer of 2026 that will not be so subject to the whims of State agencies and should work for CA, OR, WA, and ID if they continue to regulate in a prohibitive manner.

PLP has seen a couple articles recently that purport to be able to explain PLP’s reclamation dredging guidelines. Unfortunately, both articles were written without even reaching out to PLP but instead switched to the CA Fish & Wildlife narrative that all dredging has been banned in the state of CA – which is patently false.

If both reporters had reached out to PLP or simply typed into AI on the subject of PLP dredge guide they would have found a rather good overview of the subject. Here is what AI says on PLP’s dredge guide:

“PLP suction dredge reclamation” refers to the advocacy and guidance provided by the organization Public Lands For The People (PLP) for responsible, legal gold mining using suction dredges, with a focus on incorporating reclamation (land improvement) as a recognized part of the mining process and federal law. PLP promotes a specific guide for using suction dredges in a way that is less harmful to the environment, aiming to demonstrate that such activities can be done legally and without “cut[ting] corners” in reclamation.

What is PLP?

Public Lands For The People (PLP): is an organization that advocates for miners’ rights and promotes the legal and responsible use of mining equipment.
PLP believes in integrating reclamation (improving the land after mining) as an essential component of mining, aligning with the U.S. Mineral Policy Act of 1970.
They have developed and distributed a CA Suction Dredge Guide that provides guidance to members on how to legally and responsibly operate suction dredges in California.

Why “Reclamation”?

Legality and Policy:

The U.S. Mineral Policy Act of 1970 promotes both mining and reclamation industries, stating that reclamation is an “improvement of labor to the land” and qualifies as assessment work under the 1872 Mining Law.

Responsible Mining:

PLP stresses that responsible mining includes reclamation and discourages shortcuts that lead to citations and penalties.

Current Legal Status in California

Prohibition:

Suction dredging is unlawful in California’s rivers, streams, and lakes under state law, enacted in 2016.

Federal vs. State Jurisdiction:

PLP has been working to establish federal preemption over dredging on federal lands, arguing that state laws, such as California’s, create a de facto ban and conflict with federal mining laws.

Legal Challenges:

PLP has won federal preemption lawsuits, and its members are attempting to pursue legal avenues to resume suction dredge mining through the framework of reclamation.

The “PLP Suction Dredge Reclamation” Concept

Demonstrating Legal Use:

PLP aims to demonstrate to the public and government agencies how to use suction dredges responsibly for the specific purpose of reclamation, which could involve using dredged material for erosion control or land restoration.

Member Support:

The organization supports its members, who are attempting to legally resume suction dredging by emphasizing the importance of following the PLP guide and adhering to reclamation practices to avoid penalties.

Focus on the Future:

PLP continues to work in Washington, D.C., to pass legislation that would codify the Trump administration’s agenda for streamlining mining regulations and provide a more permanent solution for the mining community.

Legally dredging in California waterways through reclamation

May 13, 2025 — success of PLP’s guide cards, and it is not a reason to cut corners and just suction dredge mine and not do the reclamation.

Dive deeper in AI Mode

Public Lands for the People (PLP) uses the term “reclamation” to advocate for a form of suction dredging they claim legally removes pollutants like mercury and debris from waterways without requiring a state permit. This reclamation dredging is a contentious legal strategy aimed at allowing suction dredging, which is otherwise prohibited in California.

How PLP defines “reclamation”

Removal of pollutants: PLP’s definition of reclamation is the removal of materials lost during older, less efficient mining practices, including mercury, lead weights, and other debris. They contend that by cleaning the environment, their dredging efforts do not fall under the typical regulations for mining activities.
Compliance with federal law: PLP argues their reclamation dredging is in compliance with the Clean Water Act (CWA) and does not constitute a discharge of pollutants that requires a permit from California agencies.

The legal strategy

The PLP’s approach is designed to navigate California’s strict laws that ban motorized suction dredging. The legal basis for their strategy includes:

Contesting state authority: By framing suction dredging as reclamation, PLP challenges California’s ability to regulate or prohibit the activity on federal lands.
Focusing on federal regulations: PLP has pursued federal preemption, arguing that federal regulations should supersede state laws that are prohibitive to small-scale mining.
Achieving legal victories: PLP publicizes legal victories for its members. For instance, in April 2025, a PLP member won a case involving a citation for reclamation suction dredging, which PLP presented as a successful test of its strategy.

The controversy

Despite PLP’s legal wins and claims of environmental cleanup, the practice of suction dredge reclamation remains controversial.

Opposing viewpoints: Environmental groups, such as the Sierra Fund, have argued that suction dredging can release toxins like mercury that settle on the riverbed, posing a threat to both wildlife and humans.
State opposition: The California Department of Fish and Wildlife has maintained a statewide prohibition on suction dredging and does not authorize permits for the activity.
Misuse of guidance: PLP warns its members that those who misuse its reclamation dredging guide could still face citations and have their equipment confiscated, especially if their actions are perceived as mining rather than reclamation.

PLP helps member get their dredge back here is his story

During my 2025 river reclamation dredging season, I had my dredge confiscated by the USFS. I did not know at the time that the USFS had absconded with it until the local Dept. of Fish and Game warden called me to tell me it was USFS who took it. The DFG warden did not want to talk about the “case”, but I did manage to tell him that I was in a reclamation partnership (using the PLP guide) and that I was removing garbage from the river and not “mining” for gold or other minerals. When I was speaking with the DFG warden, I maintained a calm and reasonable tone and we had a nice chat. I let him know of the Siskiyou County precedent where a dredger was cited for violating CDF code 5653 and the fact it was dismissed as the dredger was complying with 5653.8.

After speaking to the DFG warden, I called the USFS office in the Northern California county I was working in and tried to get an answer as to why and under what authority did the USFS take my equipment from a 22-year-old mining claim and a 20-year-old Notice of Intent I had filed with USFS? The minerals officer told me that the LEO took it thinking it was abandoned—despite my name on the mining claim sign near where the dredge was located! I said it was not abandoned, and I was cleaning up the river with the dredge. Also, the dredge had a large sign on the pontoon that said RECLAMATION IN PROGRESS. The minerals officer had heard of reclamation dredging but was never contacted by the LEO before the dredge was taken. I had to call and text the minerals officer and various other USFS personnel to try to get this dredge back as the LEO had no legal authority to remove it from my mining claim. This process took a month and even though the USFS District ranger from another area said that there was a meeting and it was agreed that my dredge would be returned to me, the LEO would not return my phone calls. It took me flagging down a USFS truck on the street to get him to call the LEO who took it. I was escorted to the holding yard where this LEO was waiting. We had a 30-minute chat about what I was doing and what happened, and he let me pick up the dredge. During this conversation, I was calm and respectful to the USFS personnel. Our chat was very professional in tone. So, I took the dredge and promptly dropped back on my claim and finished the reclamation season.

Throughout this ordeal, I was in contact with PLP Northern Director Clark Pearson and his advice was very helpful in navigating the quagmire I was in. I notified Clark after every conversation with the USFS and the DFG warden. I tried my best to follow his advice and listen to his direction on how to deal with these government entities. The main takeaway from Clark was that we need to be respectful and calm when talking with the USFS and DFG people.

The other idea Clark imparted to me was that if we do not know our rights, we will lose them. Throughout this situation, I became aware of the USFS regulations and was very comfortable telling the USFS personnel about their own regulations that they failed to follow.

If you like the work PLP does, please help PLP help you, and join or renew today to know how to effectively and professionally counter the agencies while making Prospecting, Mining and Reclamation Great Again!

Your PLP Board of Directors

The original. No compromise. Standing 35 years strong for Multiple Use on Public Land “RIGHTS”!

Oct 2025 Newsletter Grand Raffle Winners

Oct 2025 PLP’s 35^th Anniversary Fallfest Celebration at LDMA Duisenburg

Hello Friends!

For PLP’s 35^th Anniversary, we held Fallfest at LDMA Duisenburg. Everyone had a great time and it was a huge success! Lots of fun and activities. Having it at the LDMA Duisenburg property made it especially great, with the easy access, use of their clubhouse, great camp host, etc. Antelope Valley Prospectors joined with us, providing many activities including another detector hunt and fundraising meals. Also, San Diego Treasure Seekers club opened their South Freedom Claim down the road for folks to prospect. A big shout out “Thank You” to Antelope Valley Prospectors and San Diego Treasure Seekers!! We had a better outing because of your participation!

The festivities began Thursday with registration (sadly without Judy Lepper who couldn’t make it, but blessed to have Linda Starr step in!) and sign-up sheets for the various activities: PLP detector hunt, Peggy’s tasty Spaghetti Dinner for Friday night, selling tickets for the Grand Raffle, gold bags, T-Shirts, etc. We also had Antelope Valley Prospectors sign-up sheets for breakfast and lunch Saturday and Sunday, their raffle and detector hunt. Marcia Betts was ill, so we had to cancel Ladies Crafts. Roger Plata taught his Fine Gold Recovery class in the clubhouse. Folks already started digging their paydirt piles, and began metal detecting. Fiddling Farley performed at the campfire Thursday night for an hour and a half, which is always a special treat!

Friday we had beautiful weather for digging gold, and more folks showed up. A crowd went to the Owl Café and Museum in Red Mountain for the Randsburg Mining District tour. Jerry Marquez’s Metal Detector Class was a hit, especially with his new book on metal detecting! Jeff Runnells small scale hard rock class had to cancel because they broke down on the way and had to get towed back home. Peggy Schlichter the LDMA camp caretaker made her yummy spaghetti dinner and then everyone gathered around the campfire for Brad the Juggler’s amazing performance, juggling knives, fire and light-up bowling pins!

Saturday was a full day, starting with the Antelope Valley Prospectors huge fundraiser breakfast. Folks continued at the common dig even though the wind picked up, but not enough to stop any activities, although a big gust took off the top of the registration canopy. Then Miner Ma Gold had her very informative presentation in the clubhouse called “Gold and Beginning Prospecting for Ladies and how to use Lidar Program”. It was a treat to have her this year! Antelope Valley Prospectors prepared a great taco fundraiser lunch! After lunch was the Gold Panning Contest run by volunteers Greg Herring and Diana Drake. Thank you! Following the Panning Contest, where Roger Plata extended his winning streak to 2 years, the PLP Metal Detector Hunt got underway. There were tokens for nuggets and other prizes, as well as tons of buffalo nickels, Indian head pennies, silver coins, wheat cents, 60 copper rounds etc. Saturday evening kicked off with the outstanding BBQ and Potluck Dinner that everyone enjoyed and got very full. Afterwards was the PLP Grand Raffle Drawing with really fantastic prizes. Fiddling Farley performed in the clubhouse that evening along with a surprise banjo player – Anthony! A very full and wonderful day!

Sunday morning started off with an informal Miner’s church gathering after the Antelope Valley Prospectors huge breakfast in the clubhouse. Antelope Valley then had their detector hunt and club raffle. A big shout out to President of Antelope Valley Prospectors President Kim Holmes and all of their volunteers! Also thank you to Peggy Schlichter, the LDMA caretaker, for the many back hoe buckets of dirt she scooped and put at the dig area, her spaghetti dinner and so much more. Another shout out to Walt Wegner for the delicious BBQ tri tip, pulled pork, sausage, chicken, and for keeping our campfire going each night. A very big thank you to all of the volunteers in the kitchen, at Registration, the field activities, campfire, road work, trash patrol, you all made this Fallfest the best yet! We couldn’t do it at all without many people volunteering to help! The friendships that have grown here each year make it all worth the while!

Grand Raffle Winners:
Gold Quartz Specimen donated by Meeting of the Mines/Goldstrike Corp – Willamette Valley Pros.
Gold Quartz Specimen donated by Meeting of the Mines/Goldstrike Corp – Tim Trask
Gold Quartz Specimen donated by Meeting of the Mines/Goldstrike Corp – Woods
Gold Quartz Specimen donated by Meeting of the Mines/Goldstrike Corp – Valley Prospectors
Dredge cutout custom Handsaw donated by Skookum Gold Camp – Ronnie McCoy
Detector cutout custom Handsaw donated by Skookum Gold Camp – Tim Trask
20 Acre placer claim donated by Mac cerberusminingsolutions@gmail.com – Tim Trask
1 Oz Silver Rounds, 35 prizes! www.publiclandsforthepeople.org – winners contacted (see below)
1/4”x24”x48” Rock Harness www.MoveitCableSystem.com – Cassy F
Lifetime PLP Membership www.publiclandsforthepeople.org – Douglas County Prospectors Association
Minelab Xterra Metal Detector www.minelab.com – Ronnie McCoy
(2 prizes) 1 Year Membership to www.ReinkeGoldMining.com – Kevin Hoch / Natalie
Paid admission for 2 to the next PLP FallFest – Dino
Garrett AXIOM Pulse Gold Detector www.garrett.com – Linda Starr
Thompson II Puffer Drywasher manufactured by Mad Mining – James Jupena
PLP Golden Paydirt Bag – Jason Lonsford
Roaring Camp 4 days/ 3 nights donated by www.roaringcampgold.com – Kevin Hach
Gold Cube 4-Stack donated by www.goldcube.net – Del W
1 Week Alaska Mining donated by www.SkookumGoldCamp.com – Kris Jones
1 Yr MineOperator Pure Au Membership – Roger Sims
$300 Gift Certificate to the Carraige House Inn Downieville – Tim Trask
$300 Gift Certificate to the Riverside Mt. Lodge Downieville – Kim Holmes
$50 Gift Certificate to the Cold Rush Café Downieville – Mary Mitchell
Riverdance Mini-Jig Donated by Riverdance Gold Mining – M. Paylen
(2) Coarsegold Prospectors One Year Membership – Thomas Heflin & Trish King
Golden Rule Classifier www.goldcube.net – Rick Mitchell
Hand painted gold display case donated by Mad Mining – Sam Alexander
Custom Skinning Knife Donated by LDMA Camp – number only ticket/given out at raffle
Metal Detecting Book (1^st Edition) by Jerry Marquez – Ward
AKAU Paydirt Bag Donated by AKAU – Roger Sims
Sniping Tool donated by Gold Cube /Mike Pung – Tom Jimenez
Handmade leather Horseback bottle carrier – Casey F
Tow strap for 4×4 – number only ticket/given out at raffle
Handmade necklace made and donated by Marcia Betts – Willamette Vally Prospectors
Hand painted Round Mirror donated by Mike and Mindy – Wilson
2 antique metal signs – Joe Green

35 ONE OUNCE SILVER ROUNDS
1.   Ryan C
2.   Ronnie McCoy
3.   Gary Emmons
4.   Frenchie FCM
5.   Waldo Mining District c/o Tom Kitchar
6.   William Lieberman
7.   Adam Sauceda
8.   Hampton
9.   Del W.
10. Dean Anderson
11. Robert Thurber
12. Steve Sannes
13. Christin Isakson
14. Adam Sauseda
15. Frank and Tammy Serroni
16. Roger Plata
17. Alan Hurt
18. Mike and Mindy
19. Kim Holmes
20. Robert Thurber
21. Ed Pate
22. Number only ticket – given out at raffle
23. Waldo Mining District c/o Tom Kitchar
24. Terry Wright
25. Scotty Ingle
26. Art and Rosie
27. Willamette Valley Miners
28. Kris Jones
29. Ronnie McCoy
30. Tim Trask
31. Kris Jones
32. Ronnie McCoy
33. Tim Trask
34. Number only ticket – given out at raffle
35. Fred A

Your PLP volunteer Board of Directors… are working hard for you!
The original. No compromise. Standing 35 years strong for Multiple Use on Public Land “RIGHTS”!

July Newsletter- Beware of Bootleggers!

July 2025

BEWARE OF BOOTLEGGERS !!

Hello Friends!

Public Lands for the People (PLP) warned that the Tucker Clements case proves the “…success of PLP’s guide cards, and it is not a reason to cut corners and just suction dredge mine and not do the reclamation. Mining alone without cleaning the waterway is a good way to have the state pass another law kicking us out of the water. So do your part. Do it right and keep reclamation dredging RESPONSIBLY!.“

Apparently, a relatively new PLP member who is also a member of the New 49ers was misusing our sample partnership agreement by altering it for mining purposes (directly in conflict with the PLP issued CA guide cards and the sample partnership agreement guidelines) and he shared this with Dave McCracken (Mack), of the New 49ers mining club. Dave Mack amplified this misuse to his New 49er members through an online newsletter by displaying a bootleg version of PLP’s document, encouraging people to copy it, and come dredge mine on the New 49er claims.

Keep in mind, PLP had a disclaimer on our sample partnership agreement (not to be confused with the PLP membership), that says “Disclaimer: Please be advised that this sample is not intended for use for exclusively prospecting and mining purposes. It is also not intended for exclusive use by prospecting and mining clubs and associations. Individuals are encouraged to consult with a competent attorney.” The language and disclaimer on the sample partnership agreement on our CA dredge guide cards was there for a very good reason. The “reclamation” term on our sample reclamation agreement means to remove that which was previously lost in the context of an old and often inefficient mining practice. The reclamation term is also often used to clean up and remove toxins from the environment. PLP’s use of the term Suction Dredging for Reclamation purposes was not used for purposes of 5653.8 exemption of the CA Fish & Game code as Dave Mack believes, it is for compliance with the Clean Water Act (CWA) policies, actions and exemptions. He should know this because his attorney was directly involved in the litigation in Oregon that found that suction dredge MINING requires a 402-discharge permit from DEQ in OR (or the Water Quality Control Board in CA).

Thus far, Dave Mack of the New 49ers has refused to retract the bootleg sample partnership agreement by printing a retraction in a supplemental New 49er newsletter. Dave has modified this bootleg form twice at the time of this writing without consultation with his attorney. We know this because we asked his attorney about his involvement. Dave Mack misused the PLP sample partnership agreement where it was never intended by PLP or CA State legislative intent.

PLP’s President, through numerous warnings via email has told Dave Mack not to do this because it will get miners in deep trouble and will hurt PLP’s ongoing 5-year successful effort to get them back in the water legally, while at the same time PLP is seeking a more permanent federal legislative solution. PLP has even offered Dave Mack an administrative solution using our contacts in the Trump administration to force the hand of the State at a club level which could be a wonderful thing — It would not require mass letter writing campaigns by the small mining clubs. Quite frankly, Dave Mack is playing with fire, and he never should have rolled this out without talking to PLP and a competent attorney first. This misuse of the PLP partnership agreement for mining purposes could very well motivate the state to repeal the 5653.8 exemption and put another nail in the dredge miner’s coffin. Dave Mack is also knowingly, or unknowingly, exposing his membership to the $51,000 per day fines the Clean Water Act has placed on mining operators. To make matters worse, the CA State Water Board are not the only code enforcers. The Clean Water Act is also enforced by the citizen suit provision whereby any private environmental law firm (private attorney general) can act to sue the New 49ers, Dave Mack, or his members personally. If you don’t believe PLP, just ask Shannon Poe of AMRA. See ICL v. Poe (citation 86 F.4^th 1243). AMRA and AMRA’s membership are paying Shannon Poe’s $150,000 court ordered fine when the Idaho Conservation League (ICL) sued him in Idaho federal court a few years ago for protesting the required discharge permits for recreational dredge mining operators. Shannon failed to heed PLP’s warnings, went ahead with his protest, and it blew up in his face (he failed to properly argue the PLP no addition argument), and set a horrible precedent against dredge mining. Poe’s case went to the 9^th circuit and set the 2^nd precedent after the Oregon DEQ case that suction dredging for mining purposes requires an NPDES wastewater discharge permit. Failure to do so may result in the MINING dredge operators facing $51,000 daily fines. Recreational dredge mining caselaw (court decisions in the 9^th circuit), decisions found that mining dredge operators are required to obtain the 402 NPDES discharge permit, while reclamation and restoration dredging can be exempt from the 402 permits when certain criteria are met – and PLP’s researchers know these criteria. So, if you do not wish to be sued by environmentalist lawyers looking for deep pockets – don’t follow Dave Mack’s version of a partnership agreement and don’t be an easy target like Shannon Poe was to ICL.

Background

There are some on social media that say it’s not fair to have to join PLP (for a measly $75 dollars to support the cause and pay for our legal research work) to learn how to suction dredge without the need for a State permit and the NPDES discharge permit and they claim reclamation is not part of the U.S. Mining Law.

PLP has expended and continues to expend money on research into the Clean Water Act and other laws negatively impacting the miner’s ability to exercise his/her rights to own minerals upon public and private lands. The state dredging laws, and its policies are rather complex and convoluted. Because of the complexity of the Clean Water Act and the State laws, some people that do not do a deep dive and thoroughly understand them eventually get burned. PLP is trying to keep the dredging community from getting needlessly burned if they follow our carefully crafted guidance so they may avoid severe financial harm. This expense has to be passed on to the users of our non-profit. PLP’s board is not made up of the likes of Bill Gates and his wealthy friends and we have not received grants so we can just give away our research results. So, for the cost of one nice dine out meal for the average couple, that is what PLP charges for a one year’s membership – it is cheap considering the cutting-edge research work that has been produced and the legal wins in court that are more successful than all other mining associations combined. Unlike all the others, PLP has proven not once but twice in court cases that we can win water pollution cases such as in Godfrey and Osterbrink and it’s not by accident – it was by hard research and knowing the court rules of evidence. We can only help dredgers if they follow our directions and do not alter our document templates. Thank you for that respect.
Accomplishments | Public Lands For The People

Some people think they are all knowing about the Mining law, and that PLP is wrong to promote reclamation; thinking reclamation is not part of the mining law. We say hogwash! The 1970 U.S. Mineral Policy Act (30 U.S.C. section 21(a) specifically states it is the U.S. mineral policy to promote mining and reclamation industries (see quote below) and because reclamation is considered an improvement of labor to the land and the unpatented mining claim, it qualifies as assessment work under 30 U.S.C section 28 of the 1872 Mining Law. “The Congress declares that it is the continuing policy of the Federal Government in the national interest to foster and encourage private enterprise in (1) the development of economically sound and stable domestic mining, minerals, metal and mineral reclamation industries, (2) the orderly and economic development of domestic mineral resources, reserves, and reclamation of metals and minerals to help assure satisfaction of industrial, security and environmental needs…”

Legislative Push update in D.C.

PLP legal researchers, Jann Higdem and Clark Pearson are still working with Congressman Fulcher’s legislative staff, Senator Risch & Crapo’s legislative staff and they are expanding to two new senators in another western state, while seeking more potential sponsors for our small miner relief bill and critical minerals push. Unfortunately, AEMA is not on board with us and is working in another direction on Forest Service mineral regulatory changes – not at the Congressional level like PLP is doing to provide a more permanent solution that codifies the Trump administration agenda and the Trump minerals/mining related executive orders to streamline and cut over-regulation. Every trip to the White House, Pearson has given his progress report to President Trump’s resource / energy advisors on PLP’s proposed legislation consistent with the President’s wishes for the domestic mining industry. Pearson’s last update along with Higdem was just this last April 2025.

PLP has raised over $10,000 towards our $10,000 goal to fund our trips this year to D.C., PLP greatly appreciates your support! We plan to make a second trip soon to help move it along, please dig deep to help us cross the finish line for the mining community!

2025 FALLFEST

PLP has moved the 2025 Fallfest to a new location at LDMA in Duisenberg, California and will be held Oct. 9-12^th, 2025. Attendees will enjoy access to additional nearby claims that will be available to prospect on! Sign-ups start in a few weeks on www.publiclandsforthepeople.org

Supporting PLP’s Grand Raffle also helps us continue to fight for your rights. A book of 12 tickets is STILL only $10! We have a lot of great high value prizes, including amazing quartz-gold specimens! You can’t win if you don’t enter! Tickets are available to purchase by phone for the 2025 Grand Raffle Drawing. The growing list of the prizes for the 2025 Grand Raffle is published on our PLP Facebook site. You can call our toll-free number (844)-PLP-1990 which is (844) 757-1990 or Mail a Check (to the address below) and specify the number of ticket books you wish to have mailed to you. The drawing date and location is October 11^th at the 2025 Duisenberg, California PLP Fallfest event.

Your PLP Board of Directors

The original. No compromise. Standing 35 years strong for Multiple Use on Public Land “RIGHTS”!

Updating Our Mailing List:

Thanks for being a member and supporter of Public Lands for the People. We are working on updating our mailing list so if you would no longer like to receive emails from us, please click the unsubscribe link at the bottom.

June 2025 Newsletrer

June 2025

RECLAMATION DREDGING IS STILL THE BEST WAY TO CLEAN RIVERS AND IMPROVE FISH HABITAT

Welcome to our Summer edition…

We’ve heard many success stories of Reclamation Dredging and how much trash is being removed from the waterways in the western states. This is a very positive outcome for everyone who uses the creeks and rivers, especially the fish and wildlife who live there! Let’s give 3 cheers to reclamation dredgers! Please send photos of materials you’ve removed that don’t belong along America’s waterways. We’re thinking of making a collage of things PLP members have removed from waterways and riparian habitat that don’t belong there. Things like discarded camping gear, cans, bottles, plastic trash of every description, lead, mercury and other heavy metals. Let’s show the world that PLP Members clean it up and get it out! Send photos (no names or locations needed) to info@publiclandsforthepeople.org

The 2025 Grand Raffle Prizes are piling up!!

A BIG SHOUT OUT TO Kris Jones for working so hard making PLP memes for the raffle and other social media help. We’re not all up to speed with new-fangled algorithms and such, but Kris has taken on the project to help in this area, promoting the Grand Raffle and PLP in General. Several others have stepped up and are sharing PLP content, helping to get the word out and sell raffle tickets. Miner Ma and Christa Latasa have been blowing up the internet with PLP stuff — Thank you ladies, you rock! And thank you’s are in order to folks like Judy Lepper, Greg Herring, Thomas Heflin who have taken a stack of tickets to sell during their travels.

Many thanks to Don Starr and Kris Jones for talking to business folks and others who support PLP, securing more raffle prizes to include in the 2025 Grand Raffle. We’ve now got a Riverdance gold jig! It’s a unique black sand clean-up tool that gets that fine gold.

We also have new prizes from our friends in Downieville! The Carraige House Inn, Cold Rush Café and the Riverside Mountain Lodge have donated generous coupons (Like $300 off your stay!). I had the best chocolate shake of my life after last year’s Downieville Gold Rush Days at the Cold Rush Cafe! Looking forward to the 2026 Downieville Gold Rush Days.

FALLFEST UPDATE

Public Lands for the People (PLP) is holding the 2025 Fallfest at Lost Dutchman Mining Association (LDMA) at Duisenberg, California with access to additional local mining claims included with your registration.
Get ready for an unforgettable adventure at the Annual PLP Fallfest Camp Out from October 9-12, 2025!

Location: Duisenburg Lost Dutchman Mining Association (LDMA) Campground

Event Fee: Only $75 for single, add $20 per person for family over 12 years old. 12 and under FREE, which includes Camping Fee for tent or RV camping for 3 nights!

Registration includes your new PLP membership or renewal. Online registration opens in August. By signing up early, it helps us plan for our BBQ Potluck on Saturday night—don’t forget to bring a dish to share!

Highlights of upcoming Fallfest 2025:

Friday Night Spaghetti Dinner: Join Peggy at the clubhouse for a hearty meal—only $10!
Saturday and Sunday Breakfast and Lunch hosted by the Antelope Valley Gold Prospectors! $10 per meal, sign up in advance
Saturday Night is the big PLP BBQ Potluck and Grand Raffle Drawing!
Fiddling Farley: Enjoy live music around the campfire every night!
Gold Prospecting: PLP and Peggy will provide some backhoe buckets full of gold dirt for dry washing. Want more? Purchase your own personal bucket for just $50! You can prospect on LDMA property plus there are several local mining claims that will be available for you to mine at. Bring your metal detectors and drywashers.

Exciting Tours: Explore the intriguing Owl Museum Cafe and the historic mining area around the town of Randsburg.
Informative Speakers & Classes: Learn from experts during our daily sessions at the clubhouse.
Kids’ Playground: Fun activities for the little ones! Scavenger Hunt and Metal Detecting just for the kiddos.
Adult Metal Detector Buffalo Hunt: Join the excitement for just $20! Dig up some silver and gold treasure including genuine buffalo nickels!

Bring your gently used mining gear for the PLP buy/sell/trade area. Vendors, please contact us if you want to set up at Fallfest.

CHUCKWALLA UPDATE

PLP is working with main Stakeholders to overturn the Chuckwalla National Monument. We met again in early June and are hopeful that the lawsuit that has been filed to nullify the Chuckwalla will be successful. There is another movement making progress at the Federal level that could be faster than the court case. Fingers crossed!

*****

The 2025 Grand Raffle has TONS of prizes this year! You do not need to be present to win. To buy raffle tickets now call (844) 757-1990 and leave a message and we will call you back and take the order.

Your PLP volunteer Board of Directors… are working hard for you!

The original. No compromise. Standing 35 years strong for Multiple Use on Public Land “RIGHTS”!

P.S. PLP NEEDS: We need gold for PLP gold bags to sell and use as prizes- dust, pickers and nuggets. If you would like to donate, we will give you a tax-deductible receipt for the full retail value. This is one of the ways we raise money to stay active protect your rights to access public lands. Contact us via email or phone at info@publiclandsforthepeople.org or on our toll-free number (844)-PLP-1990 which is (844) 757-1990.

New Updated PLP 2025 Raffle Poster

PLP_RaffleAd_2025rk 2

PLP 2025 Annual Grand Raffle

PUBLIC LANDS FOR THE PEOPLE

A 501(c) (3) non-profit organization whose mission 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.”

www.PublicLandsforthePeople.org

PLP’s Annual Grand Raffle!!

ORDER YOUR RAFFLE TICKETS TODAY, SUPPORT PLP, AND BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN ONE (OR MORE!) OF THE PRIZES BELOW! MORE PRIZES WILL BE ADDED.

2025 FUNDRAISING RAFFLE

NEW
RAFFLE!!!

Drawing to be held Oct. 11th, 2025

– Gold Quartz Specimen donated by Meeting of the Mines/Goldstrike Corp……..$3,500– 20 Acre placer claim donated by Mac cerberusminingsolutions@gmail.com ….. $7,000

– 1 Oz Silver Rounds, 35 prizes! www.publiclandsforthepeople.org……………. $35 each

– 1/4”x24”x48” Rock Harness… www.MoveitCableSystem.com………………… $85

– Lifetime PLP Membership www.publiclandsforthepeople.org ..……………….. $1,500

– Minelab Xterra Metal Detector www.usa.minelab.com …………………..………….$300

– (2 prizes) 1 Year Membership to www.ReinkeGoldMining.com ……….…….$160 Each

– Paid admission for 2 to the next FallFest …….………………………….…………… $150

– Garrett AXIOM Pulse Gold Detector www.garrett.com..…………….…………….. $4,000

– Thompson II Puffer Drywasher manuf. by Mad Mining ……….………..…………$1,399

– PLP Golden Paydirt Bag ……………………………………………………………….. $200

– Roaring Camp 4 days/ 3 nights donated by www.roaringcampgold.com ….….. $450

– Gold Cube 4-Stack donated by www.goldcube.com ………………………..…….. $ 480

– 1 Week Alaska Mining donated by www.SkookumGoldCamp.com .……………. $2,500

– 1 Yr MineOperator Pure Au Membership…www.youtube.com/@mineoperator…..$120

LIST OF PRIZES AND DONORS

VALUE

*Winners are responsible for taxes due on prizes.

HURRY! Don’t miss out on our 2025 RAFFLE, which includes several great prizes —
mining equipment, metal detectors, precious metals, a mining claim & MORE!

3 WAYS TO ORDER:

1. Phone: (844) 757-1990 Toll Free
or (844) PLP-1990

2. Buy Tickets in Person at Quartzite Gold Show and at PLP’s Fallfest 2025

Leave a message and we will call you back.Last day to order by phone is Oct. 6, 2025

3. Mail a check to: PO Box 1660 InyoKern, CA 93527

Just $10
for a Book of
12 Tickets!
HURRY!
Drawing Oct. 11th!

April 2025 Newsletter Reclamation Suction Dredger Wins in Siskiyou County California Court

A 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Corporation

PLP exists to “Represent and assist outdoor user groups and individuals interested in keeping public and private lands open to prospecting, mining and outdoor recreation through education, scientific data and legal means.”

April 2025

Reclamation Suction Dredger Wins in Siskiyou County, California Court

Hello Friends!

Public Lands for the People (PLP) is pleased to report that PLP member and reclamation suction dredger Tucker Clements has won his case against the CA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife in the form of a court signed dismissal dated April 17^th, 2025.
To see it click here: Tucker-Clements-Dredge-Case-2025.pdf

Tucker’s case started in the middle of Summer 2024, when Tucker was performing suction dredge reclamation on the Salmon River in Northern California. As a member of PLP, Tucker was following the PLP guide card instructing him and his partner how to clean the waterway without the need for any state of California permit. After dredging for over a month Tucker had a confrontation with a local uninformed environmental terrorist that called out a Fish & Wildlife warden. While Tucker discussed matters with the warden on the river, the activist at the same time unlawfully exacted physical damage to Tucker’s vehicle by busting out all his windows – then later tried to run Tucker off the highway and telling him to leave the area. After the dust settled the activist had a police record (issued for an investigation on his violence) and Tucker had a ticket from the warden for dredging within 300’ of a California waterway in violation of alleged CA Fish & Game section 5653(d).

We note here that the Department of Fish & Wildlife has previously obtained many convictions over the last decade on this very 5653(d) charge against suction dredge miners until now.

Tucker contacted PLP and explained the situation. PLP’s legal researcher explained that he will need to file a motion to dismiss after his arraignment using 2 of the documents referenced in the PLP guide card. At the arraignment, Tucker asked the court when he could file for dismissal of the charges. Then using the documents from the PLP guide card Tucker submitted this evidence of his compliance to the court and the District Attorney (DA). The DA, realizing Tucker had in fact complied with the law, motioned the court to sign the dismissal of the case. PLP has learned the Dept. of Fish & Wildlife was still pushing on the DA to prosecute even after the DA previously told the Dept. that in light of the Sierra County Superior court case in 2019 in the People of California v. Osterbrink (another PLP court win), that the department does not have a case against these dredgers. The DA looked at the law and found that the defendant was innocent and so did the Superior court judge. Due to this new precedent set by Tucker Clements case, PLP believes the CA Department of Fish & Wildlife no longer has standing to cite PLP members following our dredge guide card instructions for alleged violations of any sections of 5653.

PLP urges its members to contact the county DA’s office where they are dredging at the first sign that a warden threatens citation. The county DA has the power to tell wardens to stand down based on case law if the Sacramento office of Fish & Wildlife does not.

Looking forward, Tucker has asked the warden for the return of his dredge motor. If it is returned promptly and undamaged, then Tucker will forgo a small claims damage lawsuit against the warden. Tucker and his partner believe, and PLP agrees, that a small claims civil suit against the warder may be in order. The reason? Number 1: It is our belief that wardens need to be trained on the exemptions within the Fish & Wildlife dredging regulations. Number 2: The wardens should read the paperwork of the reclamation dredger and his log sheet. And number 3: the wardens should be more respectful of those earning a living and not be so quick to dismiss legal paperwork proving the person’s compliance with the law.

PLP is very appreciative of Tucker’s professionalism, and while this case further proves the success of PLP’s guide cards, it is not a reason to cut corners and just suction dredge mine and not do the reclamation. Mining alone without cleaning the waterway is a good way to have the state pass another law kicking us out of the water. So do your part, do it right and keep reclamation dredging RESPONSIBLY!

Legislative Push Update in D.C.

PLP legal researchers, Jann Higdem and Clark Pearson spent the first week of April in Washington D.C. and held 65 separate meetings! They met with Associate Deputy Secretary Karen Bud-Falen of the Dept of Interior, White House staff member Karalee Geis, Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee (Mike Lee, R-UT, Chairman) Sam Crofts (policy director), Ken Klukowski (deputy general counsel), David Gardner (Public Lands professional staff), Rob MacGregor (Mining Subcommittee staff director), Representative Pete Stauber (Chairman of the Mining Subcommittee), Shawn Rusterholz (Public Lands legislative staffer) and Rory Burke (Chief of Staff for Rep. Lauren Boebert). Pearson and Higdem distributed and solicited for sponsorship nearly all the majority members of the House and Senate Natural Resources Committee members, and nearly all the majority members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committee. Jann Higdem focused on Congressman Fulcher’s office as the lead editor and format legislative director and working with National Defense Authorization Act legislative format writers within Senator Crapo’s office. Senator Risch’s (R-ID) staffer says that the Senator will most likely get on board with the added approval of the American Exploration and Mining Association’s (AEMA) endorsement of our proposed legislation. Senator Lee’s office, as they have in the past, encouraged our proposed bill to be approved out of the resources committee for final formatting into the Armed Services committee for passage into law. Higdem is following up with AEMA before getting back to her, Senator Risch, Crapo and Congressman Fulcher’s legislative staffers.

Pearson’s meeting with Associate Deputy Secretary Karen Bud-Falen of the Dept of the Interior pressed the need to cut the strings of prohibitive state regulations impeding miners, allowing miners to use existing roads without a Plan of Operation (PO) to access their claims, and strip the PO requirements of ACEC designations because Federal law does not require those regulatory actions.

Other items discussed: The legality of Bidens’s use of the auto pen for Monuments like Chuckwalla, reopening access to critical minerals and various points of PLP’s list of solutions within our proposed critical minerals legislation.

PLP has raised over $8,000 towards our $10,000 goal to fund our trips to D.C., PLP greatly appreciates your support!

PLP has moved the 2025 Fallfest to a new location at LDMA in Duisenberg, California and will be held Oct. 9-12^th, 2025.

Your PLP Board of Directors

The original. No compromise. Standing 35 years strong for Multiple Use on Public Land “RIGHTS”!

Updating Our Mailing List:

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Public Lands For The People

PO Box 1660

Inyokern, CA 93527

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2024 Grand Raffle WINNERS!

2024 PLP Grand Raffle Winners

Gold/Quartz Specimen 24005824A Matt Received at drawing

20 Acre Salmon River Claim 249928 Bob! at drawing

Rock Harness 24005235L Milan Shubert *

PLP Life Membership 24005576H Dave Ridenhour

2 Yr. ICMJ Subscription 24005132E Shawn McConnell *

1 Yr. Membership Reinke Club 24005673E Robert Jones *

1 Yr. Membership Reinke Club 24001630 John Canaris *

PLP Fallfest for 2 24005476E William White *

Axiom Metal Detector 24001292 S. Shodall *

Mad Mining Drywasher 570032 Chase Kliest received at drawing

$250. PLP Paydirt 24004602 Frank Benard *

4 Night Stay at Roaring Camp 24005115A Eras Gattshall *

Gold Cube 24005741L Deloss Grinstead *

Alaska Trip 24001916 Roger Sims

Mine Operator Membership 24005371I Willamette Valley Miners *

2024 PLP Grand Raffle Silver Round Winners

1 24000089 Doug Hammond *

2 24005041H Cindy Shodall *

3 24005607D Clinton Hinkle *

4 24004930I M.A. Amsler *

5 24005402L Jeff Ernst **

6 24005357G Willamette Valley Miners *

7 24005084I Michael Bailey *

8 250001 Jim Jean received at drawing

9 24004853I Shasta Miners & Prospectors Assn. *

10 24004977I Big Bug Mining District *

11 24001326 Kelly Alvey *

12 24002157 Roger Sims *

13 24006176K Dan Miller received at drawing

14 24006196C Received at drawing

15 24005408L Jeff Ernst **

16 24006235A Received at drawing

17 24005058I Colleen Johnson *

18 24006239I Kathy received at drawing

19 24006183I Alan Earnes *

20 24005273A James McCormick *

21 250009 Jim Jean received at drawing

22 249761 Teresa White received at drawing

23 24000838 Gold Searchers of Southern Nevada *

24 24005117B Eras Gattshall *

25 24006261H Received at drawing

26 24005409E Jeff Ernst **

27 249779 Teresa White received at drawing

28 24005436H Jeff Ernst **

29 24005462H Brian Bierman *

30 24005588G Francis Robinson *

31 249670 Teresa White received at drawing

32 24005387F Stan Hampton *

33 24006300D Russ Ensign *

34 24005319D Jonathan Ray *